BLOOM Spring 2024

ISSUE 02 | MAY 2024

FOR WOMEN IN EVERY SEASON

One Woman’s Pregnancy Journey PAGE 4 WITH HANCOCK HEALTH

Social Media: How Do You Know Which Health Advice is Real? PAGE 12 Plus:

• POSTPARTUM TIPS

• PEACE IN THE GARDEN

• SELF-CARE TIPS FOR DATING

• AND MORE

Hancock Health is an Indiana-based, full-service healthcare network serving Hancock County and the surrounding areas. Our health system includes more than 30 locations, such as wellness centers, women’s clinics, family practices, and the Sue Ann Wortman Cancer Center.

At Hancock Health, we strive to give every person the personalized attention necessary for a happy, healthy life.

Jenn Farmer’s Experience at Hancock Health’s Andis Maternity Unit

From Maternity Care Companion

Lisa Buksar

Welcome to Bloom!

It’s May, the season devoted to moms and motherhood. Special traditions like the sweet, handmade Mother’s Day cards and the delightful, unskilled breakfasts in bed make our hearts spill over with love and tenderness.

The well-being of moms (and their kids) is always at the forefront of our attention at Hancock Health’s Andis Women + Children. And we understand that 364 days a year, it’s a different scenario. So, for those OTHER days of motherhood, filled with playdates and carpool and laundry that multiplies in the basket as fast as the food subtracts in the refrigerator, we salute the moms of Hancock County and the surrounding area.

We are proud to be a part of this journey into motherhood. I started my career at Hancock Health 23 years ago as a student nurse. While we’ve grown significantly, expanding our footprint and our services, we still provide the very personal experience of a smaller hospital. We think it’s the best of all worlds; an intimate setting where you get to know your nurses and providers backed by world-class care and expertise, world-class technology, and our partnership with Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital (PMCH) at Ascension St. Vincent. The partnership provides for an advanced level of newborn care at Hancock Regional Hospital in Greenfield with a Level II Special Care Nursery allowing for a higher specialty of care for moderately ill infants and babies born as early as 32 weeks’ gestation.

What are the top reasons for having your baby at Hancock Health?

1. If for any reason your baby is delayed in going home after birth and needs to be in special care, we offer a courtesy stay so the mom is able to stay in a room while the baby is here.

2. Hancock Health provides the services of a maternity care companion who meets with patients three times during pregnancy. She helps them navigate their prenatal journey with education and information unique to that woman.

3. Hancock Health supports breastfeeding moms with a lactation class and lactation counseling during the week (on Tuesday) and every other month on Saturdays (next class, June 1). And our Andis Women + Children staff participates in lactation training to ensure we are giving our patients the right information from the start.

4. Every other Tuesday, moms who deliver here can come in and get to know other people in the community, ask questions, do a weight check on their baby and just connect to others experiencing the same emotions and activities.

5. Information and education when you need it from reliable, educated sources you can trust. Yes, there’s a glut of information everywhere ... but it’s not always reliable. We are available to help moms on this journey, and believe the right information is as important as the availability of information.

For whatever season of life you’re in as a woman, Hancock Health is here to support your physical and mental health, making health possible for our community and beyond.

Happy Mother’s Day (and the other 364),

MARLO HUBBARD RN, BSN DEPARTMENT MANAGER HANCOCK HEALTH ANDIS WOMEN + CHILDREN

ONE WOMAN’S PREGNANCY JOURNEY WITH HANCOCK HEALTH

When it comes to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum healing, women deserve a great experience. Unfortunately, many larger hospitals have lost the ability to provide personalized care. This is where Hancock Health shines.

As a local hospital, Hancock Health is able to provide an intimate environment for their patients, including those who are going through the vulnerable process of pregnancy and birth. We are honored to share one incredible story of a mother who not only gave birth at Hancock Health, but also calls it her place of employment.

