Bringing your newborn baby home is a major life change that’s a mix of excitement and exhaustion. Planning and getting support are essential to making your transition from pregnancy to parenthood smoother. Dr. Laura Hlavaty, pediatric psychologist in Akron Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center, offers these five tips. Choose your roles It’s not unusual for mom […]
Tips & Advice
What parents should know about “gas station heroin” and other emerging drug risks
You may have heard the term “gas station heroin” and wondered what it means. The name sounds scary, and it’s meant to be. “‘Gas station heroin’ refers to a growing group of products that look harmless but can affect the brain in powerful ways,” said Dr. Laura Markley, child and adolescent psychiatrist and addiction medicine physician. “They’re often sold at […]
Obesity and pregnancy: Risks, safe weight loss tips and what to know
Every pregnancy comes with its own challenges and needs. While starting a pregnancy at a higher weight can raise certain risks for mom and baby, there are practical things you can do to address this. “Pregnancy isn’t the time for extreme dieting, but it is a time to focus on healthy habits that support both […]
What are the safest swimsuit colors?
Believe it or not, when shopping for swimsuits for your children, color — not style, design or your kids’ favorite Disney icons — is of the utmost importance. The color and visibility of your children’s swimsuits underwater could actually save their lives! Drowning is quick and silent — unlike what you see in the movies. […]
The reality of pregnancy after 35 (hint: it’s not all risk)
The timeline for starting a family today looks a lot different than it did a generation ago. Many women are having children later in life — once they’ve built a career, felt financially stable and found the right partner. In fact, birth rates for women in their 30s and early 40s have reached their highest levels in decades. But as women age, the risks of pregnancy increase, […]
Pregnancy after preterm birth: What you should know and how to prepare
If you’ve experienced a preterm birth, it’s normal to feel a mix of hope and worry when thinking about another pregnancy. You may wonder if it will happen again or what you may be able to do differently this time to prevent it. The good news is there are steps you and your care team […]













