Babypalooza Summer 2019

Babypalooza 

Magazine 

Summer 

Fun & Safety 

SUMMER 2019 PRICE $2.95 

Back-to-Work Breastfeeding Tips 

Infertility and Hope • Car Seat Picks 

Babypalooza.com

FOR A BIRTHING EXPERIENCE 

THAT FEELS LIKE HOME, 

WE DELIVER. 

When you’re having a baby, everything we do is focused on your care, comfort and privacy. 

From helping you find an OB/GYN, to offering preparatory classes, to delivering your new bundle of 

joy, we’re with you every step of the way. Our beautiful new women’s center features spacious labor 

and delivery suites and, should the need arise, we have a Level III NICU right here. At Grandview 

Medical Center, we are dedicated to giving your baby a wonderful welcome to the world. 

To find a physician who delivers at Grandview Medical Center or 

to take a virtual tour of the Women’s Center, visit GrandviewOB.com. 

To schedule a tour, call 1-844-GMC-DOCS. 

3690 Grandview Parkway 

Birmingham, AL 35243 

Look Forward.


Magazine 

FOUNDER / CEO 

Cecilia Pearson 

SUMMER 2019 

contents 

BabyPalooza.com 

CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER 

LaTanya Bayles 

ART DIRECTOR 

Amy Heise Murphree 

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS 

Kim Hildenbrand 

Melody Manasco 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Meredith Rowlen 

Courtney Ray 

Holland Williams 

M.O.M. [MASTER OF MOMS] 

Jennifer McCallum 

BABYPALOOZA LIVE! STAFF 

Tori Bishop 

Mexia Hall 

Rita Jamar 

GRANDPARENTS TO PRECIOUS, 

CINNAMON, AND THE GOOSE 

Cecil & Francine 

Lifestages Media Inc., Copyright 2004-2019. Lifestages Media 

Inc. publishes Babypalooza Magazine (formerly Alabama Baby 

& Child) quarterly. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or 

in part without permission is prohibited. Publisher assumes no 

liability for unsolicited art, photographs, manuscripts, or other 

material. 

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in Babypalooza 

Magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily 

reflect the views of Lifestages Media Inc. Information 

provided should not be interpreted as medical instructions; 

editorial content is not intended as medical advice. Consult 

appropriate healthcare professionals prior to taking any action. 

Although great care has been taken in compiling and checking 

the information given in this publication to ensure accuracy, 

the authors, Lifestages Media Inc., and its servants or agents 

shall not be responsible or in any way liable for the continued 

currency of the information or for any errors, omissions, or 

inaccuracies in this magazine, whether arising from negligence 

or otherwise or for any consequences arising therefrom. The 

appearance of an ad in Babypalooza Magazine does not constitute 

an endorsement of that product or service. 

features 

26 Blessed Brokenness 

32 Bringing Winston Home 

departments 

10 Partners in Kids Health: Water Safety 

14 Breastfeeding: Lactation Cookies 

16 Expert Q & A: In Vitro Fertilization 

18 Baby Registry: Car Seat Picks 

22 Back-to-Work Breastfeeding Tips 

38 Family Travel: Making Waves in Nashville 

in every issue 

4 Editor’s Letter 

6 News & Notes 

40 Event Picks 

44 From the Gram 

On the cover: Amelia Grace 

Daughter of & and Jenny McCallum 

Photography by Meredith Rowlen 

contact us 


(205) 440-2229 

Babypalooza.com 

@Babypalooza on social media 

Babypalooza.com 1

What you see are 

proud new parents. 

But what you don’t see is the Baby Yourself Nurse from 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama answering the questions she had 

for a healthy pregnancy. Or that she was able to choose her OB/GYN, thanks 

to the largest network of doctors and hospitals in the state. Or their close 

friends and family receiving a text she sent through the Baby Yourself App, 

letting them know it’s finally time. 

Blue Cross works hard behind the scenes. 

AlabamaBlue.com/NewFamily

SM 

ARDENT TEACHERS. 

ARDENT KIDS. 

DELIGHTED PARENTS. 

