Pediatrix & Obstetrix Clinicians in the News

In addition to the highly specialized care our clinicians provide to patients across the country every day, many also serve as go-to expert sources for top national and regional media outlets. Pediatrix® and Obstetrix® clinicians regularly contribute to news articles, sharing their expertise to help educate readers on popular and trending topics related to women’s and children’s health, as well as unique stories of innovative patient care. 

Here’s a roundup of some of the latest stories on Parents and The Bump:

Amber Chambers, CNM, certified nurse-midwife, spoke about the benefits of using a peanut ball during pregnancy and labor. “Using it can help reduce hip, SI joint and low-back discomfort,” said Chambers. She also noted that placing a peanut ball between your knees can reduce strain on your pelvis. During labor, a peanut ball helps encourage baby’s rotation and descent, said Chambers. “[It]’s especially helpful in patients with epidurals or those who are super-fatigued in labor,” she explained. She added that it’s best to reposition the ball every 30 to 60 minutes as active labor progresses.

Robert Quillin, M.D., pediatrician, spoke about infant bone health. Babies have more bones than adults, which facilitates their rapid development and flexibility. “The changes from cartilage to bone over time allows for bone growth from infancy into adulthood,” explained Dr. Quillin. “A healthy diet combined with sunshine and activity are vital to the growth of healthy bones,” he said. He also noted that foods rich in calcium and vitamin D are great for growing healthy baby bones. “But don’t forget protein and minerals, too.” He shared that active play play is also important. “The stress of activity allows muscle to put healthy strain on bones, which supports continued skeletal growth,” said Dr. Quillin.

Ellen Fitzpatrick, M.D., pediatrician, spoke about rising measles outbreaks and early vaccination. “The recommendation for infants aged 6-11 months old living in those communities, traveling to those communities or traveling internationally is to receive a first dose of MMR,” said Dr. Fitzpatrick. “If the infant will be traveling, this should be done two weeks before the trip,” she said. Notably, this initial dose does not count toward the two-dose MMR requirement. “Your child should still be vaccinated at the 12-15-month-old time period and the 4-6-year period,” said Dr. Fitzpatrick.

Jacob Snow, M.D., pediatric emergency medicine physician, spoke about concussion symptoms in kids. Dr. Snow said a child should be evaluated in the emergency department if they have loss of consciousness, is not acting normally, is confused or altered, has agitation or has persistent vomiting. “A young child with a concussion may seem dazed and may indicate head pain by touching or holding their head,” said Dr. Snow. “Some will show sensitivity to light or sound by covering their eyes or ears,” he said. “They may have nausea, vomiting or a change in appetite.” He advised parents not to wait for children to mention headaches, since they may lack the words to express it. “Actions speak louder than words in this age,” explained Dr. Snow.

To view additional news stories, visit our newsroom.

Members of the media, we invite you to view our multispecialty media panel and request an expert source.