PREGNANCY AND BIRTH AT HANCOCK HEALTH

Jenn Farmer, a CMA in obstetrics at Hancock Health, knew from seeing patients that she would experience excellent care when birthing her second son, Briggs. She already knew the provider she would deliver with, Dr. Caroline Eringo, because she worked with her behind the scenes. She saw the care and consideration given to each patient and felt calm even as high blood pressure caused some stress toward the end of pregnancy.

“I work with [Dr. Eringo] at the OB/GYN office, and although I already knew how amazing she was, having her deliver my son will always have a special place in my heart.” Farmer ended up needing a C-section and, because she was a few weeks preterm, was already feeling stressed about her baby’s health.

“I was absolutely terrified of a C-section but due to some issues, she was very adamant that it was very much needed. I put my full trust in her and will never regret doing so. My surgery went smoothly with no complications and I bounced back very quickly with minimal scarring. She told me how strong I was but the truth is, without such a great provider, I wouldn’t have had such a good recovery.”

She also adds a shoutout to all of the individuals on her C-section team.

“I would’ve never thought I would’ve been as calm as I was during such a major surgery, but thanks to the staff that day I was.”

“In comparison to bigger hospitals, I would pick Hancock every time.”

-JENN FARMER

SPECIAL CARE FOR BABIES WHO NEED IT

Hancock Health’s Andis Maternity Unit is not only full of caring doctors, nurses and staff, but it is also equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Labor and delivery rooms are large and comfortable and postpartum recovery rooms are made to feel like a home away from home. Hancock Health also boasts advanced neonatal care with a Level II Special Care Nursery in partnership with Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital on the same floor as labor and delivery, where Farmer’s son stayed while he got better at breathing on his own.

The special care nursery was an incredible experience for Farmer and her family, whose first son had a NICU stay at a different hospital. She felt worried about having another sick baby, but was quickly calmed by Hancock’s amazing staff. “It was always welcoming and all of my questions were answered. Leaving your child in the nursery after you are discharged is always hard, but they made me feel at ease when we left each night to tend to our other child.”

This type of care is crucial, especially for families who have a sick baby who they must leave to go home and be with other children. Farmer attributes her amazing experience to the fact that the nurses treated her and her baby like people instead of numbers. “They never acted bothered or rushed when I would wake up in the middle of the night worried and would call,” she says. “They even recommended that I call at any time.”

There was a personalized touch that wasn’t available in a larger hospital environment. Because of Hancock’s Baby Friendly Hospital designation, Farmer was able to move easily between the nursery and her room, and her baby received donor milk until she was able to feed him on her own.

POSTPARTUM CARE AND RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

Not only did Hancock provide Farmer with the resources she needed for a safe and healthy birth, they also made sure she was taken care of postnatally in the comfort of the recovery suites. She had a great experience with the nurses. “They made me feel at ease and were supportive the whole time,” she says. Farmer used the lactation services, and she was able to establish a healthy milk supply while her baby received donor milk to help fill in any gaps in feedings. The whole staff was very helpful in letting her lead the way in deciding to bottle or breast feed.

Hancock Health is able to do what many hospitals strive for … provide patients state-of-the-art care without sacrificing the personalized experience. For Farmer and many women who have delivered in the Andis Maternity Unit, their experiences speak volumes about what this means for new families.

“Things were so different at Hancock versus a bigger hospital. Things were so much more sincere and close knit. When they came in to talk to me, they asked about our other son and referred to him by his name.”

-JENN FARMER

THE HANCOCK HEALTH

MAKING HEALTH POSSIBLE FOR ALL WOMEN

WOMEN’S CLINIC

POSTPARTUM TIPS

FROM MATERNITY CARE COMPANION

LISA BUKSAR

So, you just had a baby? Unfortunately, there is not an instruction manual on how to get through your postpartum days, weeks, and months. But this comes close … check out these tips from Lisa Buksar, RN, the Maternity Care Companion with Hancock Health! She guides women through everything from pregnancy to childbirth and beyond.

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Learn as much as you can from your postpartum nurses during your hospital stay. From feeding, diapering your baby, and safe sleep to how to care for your body after delivery … they are experts in helping you!