WWW.ARDENTPRESCHOOL.COM 

HUNTSVILLE & BIRMINGHAM AREA LOCATIONS

Editor’s Letter 

Editor’s Letter 

WE HAVE A NEW RAY OF SUNSHINE IN THE OFFICE! Meet Jenny! Jenny’s title is 

M.O.M. (Master of Moms). LOL, she picked it. But it’s pretty accurate. 

Jenny is the mother of the ADORABLE 4-month old Amelia Grace who is making 

her modeling debut on the cover!! As a new mom, Jenny told us how hard it was 

to find groups, resources, and activities for moms with infants which brought her to 

Babypalooza. And now it’s her job and her passion to find these resources for you that’s 

why shes the Master of Moms. 

Babypalooza.com is now a website where you interact just like on social media so 

please go find and follow Jenny. Also mark your calendar because Babypalooza LIVE! 

will be in Birmingham on Saturday, August 24 from at The Finley Center at the 

Hoover Met. You can meet Jenny and the rest of #TeamBabypalooza there!! 

Cecilia “CC” Pearson 

Founder & Publisher 

4 Babypalooza.com

News & Notes 

Heather Felder: 

The Dewdrop Doula 

MOMS MEETING MOMS 

Heather Felder always knew she wanted to work in 

the “healing arts.” But it was her own pregnancies 

and births that sparked her passion for serving and 

advocating for new and expecting mothers. 

Known as “the Dewdrop Doula,” Heather is a 

certified DONA birth doula, HypnoBirthing® 

practitioner, and trained placenta encapsulation 

specialist. The last designation is the one that draws 

the most questions. 

“Some assume that my clients and I do weird 

magic, are chasing a celebrity fad, or are hippies,” 

she says. “But in reality, that couldn’t be further from 

the truth.” 

Her journey with placenta encapsulation began 

in 2016 when a family member asked her for a 

referral to an encapsulator and she couldn’t find any 

in the area. 

“I realized our area desperately needed a qualified 

professional encapsulator,” Heather recalls. She 

immediately began training with the International 

Placenta and Postpartum Association (IPPA). 

Strictly adhering to safe and sanitary preparations 

is important to Heather. She is certified with OSHA’s 

Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and has completed 

the ServSafe Food Handler course for the State of 

Alabama. 

Since December 2016, Heather has encapsulated 

more than 150 placentas and created more than 500 

placenta prints and keepsakes. 

“I am now a firm believer and advocate for 

respectful placenta care and encapsulation,” she 

says. “I have seen firsthand the benefits and joy these 

birthing individuals receive from their encapsulation 

and keepsake prints.” 


Though she knows it’s “not for everyone,” she is 

hopeful that our culture will become increasingly 

respectful and accepting of the practice. 

“It is such an honor to be entrusted with this 

magnificent organ and to be trusted to provide 

respectful, safe, high-quality encapsulation for 

individuals in Alabama,” she says. 

Learn more at www.thedewdropdoula.com. 

WHAT IS PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION? 

Placenta encapsulation refers to the process of 

dehydrating the placenta and grinding it into a 

coarse powder, which is placed in small capsules 

for the mother to consume. The practice is derived 

from centuries-old Chinese medicine and has 

gained popularity in the United States, though it is 

controversial. Many believe the benefits include the 

following: 

• Increased milk supply 

• Decreased postpartum bleeding 

• Improved hormone balancing 

• Nutrient replenishment 

• A sense of well-being 

• A happier postpartum period overall 

Note: Some mothers report insomnia, excessive 

energy, and a warm, flushed feeling. Heather notes 

that these symptoms are often easily corrected by 

adjusting consumption amount, increasing fluids and 

food, and changing time of day of consumption. 


News & Notes 

WHAT ARE PLACENTA KEEPSAKES? 

Some families (whether or not they 

choose placenta encapsulation) also 

want a reminder of the organ that 

sustained their child. Heather offers 

three options: 

• Placenta Prints: Watercolor 

imprints display the size, shape, 

and general appearance of the 

placenta. The prints are a 

reminder of why the placenta is 

often called “the tree of life.” 

