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Healthy Holiday Habits for Expecting Mothers

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Healthy Holiday Habits for Expecting Mothers

December 4, 2025

The holiday season is a time for celebration and connecting with family and friends. But, if you are expecting, you may also feel the pressure of balancing all the festive traditions with the physical and emotional needs of pregnancy.


Jillian Henry, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, has a few realistic healthy holiday habits to help you feel your best while still enjoying the season.


Keep a Balanced Plate

When possible, fill half of your plate with fruits and half with vegetables. Enjoy your holiday favorites, including desserts, in moderation. No need to skip them entirely!

Stay Hydrated

Holiday foods are often salty, and indoor heating can increase dehydration. Keep a bottle of water with you, and consider adding electrolyte or flavor packets if that helps you drink more. And of course, avoid alcohol throughout pregnancy.

Prioritize Rest

Holiday schedules can be draining. Be sure to incorporate quiet time to rest and nap. Give yourself permission to say no to certain events or stay for shorter periods of time.

Body Movement

Movement supports energy circulation and mood. Try taking short walks after meals. Always remember to listen to your body and avoid overdoing it.

Manage Holiday Emotions

The holidays can be emotional and overwhelming. Here are a few ways to help you cope: deep breathing for 2-3 minutes, remind yourself you can say no without guilt, and don’t forget to ask for help with cooking, shopping or hosting events. Most importantly, focus on joy – not perfection. It’s okay if traditions look a little different this year.




Jillian Henry, NP, OB/GYN

Rooming-In: Many Benefits for Mom and Baby!

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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