Decide before baby arrives when or if you would like guests to visit. This includes during hospital stay and when you get home! It’s okay as a new parent to set boundaries.

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Let family and friends help you. Bringing meals, cleaning, doing laundry and caring for your baby so you can sleep or shower is very helpful to new moms!

It can take six weeks or more to heal and recover after giving birth.

Rest, nourish yourself, and practice self-care. Just a reminder: Sleeping, eating & showering isn’t self-care. Do something that refreshes you. Take a walk, read a book, or meet with friends. Self-care isn’t selfish!

Hancock Health offers several support groups for new moms. Breastfeeding Support Group & Ready, Set Stroll (our walking group) are a few great choices.

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Know who to call when you need help. Lots of people will offer, so write down who you will call when you need someone to watch your baby, need a meal, or if you are struggling with the baby blues or caring for your newborn.

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Many things can be true at the same time. “I love being a new mom, and it’s hard being a new mom.” It’s okay to feel many emotions during your motherhood journey.

Don’t let social media or comparing yourself to other moms define your expectation of motherhood. Being a mom doesn’t always look like cute TikToks and matching outfits … and that’s okay! Find joy in the moments that do and give yourself grace for the moments that don’t.

ABOUT THE PELVIC FLOOR?

here’s a lot of talk going around about the pelvic floor, mostly in relation to pregnancy, childbirth and aging. But you may be wondering, “What’s the big deal anyway?” Even if you DO know why it is important, it probably still gets shoved to the bottom of your list when it comes to things about your body you are willing to go above and beyond to care for … a list that seems to grow more every day with all of the potions, lotions, creams, screenings, and health advice you get from various sources.

But, since we have your attention, let’s talk about why the pelvic floor is important and why you might want to give it a wee bit more of your time and consideration.

What we call the pelvic floor is made up of various muscles and ligaments that help to support the bladder, uterus, vagina and pelvic organs (bowel). When these muscles become weakened, it can result in prolapse, which, we won’t mince words here, is when one of these important organs takes a tumble. Weakened muscles and/ or prolapse can lead to urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic pain and pain during sex.

In general, the pelvic floor undergoes certain stress throughout a woman’s life, but especially during pregnancy and childbirth. Postpartum healing should involve conversations about pelvic floor health, pain and more, yet our culture is still learning how to center female experiences in this way and take the shame out of female anatomy. Other causes of pelvic floor dysfunction can include surgeries and cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.

The pelvic floor has, just like any other muscle, a range of motion. It tightens, loosens, lifts and lowers. It is important to have all of these motions intact in order to maintain the health of your pelvis and organs. Unfortunately, for many women, suffering pelvic floor issues can cause a lot of emotional duress. Whether it is shame because of urine leakage or a loss of libido because of painful sex, it creates an obstacle to living a full, healthy and vibrant life.

SO, HOW DO WE RESTORE PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH?

Just as we turn to resources such as physical therapy when we have a sprain, we can turn to pelvic floor therapists to help restore range of motion and healthy muscle function. Unfortunately, because many women suffer in silence, they may not know there are ways to heal and gain back a life without constantly worrying about urine leakage or enduring endless pain. Just like any other form of physical therapy, patients will be given exercises to do at home to help with the strengthening and softening of pelvic floor muscles. You can speak with your provider to get referrals and recommendations for a pelvic floor therapist.

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY PELVIC FLOOR WITH KEGELS

Whether you are experiencing symptoms or not, the muscles of the pelvic floor need to be strengthened and attended to just as readily as your hamstrings or biceps. One exercise that you may have heard of is called the Kegel. This refers to a simple contraction and loosening of the pelvic floor. If you need help connecting to these muscles, pretend that you are trying to stop the flow of urine or gas. This is a tightening of the pelvic floor muscles. Then, allow that area to soften and you can feel the release. Kegels can be done everywhere and anywhere, from sitting at your desk to lying in bed. Many prenatal and postnatal yoga classes incorporate these into their sequencing to help prepare the pelvic floor for childbirth.