• Keepsake Cord: The umbilical 

cord can be dehydrated and 

formed into a meaningful shape. 

Many families choose to keep it 

in a shadow box or baby book. 

• Keepsake Pendant: This one-ofa-kind 

jewelry incorporates the 

placenta. 

Start Small. 

It’s never too early to start investing in your child’s future. 

Start small. Start today. Get started at CollegeCounts529.com. 

The CollegeCounts 529 Fund is a qualified tuition program under Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code that is offered by the State of 

Alabama, administered by the Board of Trustees of the ACES Trust Fund (the “Trust” and plan issuer), marketed as the CollegeCounts 529 Fund, 

and Union Bank & Trust Company serves as Program Manager. Accounts and investments under the CollegeCounts 529 Fund are not insured or 

guaranteed by the FDIC, the State of Alabama, the State of Alabama Treasurer, the Board, the Trust, the Program, Union Bank & Trust Company, 

or any other entity. Investment returns are not guaranteed, and you could lose money by investing in the Plan. 

An investor should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses associated with municipal fund securities before 

investing. This and other important information is contained in the fund prospectuses and the CollegeCounts 529 Fund Program Disclosure 

Statement (issuer’s official statement), which can be obtained by calling 866.529.2228 and at CollegeCounts529.com and should be read 

carefully before investing. You can lose money by investing in a portfolio. Each of the portfolios involves investment risks, which are described in 

the Program Disclosure Statement. An investor should consider, before investing, whether the investor’s or designated beneficiary’s home state 

offers any state tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for 

investments in such state’s 529 plan. Investors should consult a tax advisor. 


GROWNUPS WERE 

STUNNED AS HE 

CHARMED THE SERVER 

INTO GIVING HIM 

ICE CREAM WITH 

SPRINKLES AND 

HOT FUDGE, 

ON THE HOUSE! 

C H I L D R E N 

A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY 

and at Children’s of Alabama, we want to 

see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. 

That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring 

minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate 

hearts in pediatric medicine. 

1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 

(205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org 


Partners in Kids Health 

Water Safety: 

Drowning Prevention Tips 

BY KIM HILDENBRAND 

KIDS LOVE WATER—BUT IT CERTAINLY POSES A 

HAZARD. USE THESE STRATEGIES TO HELP KEEP 

YOUR CHILDREN SAFE AT THE BEACH, AT THE POOL, 

AND AT HOME. 

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare: You’re at a pool 

party, you turn your back for a moment, and you 

don’t see one of your children. Then suddenly someone 

finds your child underwater—not breathing, 

blue, and limp. While this may seem like an unlikely 

occurrence, drowning is likely much more prevalent 

than you might think. 

“Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death in 1- to 

4-year-olds and the No. 3 cause of death in 5- to 

18-year-olds,” says Dr. Kathy Monroe, medical 

director of Children’s of Alabama Emergency 

Department. “We worry about cancer and diseases, 

but drowning is actually more common than 

people think.” 

Prevention is the main goal, Dr. Monroe says, 

and it’s important to remember that drowning can be 

easy to miss. “Children don’t scream or yell, ‘Help!’” 

she says. “They flail. They’re usually found face down 

in water. No one sees.” 

WAYS TO HELP PROTECT YOUR CHILD FROM 

DROWNING 

Here are three overall strategies to help keep your 

kids safe around water. 


1Take a CPR class. 

As soon as you know you’re having a child (or if you 

have children in your life), you should take a CPR class. 

Dr. Monroe says this is the best way to protect your child. 

2 

Insist your kids wear life jackets. 

Anytime children are near water—whether on a boat 

or simply spending time on a dock or pier—they need 

to wear a properly fitting life jacket that is approved by 

the U.S. Coast Guard. Other inflatable devices are not 

reliable, according to Dr. Monroe. 

3Enroll your children in swim lessons. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) “recommends 

swim lessons as a layer of protection against 

drowning that can begin for many children starting at 

age 1” and calls swim lessons “a must for most families” 

who have children aged 4 and up. By 4, most children 

can learn basic survival skills, including treading water, 

floating, and accessing an exit point. 

