Page 4 - Methodist Health System | Methodist Dallas Medical Center | Shine | Spring 2013

Congratulations on your journey to parenthood! Healthy eating and exercise are key
to a healthy pregnancy. So is weight gain, but it, too, requires a healthy approach.
In other words, the old “eating for two” myth does not apply, says Michelle
Reyna, MD, independently practicing OB-GYN on the medical staff at Methodist
Dallas Medical Center.
Howmuch is enough? Recent studies show that for optimal pregnancy
health, weight gain should be based on the mother’s prepregnancy body
mass index, or BMI (try the adult BMI calculator in our online health library
at MethodistHealthSystem.org).
Once you know your BMI, this chart and your OB-GYN can help you determine a
healthy weight gain goal for you:
Weight BMI Suggested weight gain (pounds)
Underweight 18.5 or below 28–40
Normal 18.6–24.9 25–35
Overweight 25–29.9 15–20
Obese 30 or greater 11–20
“An added bonus is that a healthy weight benefits both you and your baby,”
Dr. Reyna says. “It prevents complications during delivery and makes it easier
to lose the baby weight after pregnancy.”
Find more tips for a healthy pregnancy at MethodistHealthSystem.org/Women.
Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are
independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System or Methodist Dallas Medical Center.
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4 Methodist Dallas Medical Center • ❁ Spring 2013
Breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your baby, says Theresa
Patton, MD, FACOG, independently practicing OB-GYN on the medical staff at
Methodist Dallas Medical Center. Among its standout qualities is that it prevents
childhood and adult obesity.
“Breastfeeding affects how a mommetabolizes and helps her to lose weight
after pregnancy,” Dr. Patton says. “Also, bottle-fed babies are often urged to finish
the bottle at each feeding, possibly eating too much. A baby at the breast can
finish eating when ready.”
It’s this concern about obesity that led to a new collaborative by the National
Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality. Called Best Fed Beginnings, it comprises
90 hospitals nationwide— includingMethodist Dallas—all focused on enhancing
maternity care and lactation support practices according to international guidelines.
Methodist Dallas is aTexasTenStep Facility andhas been recognized for excellence
in lactation care by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.
Visit MethodistHealthSystem.org/Events to take advantage of our Breastfeeding Class.
Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are
independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System or Methodist Dallas Medical Center.
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TO YOUR HEALTH ▸
“Every time you have the slightest
struggle, apprehension, or worry
about breastfeeding, talk to your
OB-GYN or a lactation consultant.
The sooner you address the concern,
the more likely you are to continue
to breastfeed. Most moms learn that
they are doing everything correctly;
they just need a little reassurance.”
—Theresa Patton, MD, FACOG