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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

Very Special Donation

The Kiwanis Club of New Iberia recently donated a Cuddle Cot to Maternal/ Child services at Iberia Medical Center. The donation was in the name of two-year-old Thomas Allen Cestia, who passed away in June.  Tyler and Pam Cestia, parents of Thomas Allen, were in attendance at the donation ceremony and talked about the importance and significance of the donation for other parents and to them personally.



A cuddle cot is an invaluable support resource for bereaved parents before they leave the hospital without their baby or through the funeral home when saying their final goodbye. It is a cooling system that has been designed to fit within a small cot and lies beneath their baby. It enables families to say hello to their baby, keeping them close as they shower them with love and create those special memories they will cherish forever. Spending as much uninterrupted time as they need without the worry or distress to keep handing their baby back to staff, is a gift for families before saying their final goodbye.






In attendance at the donation reception (l to r): Dr. Jodie, Gwin, IMC Ob/GYN,  Jillian Henry, RN, IMC Maternal/Child Services, Ella Gilbert, LPN, IMC Maternal/Child Services, Beth Forbus, President and Founder of Sarah's Laughter - the organization that helped facilitate the donation, Pam Cestia, Tyler Cestia, Cindy Herring, Kiwanis Club Past President,  Ryan Champagne, Kiwanis Club President, Dr. Damian Delhomme, IMC Ob/GYN and Sandy Morein, Chief Nursing Officer, Iberia Medical Center


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