Not only does having a healthy pelvic floor connection help to maintain your pelvic health and alignment, it also offers other benefits. Your core muscles are connected to your pelvic floor and you will notice, with consistent practice, that your legs, root of your body and core will feel more stable. You may also notice an increase in your pleasure during sex. (If that isn’t reason enough to do those Kegels at your desk then we don’t know what is.) Emotional health is also a great reason to maintain pelvic floor health … having issues with leakage or pain during sex can be incredibly stressful and lead to anxiety and depression for many women.

So, the next time you are thinking about ways to increase your overall health, don’t forget about the muscles that help to keep your pelvis and reproductive organs intact, providing stability, strength and prospect of a great sex life!

SOCIAL MEDIA:

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH HEALTH ADVICE IS REAL?

At its best, myths we find on social media might just cause us to take a pause and research a new topic. Or make a new dish that can help us feel healthier and happier. At its worst, this false advice can leave us feeling confused and even doing things that may be harmful to our health.

ocial media has certainly come with a wide variety of pros and cons. Sure, it is nice to feel connected and have access to so much mind-expanding information all the time. But, one thing we may forget is that the people showing up on our social media feed are, much of the time, far from experts. They may be dishing out some bad advice.

What is the best part about having the desire and willingness to create a better life for yourself? You can assemble a whole team behind you! From lifestyle medicine practitioners, primary care providers, specialists, massage therapists, acupuncturists and therapists, Hancock Health tries to offer a more holistic view of wellness for each individual.

If anything, the online sphere has taught us that Americans have a deep desire to feel healthier, no matter the cost. Just make sure to follow the lead of experts and people you can trust who are helping you achieve your health and fitness goals instead of those who might be trying to sell you the idea of wellness.

HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DEBUNKING COMMON WOMEN’S HEALTH MYTHS FOUND ON OUR SOCIAL FEEDS…

Do a background check.

Just as you would run a background check on your kid’s babysitter, you should do the same for the “professionals” lighting up your social feeds. This doesn’t mean you need to check fingerprints, but before taking advice from someone online, make sure to check their credentials. At the very least, understand what training they have and what expertise they have obtained in order to be sharing advice with others. For example, don’t take a new supplement from someone who doesn’t have a background in nutrition and plenty of credentials to show that they know what they are talking about.

Anything extreme is most likely false.

In our day and age, marketers try to capture the attention of oversaturated target markets through use of extreme verbiage or telling a story that creates a big reaction. Once they get us in a dysregulated state, thinking we need something they are offering, it is much easier for them to make the sale. For example, those weight loss stories you hear about people dropping hundreds of pounds by taking a pill? Either they are a.) not true or b.) using something dangerous. Remember that slow and steady wins the race … if you want health advice lean toward those offering practical tips and small, sustainable steps toward wellness.

Follow your intuition.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. No matter how badly we all want perfect health and wellness to fall into our laps, very likely it will take a lot of effort on your part and putting in the daily work to make changes. Whether you are seeking to balance your hormones, find healing from a chronic illness through alternative therapies or aiming for weight loss, small changes are where it’s at. So when you hear advice from someone on your Instagram feed who offers some mindful approaches to eating and daily movement, this might be a good place to start versus the one offering a supplement that they are selling.

Be wary of marketing schemes.

Sometimes, experts will pop on to give great advice or even talk about a product they really enjoy without getting anything in return. These content creators will usually put it in wording within their post so you know they aren’t trying to sell you anything. Other times, people will get paid to advertise a product but make it look like they are really using it. If someone is using their platform as a marketing tool, proceed with caution (or maybe don’t proceed at all).

Talk to your provider before doing anything.

No matter what you hear on TikTok, don’t make any big changes until you speak to your provider. Furthermore, if you DO think that what you are hearing might work for you, do some deep digging and speak to other health professionals that you trust as well. Just because your provider doesn’t believe in something doesn’t mean it won’t work for you, but getting a professional’s opinion is vital when making changes to your health based on information you found online.

