Good evening dear family, friends, Facebookers and followers of His Middle Name. The fall season is upon us, and it's certainly my favorite time of year! Even as I wrote that, I got butterflies in my stomach. I don't know why, but Fall has always been such an exciting time of year for me. When I was a kid, it meant back to school, making new friends, celebrating my birthday and dressing up for Halloween. In my early twenties, Fall meant college football games, breaking out my knee-high boots, nights out with the girls, and Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale (hah!). Now, the fall means my son's first birthday, cozy sweaters, NFL Sundays with good friends and family and hot chocolate. This time of year has always been magical, but this year may be a bit more so because we have been blessed with Sutton. Today, as we strolled him and walked our dog Otis through our urban neighborhood, I felt a slight nip in the air. It was the first time in months I can honestly say I could have used a light sweater. With the cooler temps, wonderful holidays, delicious food (pumpkin pie, anyone?) and football to watch, who wouldn't be excited?
To temper some of my romantic sentiments, I haven't forgotten that Autumn is also cold and flu season. With the temperatures dropping, kids going back to school and allergies acting up, it seems the flu knocks us down just as we get going. With so many of my friends being pregnant or having become new parents, these most delightful times can become scary times. When your pregnant, your body naturally lowers your immune system’s ability to protect you and respond to illnesses so that it can welcome your growing baby. But a lowered immune system means you’re more likely to catch illnesses like the flu. The same goes for new parents. Recovering from child birth and lack of sleep can lower your immune system so it isn’t as quick to respond to illnesses, like the flu.
Believe me, I am the last person that wants to take medicine or get any type of vaccine, but ever since I had Sutton, there was no hesitation. I now will do what I can to keep myself healthy for my family, and that means taking preventative steps like getting the flu shot. Almost all women who will be pregnant during flu season (September through March) should get a flu shot. But it shouldn't be limited to the Moms. Dads should get the flu shot too, as well as any parents, friends or care givers that are going to be around you, your children or your newborn for extended lengths of time. It doesn't matter weather your child is in the NICU or safe at home, the flu vaccine is a great way to protect yourself and your precious baby. Flu shots are safe at any time during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, but if you have any questions or concerns you should reach out to your primary healthcare provider or click the following link to find information, helpful hints, or a clinics near you.
To temper some of my romantic sentiments, I haven't forgotten that Autumn is also cold and flu season. With the temperatures dropping, kids going back to school and allergies acting up, it seems the flu knocks us down just as we get going. With so many of my friends being pregnant or having become new parents, these most delightful times can become scary times. When your pregnant, your body naturally lowers your immune system’s ability to protect you and respond to illnesses so that it can welcome your growing baby. But a lowered immune system means you’re more likely to catch illnesses like the flu. The same goes for new parents. Recovering from child birth and lack of sleep can lower your immune system so it isn’t as quick to respond to illnesses, like the flu.
Believe me, I am the last person that wants to take medicine or get any type of vaccine, but ever since I had Sutton, there was no hesitation. I now will do what I can to keep myself healthy for my family, and that means taking preventative steps like getting the flu shot. Almost all women who will be pregnant during flu season (September through March) should get a flu shot. But it shouldn't be limited to the Moms. Dads should get the flu shot too, as well as any parents, friends or care givers that are going to be around you, your children or your newborn for extended lengths of time. It doesn't matter weather your child is in the NICU or safe at home, the flu vaccine is a great way to protect yourself and your precious baby. Flu shots are safe at any time during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, but if you have any questions or concerns you should reach out to your primary healthcare provider or click the following link to find information, helpful hints, or a clinics near you.
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