e f i l y a d y r e v e g n i r u t p ca A women’s journal created by Piedmont Henry Hospital for The Marcia G. Taylor Women’s Center and you.
One woman wanted to make a difference in the lives of women and children in her community. Marcia G. Taylor, a local businesswoman who has been involved with the hospital for many years, committed resources to the building of The Marcia G. Taylor Women’s Center. As Bennett International Group’s president and CEO, Marcia has staked her claim as an industry innovator as the head of a highly successful, Henry County-based, family-run, diversified trucking and transportation business. She has received numerous and continuous accolades, which include being named the #1 Woman Owned Business by Atlanta Business Chronicle. What makes Marcia special is her passion for people. She enjoys helping others and being an active part of the community. It is through her many contributions that the Women’s Center at Piedmont Henry Hospital has excelled as a provider for women of all ages.
This book was created for women of all ages, for education, for life, for you. Being a woman is a journey of joys and pains, laughter and tears, learning and growing. It’s a lifetime full of memories worth savoring and recording, for yourself and for others. It’s worth writing down. This journal is our gift to you, a place to capture special bits of the world around you before they disappear in the busy things of life. You’ll find plenty of space for stories and notes, with tips and advice about womanhood tucked in along the way. We hope you’ll turn to it – and to The Marcia G. Taylor Women’s Center at Piedmont Henry Hospital – again and again as a resource and memory keeper.
this book belongs to
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around ~ Leo Buscaglia
A new baby is like the beginning of all things – wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities. ~ Eda J. LeShan
More Than Babies
life begins here
Life is always starting anew – stepping toward motherhood, meeting new friends, adding family members, sharing jewels of wisdom. No matter your stage of womanhood, The Marcia G. Taylor Women’s Center can help meet your needs. Our staff knows exactly what women need for better health, whether you’re touring the Women’s Center before becoming a mom, scheduling a mammogram or bone density test, or consulting with your physician about specialized surgery. You’ll find professional care and the latest technology at Piedmont Henry Hospital, just as you might at other hospitals. But here, we offer more than equipment and services. We offer unmatched compassion and respect, from the moment you first call or step through the doors. Communityfocused care has been our hallmark since opening in 1979, and is still just as important today, no matter what kind of care you need.
How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. ~ Anne Frank
in the beginning maternity
small world, big changes
It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all. ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder
Special Images
remember the tiny moments
The saying “A picture’s worth a thousand words” takes on new meaning when you think of the very first photos of your baby – the ultrasound. Many physicians recommend screening ultrasounds at various times during pregnancy. In the first trimester, ultrasound can confirm pregnancy and heartbeat and determine the baby’s age. Later ultrasounds let your doctor check on healthy growth and give you a sneak peek at your little one. During the procedure, you might feel slight discomfort from pressure on your abdomen and bladder (because the ultrasound technician needs you to have a full bladder to achieve a better picture). The conduction gel might feel cold or wet, but you won’t feel the actual ultrasound waves. It only takes a few minutes, and you’ll be rewarded with an amazing look at your baby. Whether or not you discover your baby’s gender, you’ll probably see his or her eyes, mouth, and other features. You might even be able to see individual spinal vertebrae and all four chambers of that tiny heart, depending on the weeks of gestation. Prepare to fall in love!
today is
yesterday was
Breastfeeding Scientific evidence shows that breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby, but that doesn’t mean it always comes naturally for you or your little one. The Marcia G. Taylor Women’s Center has specially trained lactation consultants who can help you with everything related to breastfeeding, from learning the differences between colostrum and milk, to teaching techniques to help baby latch on or release, to sharing ways you can prepare for breastfeeding and take care of yourself during those months. Even after you go home, lactation consultants are available to answer questions or offer additional advice. They’re just a phone call away for any new mom – 678-604-4896. Breastfeeding has lasting benefits for you and your baby. For example, research says that breastfeeding: • Increases the baby’s IQ. • Burns calories, which helps you lose baby fat. • Reduces your baby’s chances of having allergies. • Lowers your baby’s risk of dying from SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) or contracting type I diabetes. • Helps your body heal more quickly after your baby’s birth. And did you know that breast milk is slightly different for each mom and baby? No matter what your baby needs, your breast milk provides exactly the right nutrient balance for your little one. Even breastfeeding for only a few weeks gives your baby a good foundation. Talk with your doctor and other healthcare providers about whether breastfeeding might be a good option for you and your baby.
Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ~ Elizabeth Stone
everything is new personality
today is
A baby has a special way of adding joy in every single day. ~ Anonymous
Popping With Personality
many discoveries
Your baby will start showing signs of personality in a matter of weeks, often with simple actions such as smiling and experimenting with the kinds of noises he or she can make. You’ll begin learning your baby’s unique personality from an early age. Is she quiet and laid back? Alert and watchful? Vocal and giggly? Understanding that personality and how to encourage healthy development will follow him into adulthood. Help your baby learn to trust you by comforting and providing for her according to the situation: • Spend as much time skin-to-skin and eye-to-eye with your baby as possible, especially in the first few weeks. Bonding is a lifelong process, so start building that foundation from day one. • When your baby is overstimulated, try holding her so her ear is next to your heartbeat. That’s what she’s been listening to since conception, so she associates it with safety. Your heartbeat usually will provide just enough stimulation to calm her. • Most babies begin developing a fear of strangers around 6 months of age. By that point, you’ll understand enough about his personality to know how to handle the situation. If he’s adventurous, it might be easy to help him learn that someone else’s arms are just as snuggly as yours. If he’s shy, however, don’t rush him into change. Give him a chance to warm up. There’s no one “right” way to parent. Just remember that your constant love is the most important factor in helping your baby develop his or her personality and confidence.
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Personal Time
yesterday was
Remember those things you enjoyed doing before becoming a mom? They’re just as important to you now. Whether it’s scrapbooking, reading, shopping, or some other activity, make time for yourself and enjoy every minute of it. If your days seem too packed with work and family responsibilities to take time for yourself, try these simple strategies: • Arrange a babysitting swap with a friend. She can keep both children for a while so you can relax, and you can do the same for her another day. • Set up a play date for Dad. He needs to spend one-on-one time with your little one just like you do, so use his special bonding time as your ticket to play. • Take a close look at what you’re doing and which things might be eliminated. Let someone else bake the dozens of cookies for the church function or go on the school field trip. • Ask for gift certificates to a local spa or nail salon for your birthday or other occasions, so you won’t feel guilty for “splurging” on yourself. You can only live in Mom Overdrive Mode for so long before crashing. You want your children to be happy and you want to give them every possible life experience they might enjoy. Just remember that you’ll be a better, more relaxed, more patient mom when you step away from the duties to concentrate on yourself… no guilt allowed.
I think, at a child’s birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift would be curiosity. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
the milestones family
today is
Little Explorer
be in the moment
By the time your baby reaches 4 or 5 months of age, he’s becoming more aware of his world and how he fits into it. He learns from you by watching your face and your expressions or listening to your voice. He bats at toys and shakes rattles, which will someday help him smack that baseball into left field. Your pediatrician might encourage you to put baby down on her back when it’s time to sleep, as a way to help prevent SIDS. But put her on her tummy for short periods of play time to give her a new way of looking at things and to help build her muscles. She might even roll over for the first time around 4 to 6 months. Smaller motions are also important during this time. Watch your baby wiggle his fingers and toes, practice letting go of objects, or rake small items like raisins from his highchair tray. It’s never too early to read together. Even if you only capture your baby’s attention for a few seconds, the sound of your voice and closeness of being on your lap builds lasting impressions. Before you know it, she’ll be bringing books to you and practicing “reading” them herself – over and over and over.
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. ~ Helen Keller
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Sibling Love
yesterday was
Having a new baby in the family might be one of the toughest things your older child ever deals with. Try some of these things to help prepare for the baby: • Tell your child about your pregnancy when you tell your friends. • If you plan to move your child to a new bed or bedroom, make the shift well before the baby arrives so he doesn’t feel displaced by the baby. • Schedule to take part in Piedmont Henry Hospital’s Sibling Preparation classes and hospital tours. • Read books about new babies and look through photos of your older child’s birth and babyhood. Talk about his birth and what he was like as a baby. • Let him participate in preparations, such as helping choose the baby’s coming home outfit from two or three acceptable choices. Once the baby arrives, set aside special one-on-one times for your older child. Just 10 minutes can make a big difference to your child, especially when you ask what he wants to do. You can also help your older child adjust by: • Reminding visitors to pay attention to your older child instead of only the baby. • Making sure your older child has a special place of his own that he doesn’t have to share with the baby. • Giving him special jobs he can do to help the family and help with the baby’s care. • Point out the benefits of being the older child, like being able to play outside or having friends.