FINDING INNER PEACE

OUTDOORS

May is such a beautiful month here in Indiana. And a great time to head out into your backyard garden! If you don’t have one, it’s time to start some seeds and reap the benefits of time spent in the great outdoors!

THROW OFF YOUR WINTER SWEATER AND GET SOME FRESH AIR

This issue of BLOOM is all about moms. And we know how hard mothers work to help take care of their families and communities. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take some time for yourself, get outdoors and enjoy some peace and quiet in your own backyard! In fact, heading out to the garden is a great way to boost your health and savor the simple pleasures this season.

HOW DOES GARDENING MAKE YOU HEALTHIER?

Gardening combines the physical activity of digging, pulling and moving up and down with something that is also calming to the nervous system: interacting with nature. As it turns out, getting your hands dirty and enjoying natural sunlight is actually a great way to restore health by creating relaxation and, in turn, stress relief. Stress can contribute to a whole host of chronic diseases, including mental illness, diabetes, high blood pressure and more. So, focusing on activities that counteract the daily stress we experience is vital in our well-being.

Not only does the act of gardening lend a hand in helping you to relax and experience better physical health through movement and exercise, it can also boost your health through the foods you grow and eat. Planting your own vegetable garden is just one way to ensure you are getting important plant-based vitamins and nutrients in your diet. And the plants you grow yourself are about as local as produce can get, making their nutrient content even higher. We can all agree that a vine ripened, gardensunned tomato packs a flavor punch that their grocery store cousins just can’t touch.

HOW TO GET STARTED?

You don’t need to redesign your whole backyard to reap the mental, emotional and physical benefits of gardening. In fact, starting small may be a much better way to relieve stress than biting off more than you can chew. Find a few plants that would make you feel happy to have around this season. Whether that is a pot of flowers that reminds you of your grandmother’s garden or a small patch of your favorite lettuce for some fresh homegrown salads, pick something that will increase the joy you feel in spending time outdoors in your own yard.

One trip to your local garden center might have your head spinning with options. Between already potted plants and seeds, you might wonder if you should relandscape your whole yard. Before you go, make sure to plan where your plant or plants will live once they come home with you. Your yard may have varying amounts of sunlight and some plants enjoy full sun, while others prefer partial or shade. Take a day or two to track the sun in your yard so your plants can have an easier time thriving and become a beautiful sight for you when relaxing in your yard!

YOU DON’T NEED A YARD TO GARDEN

Don’t have a yard? Many people find a huge benefit from keeping potted plants either indoors or on a small balcony. And you don’t need to be outdoors to grow your own food. Sprouts and microgreens are a great way to grow something extra nutritious indoors. Broccoli, alfalfa and bean sprouts are common options, but you can also grow microgreens from things like cilantro, kale and lettuce seeds.

Getting healthy has never been more fun than engaging with an outdoor space like your backyard garden. Whether you have a few plants to tend to or your green thumb has created a veritable Eden, getting outdoors will help you to feel more grounded and connected this spring. Cheers to you and your best health!

A SUNNY TART TO BRIGHTEN YOUR SPRING

How about a treat fit for making it “Mother’s Day” EVERY day? Call up the gal pals and have them over to enjoy this tart that simply screams, “Spring!”.

WHAT

YOU’LL

NEED FOR THE FILLING:

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 ¼ cups sugar

• ¼ cup lemon juice

• 1 Tbsp grated orange zest

• ¼ cup butter, melted

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR THE CRUST:

• 1 cup all purpose flour

• ⅓ cup confectioner’s sugar

• ½ cup ground almonds

• 1 tsp grated lemon zest

• 1 tsp grated orange zest

• ½ cup cold butter, cubed

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring the eggs to room temperature and melt butter; allow butter to cool. Whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice and orange zest. Whisk in cooled butter until smooth and set aside the filling.

