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Prenatal Vitamins: Why They Matter

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Prenatal Vitamins: Why They Matter

March 18, 2026

Prenatal vitamins are daily supplements containing essential vitamins and minerals such as folic acid, iron and calcium. They are designed to support a healthy pregnancy, aid fetal development and prevent birth defects.


Most doctors recommend prenatal vitamins for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive, as well as women who have recently given birth and are still lactating. Taking a prenatal vitamin ensures you have all of the extra nutrients you need for you and your baby’s health during pregnancy.


Folic acid plays a key role in the development of the baby’s brain and spinal cord and helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Iron supports the production of additional blood needed during pregnancy and helps deliver oxygen to the baby through the placenta—an essential process for brain development, healthy birth weight, and overall growth. Calcium is important for building strong bones and teeth and also supports the proper functioning of nerves, muscles, and blood vessels in both mother and baby.


Taking prenatal vitamins daily is an easy and important step toward a healthy pregnancy and a strong start for your baby.

 

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Rooming-In: Many Benefits for Mom and Baby!

  • Jun 2, 2023
  • 1 min read

Updated: Apr 17, 2024

Rooming-In during your hospital stay helps new moms prepare for going home with baby. New moms like the idea of getting as much sleep as possible after delivery, and it can be appealing to send your baby to the nursery to get some rest. Research indicates that new mothers are just as likely to get the same amount of rest with baby in the room. Additionally, rooming-in helps to establish a routine with your baby as well.


This is a wonderful time to bond with your new baby and start to recognize cues. Babies are able to recognize their parent’s voice, smell and heartbeat. Having your baby with you helps your baby relax. Rooming-in provides opportunities to learn about your baby’s behaviors and cues.


Benefits for Mom:


  • Improved sleep

  • Improved confidence in caring and handling your baby

  • Early identification of baby’s feeding cues

  • Baby less likely to be ‘fussy’

  • Great opportunity for skin-to-skin bonding


Benefits for Baby:


  • Better sleep. Helps with developing a regular sleep routine cycle.

  • More stable body temperatures

  • May improve contentment and reduce crying

  • More stable blood sugar

  • Increased breastfeeding time

  • Lower levels of stress hormones

  • Exposure to normal bacteria on mother’s skin, which may protect baby from becoming sick


The Maternal / Child Care Team at Iberia Medical Center practices rooming-in for new moms, and it is an expectation. Our experienced team will guide you through delivery. More information about delivering at IMC: 337.374.7535.

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