You’ve got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was. ~ Irish saying
look at me growing
today is
Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass... It’s about learning how to dance in the rain. ~ Vivian Greene
Growing Healthy
write it down before it’s gone
Once your child hits those first few milestones, watching him change will be your “new normal.” Crawling, standing, walking, feeding himself, getting those first teeth – you’ll have reasons to celebrate your child’s growth every day. Keep him healthy through this crucial time by following your pediatrician’s guidance for vaccines. They keep your child healthy, as well as, help other children by eliminating serious childhood diseases. Keep these tips in mind when considering vaccinations for your child: • Some vaccines might cause mild temporary side effects where the shot was given (such as fever or soreness or a lump under the skin). • Vaccinations usually begin when your child is 2 months old and most are finished by the time she is 6 years old. Recommendations about when to have certain vaccines change from time to time. Ask your pediatrician or check the latest information from groups such as the American Academy of Pediatrics. • Children shouldn’t be vaccinated in some special situations. Your physician won’t administer vaccines if your child has certain health conditions or is taking medication to lower the body’s ability to resist infection. If your child has a serious reaction to the first shot in a series of shots, you can discuss the pros and cons of continuing the series with your doctor.
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yesterday was
Emergencies Climbing trees, riding bikes, and playing sports leads to inevitable injuries. But is it serious enough to merit a trip to the emergency room? It’s a tough call – you don’t want to rush to the ER if the illness or injury isn’t a true emergency and can wait until a doctor’s appointment. But you also don’t want to put off getting medical treatment if your child needs attention right away. Some situations might seem alarming but don’t mean an automatic trip to the ER. Urgent Care is provided at the Piedmont Outpatient Center in McDonough. It is conveniently located just off I-75 at Exit 218 on Highway 20/81. The following are considered minor emergencies. • High fever • Ear pain or pain in the abdomen • Persistent headache • Wheezing • Rash • Persistent cough Go straight to ER if you experience these situations. • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • A sudden change in mental status • A cut that won’t stop bleeding • A stiff neck along with a fever • A head injury beyond minor trauma • A rapid heartbeat that doesn’t slow down • Accidental ingestion of a poisonous substance or too much medication
You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
~ Mahatma Gandhi
independence embracing change
today is
Adolescence is a period of rapid changes. Between the ages of 12 and 17, for example, a parent ages as much as 20 years. ~ Anonymous
Changing Bodies
time is moving too fast
Your child has become a teenager, which brings a new round of challenges and rewards. First crush, first kiss, first date. Driver’s license and the desire for freedom. Growing independence but more empathy for others. If you’re raising a daughter, this is the perfect time to start stressing the importance of good health with her. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends that young women have their first visit with an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) between the ages of 13 and 15 or when they become sexually active, whichever comes first. The thought of seeing an OB/GYN or having a pelvic exam might make your daughter feel nervous, embarrassed, or scared. An important job for you as Mom is to explain why the visit is necessary and give her an idea of what to expect. The more you can talk to each other beforehand, the more comfortable she’ll feel about taking this step. Of course, it’s also important for you to continue having an annual OB/GYN exam yourself. A pelvic exam, cervical Pap test, and breast exam by a health professional might not be tops on your list of things to do, but they’re an integral part of maintaining health – for your own sake and your family.
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yesterday was
Healthy Help If you need help finding a physician for yourself or your daughter, the experts at Piedmont Henry Hospital are just a click or phone call away. Visit piedmonthenry.org and click on “Find a Doctor.” You can search by name for the physician your friend recommended, or by specialty. More than 400 physicians and medical professionals offer their services in conjunction with Piedmont Henry Hospital. If you have questions about finding a physician, call 1-866-900-4321 for a free physician referral. Remember these numbers for better health. • 678-604-1000 (Piedmont Henry Hospital’s main number) • 678-604-1055 (Diagnostic Imaging scheduling) • 678-604-4000 (Piedmont Outpatient Center for Urgent Care and Diagnostic Imaging) • 678-251-1099 (Henry Radiation Oncology Center)
You don’t have to be afraid of change. You don’t have to worry about what’s been taken away. Just look to see what’s been added. ~ Jackie Greer
full circle generations
Breast Health Basics
today is
As a woman, you should know how your breasts normally look and feel – whether one is larger than the other, if you have dense or lumpy breast tissue, or if they change slightly during the month. Being familiar with yourself and conducting breast self exams is the best way to know what’s normal for yourself and is the first step toward promoting good breast health. Women ages 20-39 should have a clinical breast exam (one performed by a healthcare provider) once every three years. Once you reach 40, you should have a clinical breast exam every year and a screening mammogram every one to two years. Your doctor can recommend the best schedule for you, based on your personal history. The combination of monthly breast self examinations, screening mammograms, and clinical breast exams can help detect breast cancer early. If you ever find a change during one of your self exams, see your doctor right away. Screening mammography isn’t a perfect exam, but it’s the best tool available to detect breast cancer early. Piedmont Henry Hospital offers the latest in digital screening and diagnostic mammography. You can either schedule your mammogram at the hospital or at the Piedmont Outpatient Center in McDonough, whichever is easier for you. Either way, you’ll have access to the best possible technology, experience, and care. Call 678-604-1055 for scheduling.