However, Dr. Monroe cautions parents not to treat 

swimming ability as a failsafe solution. “Children 4 

and under still need to stay in arm’s reach,” she says. 

“People can panic in the water.” 

1 

POOL SAFETY STRATEGIES 

“Pool drownings are the most common type we see,” 

Dr. Monroe says. Below are some ways to keep your 

kids safe while swimming. 

1Invest in a fence. 

According to the AAP, the most important safety 

feature for homes with a pool is a four-sided fence that 

surrounds the pool completely and separates it from the 

house. Dr. Monroe emphasizes the importance of 

2 

choosing a solid fence (“Kids can climb chain-link 

fences,” she says) and a self-latching gate that young 

children can’t easily open. 

2 

Remove items from the pool. 

Dr. Monroe recommends that parents remove toys, 

floaties, etc. from the pool when they’re not actively 

using it. Leaving items floating in the pool is tempting 

for curious toddlers who might want to go in to retrieve 

the items, she says. 

3 

3Don’t rely on floaties. 

Arm bands, water wings, and other inflatables can offer 

extra buoyancy and make swimming more fun. However, 

they can lose air and don’t offer reliable protection. 

“Floaties won’t protect a child if they start to drown,” 

Dr. Monroe says. “Don’t have a false sense of security.” 

Pool Rules 

Dr. Monroe calls pool parties “a high-risk 

situation.” In a large group of people, many 

adults may feel comfortable letting the children 

swim … then suddenly people realize 

they can’t see one of the kids. 

The solution? Designate one adult at a time as the designated 

pool watcher (aka lifeguard). This person must give the 

pool their full attention—no texting, no talking on the phone, 

and no daydreaming. Dr. Monroe even suggests having the pool 

watcher wear a lanyard so others will not try to chat. Adults can 

take turns so no one misses the entire party. 

DROWNING PREVENTION AT HOME 

The best way to protect your child at home? “Have a 

healthy respect for standing water,” Dr. Monroe says. 

Here’s what to watch for. 

POOL SAFETY PARENT 

Be careful during bath time. 

When you bathe your child or toddler, follow the 

golden rule: Never leave a child unattended in the tub. 

This is non-negotiable. Dr. Monroe suggests gathering 

everything you need (towel, phone, etc.) so you never 

have a reason to leave the room. 

“You have to be hands-on with an infant,” 

Dr. Monroe cautions. “Even in a little infant tub, if you 

run out to answer the phone, baby can slip underwater, 

and they don’t have the muscle tone to get out.” 

Use a toilet lock. 

Toddlers are curious—and most are fascinated with 

water. Dr. Monroe says a toddler may be interested in 

a toilet and stick their head in to get a look. Unfortunately, 

toddlers are “top heavy” and can’t get back out. 

“We see toilet immersion injuries frequently,” she says. 

The solution: Install a toilet lock. “They’re cheap and 

effective,” Dr. Monroe says. “They keep the child out 

while letting adults open the lid.” 

Be cautious around ponds and fountains. 

A water feature is a beautiful addition to a yard— 

however, for families with children, a pond or fountain 

can pose a real drowning risk. Dr. Monroe suggests either 

waiting until your children are older to install a water 

feature or being extremely attentive when your children 

are outdoors. 


Partners in Kids Health 

4Watch for unlikely sources of standing water. 

“A child can drown in less than an inch of 

water,” says Dr. Monroe. For instance, a bucket 

in the yard collecting rainwater can be deadly 

for a toddler, who might stick their head in the 

bucket and then not be able to get it back out. 

What About Secondary Drowning? 

You’ve probably seen the social media posts 

about dry drowning and secondary drowning, 

but Dr. Monroe says the phenomenon people 

are referring to is actually fairly rare. 

“Secondary drowning is not a true medical 

term,” Dr. Monroe says. She explains that after 

being submerged in water, a child can get a 

secondary inflammation that results in a cough 

that worsens over time. 

“The media conveys dry drowning as a 

dramatic event,” she says, “but it’s actually an 

insidious, slow-onset situation.” 

