Texas Health Allen

Banking on New Mothers' Help u Giving birth at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen involves more than welcoming new lives into the world — for many women, it also means saving lives. mbilical cord blood — which is contained in the placenta after the birth of a baby — is rich in cells that can be used to treat serious conditions such as leukemia and lymphoma. Instead of being discarded, cord blood can be collected so its components may serve as an alternative to bone marrow transplants for people with these conditions. "Texas Health Allen joined the Texas Cord Blood Bank in 2010," says Tanda Allen, R.N., staff nurse and cord blood coordinator at Texas Health Allen. "Our diverse population makes the hospital a perfect place to collect lifesaving cord blood." The process is simple. When a woman arrives at Texas Health Allen to deliver her baby, she is asked if she would like to donate cord blood. A short questionnaire determines whether she is eligible to donate. If so, her cord blood is collected after delivery and sent to the Texas Cord Blood Bank. For Angela Harrison of Blue Ridge, the decision to donate cord blood after the birth of her daughter Karlie in November 2011 was simple. "There is no downside to donating," says Harrison. "I knew my cord blood could possibly save someone's life, so why wouldn't I donate?" For more information about donating cord blood when you give birth, call The Family Birthplace at 972-747-6244. Planning Ahead You've picked the nursery color and selected a car seat, but have you made your birth plan? a 2 texashealth.org birth plan is a document that provides expectant mothers with an opportunity to personalize their birth experience and outline their expectations of labor and delivery. When designing your birth plan, you should include certain components. • Birthing team members — Choose who you want to be in your birthing room (the baby's father, family members, friends or a doula). • Choice of provider — Decide if you want an OB/GYN or a certified nurse midwife to deliver the baby. • Pain control options — Select which type of pain management you would prefer. At Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen, many options are available, such as epidural and spinal morphine, local anesthesia, system analgesics, epidural blocks, spinal blocks, "walking" epidural blocks, the pain ball, and hydrotherapy. You may also choose not to have pain relievers. During unforeseen circumstances, birth plans sometimes can't be followed. Regular communication with your provider can help ease anxiety if birth plans need to be altered. "Above all, make sure you talk about your preferences and expectations with your women's care provider," says Sara Robert, M.D., OB/GYN and medical director of Women's Health Services at Texas Health Allen. "Educate yourself about labor and delivery options, and be prepared and open minded to have the best birth experience possible." Visit TexasHealth.org/AllenMoms to create your own birth plan online. Plan Your Special Delivery Online New and expectant mothers have busy schedules. Whether you're preparing for delivery day or learning which car seat is right for baby, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen can help with all your birthing and parenting needs —— without you having to leave the house. Register for childbirth classes online, take a tour of the facility, read stories from other moms and share your own, and get answers to your parenting questions with our interactive online resources: • Online Childbirth Classes —— Take classes in the convenience of your own home or register for courses on site. • Online Birth Plan —— Expectant moms can make arrangements for their special day. • Oh Baby! e-newsletter —— Get weekly parenting and birthing tips during pregnancy and until your child's second birthday. • Texas Health Moms Blog —— Read stories from other moms or share your own in this online forum. • The Virtual Tour —— Navigate through the birthing center and learn what to expect during your visit. Visit TexasHealth.org/AllenMoms to check out online resources for new moms.

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