yesterday was
It’s the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter. ~ Marlene Dietrich
I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done. ~ Lucille Ball
Menopause and More
looking forward
Menopause is the time in life when your periods eventually stop and the body goes through changes so that you can no longer get pregnant. Menopause is complete when you haven’t had a period for one year; this phase is called postmenopause. It’s a natural event that normally occurs in women ages 45-55. Once you go through menopause, your body produces less estrogen and progesterone. Your doctor will discuss whether hormone therapy might be right for you, especially on a shortterm basis to help protect against osteoporosis, colorectal cancer, and heart disease. Another tool for helping keep an eye on osteoporosis is a bone density test. Physicians use bone density testing to: • Identify decreases in bone density before you break a bone. • Determine your risk of broken bones. • Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis if you’ve had broken bones. • Monitor osteoporosis treatment. Bone density testing is recommended for all women over age 65. The test is quick and painless, and is for postmenopausal women under age 65 who have risk factors for osteoporosis. Potential risk factors that might suggest needing a bone density scan include breaking a bone as an adult; low body weight or thin body structure; current cigarette smoking; excessive caffeine consumption; using corticosteroid therapy for more than three months; and others. Schedule your bone density test with Piedmont Outpatient Center by calling 678-604-1055. The third important health test for you to remember at this stage of life is a colorectal cancer screening. Cancer in the colon starts with a non-cancerous growth. The sooner it’s detected, the higher the chances of survival. After all, with good health you’ll be able to enjoy family, friends, and all your favorite things in life.
the journey is just beginning
L
ife is a collection of small moments in time. They fly past so quickly, but each one has a special connection with all
the others. When a person’s eyes light up in heartfelt joy, or when a child laughs from the inside out – those are beautiful
moments. Capturing them helps remind us of the wonder in our lives. We would like to extend our gratitude to those people whose photos are in this journal. Thank you for inviting us into your lives to share some of your special moments.
in order of appearance Riley & Reese – McDonough Marcia G. Taylor Heather & Reese – McDonough Tiffany & Will – Atlanta The Lytle Family – McDonough Caroline & London – Smyrna Chance – Locust Grove Brooke – McDonough The Guillen Family – Locust Grove Kason – McDonough Mason – Locust Grove Jessica & Brooklyn – McDonough
Amber & Griffin – Jonesboro Trei – Stockbridge Riley – McDonough Carter – McDonough Lilah & Lainey – Locust Grove Jacob – Peoria, Arizona Cad & Cate – McDonough Reagan – Scottsdale, Arizona Ava – Locust Grove Gunner – McDonough Macie – McDonough Brealyn – McDonough
Lauren & Kaelyn – Peoria, Arizona Laura & Teagan – Alpharetta Janaysa – Locust Grove Danielle – Forsyth Paula & Carrie Ann – McDonough Rita – McDonough Carole – Stockbridge & Vanessa – Locust Grove Marie – McDonough & Millie – Locust Grove Jessalyn – Decatur Deborah – McDonough Joyce – McDonough (photo by Michie Turpin) Marcia G. Taylor & daughter Lynnette Alt The Stamps Family – Duluth
Most photos were taken in and around Henry County. Special thanks to The French Market & Tavern for the use of their delightful restaurant.
Special recognition to Henry County photographer Jennifer McPherson for her glorious photography skills and her gift of bringing out the inner beauty of people. We are very grateful to Bennett International Group for their financial contribution to the printing of this book.
1133 Eagle’s Landing Parkway Stockbridge, GA 30281 678-604-1000 piedmonthenry.org