2. In food processor, make crust by pulsing together the flour, sugar, almonds, lemon zest, orange zest and butter until mixture forms into a ball.

3. Press dough into ungreased fluted tart pan to cover the bottom and the sides.

4. Pour lemon filling into crust and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool before serving and top with raspberries or other fresh fruit if desired.

Need something to spice up your Mother’s Day? Check out these delicious mocktails for a dose of fresh fruit and inspiring flavors!

STRAWBERRY MOCKTAIL MULES

WHAT YOU NEED (MAKES ONE):

• 1 ounce strawberry puree

• 1 ounce lime juice

• 4 ounces ginger beer soda

• 2 ounces club soda

• Ice

• For garnish: lime wedge or strawberry

1. Fill glass halfway with ice

2. Pour ingredients and stir to combine

3. Add garnish and serve

BLOSSOMING LEMON MOCKTAIL

WHAT YOU NEED (MAKES ONE):

• Lemon peel

• ⅓ cup pink lemonade

• ⅓ cup citrus flavored sparkling water

• 4 drops rosewater

• Garnish: lemon peel or edible flowers such as violets

1. Squeeze lemon peel over a small glass (martini glasses work great for this mocktail).

2. Add other liquids.

3. Garnish with flower and lemon peel for an extra fancy drink. You deserve it.

SELF-CARE TIPS FOR LADIES ON THE

Practice self-care regularly and see the difference in how you feel about yourself and how you feel about the YOU that is heading out into the world!

DATING SCENE

ou don’t have to look perfect to nab a mate, but taking care of yourself and putting your best face forward can make a difference when trying your hand (again) at the dating scene. If you take the time to care for yourself by eating well, hydrating and practicing good hygiene, you will not only be glowing on the outside, you’ll feel better on the inside as well. When it comes to dating, partners know when their significant other is feeling good on a physical, mental and emotional level.

Instead of thinking of caring about the way you look to a potential date as vanity, think of it as another way of showing your true, radiant and beautiful self! In order to get there, pamper yourself and create great self-care routines that help you feel healthy and fresh-faced in the face of, well, awkward first and even more awkward second dates. Check out our guide to being healthy from the inside out this season as you traverse the gnarly landscape of dating!

HEALTHY EATING IS THE KEY TO GREAT SKIN

If you want to feel your best and get that glowing, radiant skin everyone seeks, don’t shop the cosmetic aisle. Instead, head to the supermarket! Glowing skin comes from eating a well-balanced diet full of nutrients and vitamins. It is the kind of glow that comes from the inside out when you feel really great about your healthy decisions.

Healthy fats, such as those found in fish, avocados, nuts and seeds, are excellent for skin health as well as overall physical wellness. Choose snacks like a healthy trail mix for those afternoon slumps, and when eating out, swap that burger for a nice piece of fish and get a bonus of heathy omega 3s, too. Fresh vegetables and fruits are another great option as well as green tea and, thank goodness, dark chocolate. Ditch the processed foods, and you’ll find yourself glowing in no time!

SMOOCHABLE LIPS, ANYONE?

If you’re on the dating circuit, kissable lips are a great asset. Plus, soft and healthy lips feel so nice, especially when the spring and summer sun is bent on drying and cracking your skin. Here are some great tips to keep your pucker totally smoochable.

• Don’t lick your lips.

• Use an ointment-based balm.

• Don’t bite, brush or rub your lips if they’re dry and cracking.

• Make your own gently exfoliating lip scrub using brown sugar, honey and coconut oil.

HYDRATE HEAD TO TOE

Eating healthy doesn’t just help your skin and lips; it can also mean healthier nails and hair. Another way to glow from head to toe? Hydrate! Aim for drinking a half ounce per pound of body weight per day. If you crave something different, spice things up with a hot herbal tea or a squeeze of lemon or orange mixed into your daily allotment of H2O. Other tips for healthy hair and nails include getting regular trims, protecting yourself from sun damage, quitting smoking, stopping any nail-biting habits and taking plenty of time to relax and de-stress.