If a child has a minor situation while 

swimming (for instance sputtering or 

swallowing water), you should watch them 

at home for the next 72 hours. Look for 

symptoms such as persistent coughing and 

difficulty breathing. “Parents know what 

normal breathing looks like,” Dr. Monroe says. 

“The ribs should not be pulling to breathe.” 

If you remove your child from a pool and 

perform CPR, the child will usually start 

coughing and sputtering. At that point, Dr. 

Monroe says, it’s still crucial to get them to a 

physician for an evaluation. After submersion, 

there’s a 6- to 12-hour period during which 

they can worsen, according to Dr. Monroe. 

She emphasizes the need to bring a child in 

for a medical assessment as well as watch them 

carefully—even if they seem fine. 

GROWNUPS WERE 

STUNNED AS HE 

CHARMED THE SERVER 

INTO GIVING HIM 

ICE CREAM WITH 

SPRINKLES AND 

HOT FUDGE, 

ON THE HOUSE! 

C H I L D R E N 

A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY 

and at Children’s of Alabama, we want to 

see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. 

That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring 

minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate 

hearts in pediatric medicine. 

Find more informative articles on 

kids health on the app or at 


1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 

(205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org 


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Breastfeeding 

Lactation Cookies 

BY MEGHAN RATLIFF 

BY EMILY FORSYTHE 

DESPERATE TO INCREASE YOUR 

MILK SUPPLY? Looking for a 

high-fiber snack to curb your midnursing 

cravings? These refined 

sugar-free lactation cookies 

re great to have on hand, 

especially in those first few weeks 

and months postpartum. Packed 

with wholesome ingredients such 

as oats and ground flaxseed, these 

lactation cookies are great for 

boosting milk supply and keeping 

mom full between meals. They 

also contain brewer’s yeast, which 

is a nutritional supplement said 

to increase milk supply—it does 

have a bitter taste so it’s used 

sparingly here. This version calls 

for white chocolate chips and 

raisins, which help to mask 

the bitterness of the yeast, but 

feel free to substitute dark or 

semi-sweet chocolate. 

Download the app or visit 

Babypalooza.com for more 

recipes from Emily. 


RECIPE 

Makes about 20–24 cookies depending 

on the size of scoop used 

1 cup butter 

1¼ cups pure maple syrup 

2 eggs 

1 teaspoon vanilla 

1½ cups whole wheat flour 

3 tablespoons ground flax 

2–4 tablespoons brewer’s yeast 

1 teaspoon cinnamon 

1 teaspoon baking soda 

1 teaspoon salt 

3 cups old-fashioned oats 

3/4 cup white chocolate chips 

3/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

2. Cream the butter and maple syrup in the bowl of 

an electric mixer. It will still look separated, but 

will come together once the other ingredients are 

added. 

3. Add eggs and vanilla and mix to combine. 

4. Mix the flour, flax, brewer’s yeast, cinnamon, 

baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. 

5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix to 

combine, scraping down the sides of the bowl 

as needed. 

6. Stir in the oats, chocolate chips, and raisins and 

mix until just combined. 

7. Scoop with a cookie (or ice cream) scoop onto 

a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 

approximately 9 minutes, until the bottoms are 

golden. 

8. Let sit on pan for a few minutes and then remove 

to a cooling rack. 

9. Store covered at room temperature for several days. 

Recipe Notes and substitutions: 

• Omit raisins if desired. Substitute dark chocolate 

for white chocolate chips if preferred. 

• Coconut oil can be substituted for butter with 

similar results. 

• This dough freezes well. Simply scoop dough onto 

a parchment-lined baking sheet and flash freeze 

until set. Then bag cookies in a freezer bag and 

store until needed. When ready to bake, there is 

no need to thaw dough (keep in mind that cold 

dough will not spread quite as much as room 

temperature but that doesn’t affect the taste). 

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Expert Q & A 

In Vitro Fertilization 

BY MEGHAN RATLIFF 

DEIDRE D. GUNN, MD, FACOG 

Deidre Downs Gunn, MD, is a reproductive 

endocrinologist and infertility 

specialist at UAB, where she is the 

medical director of the IVF program. 

She is a native of Birmingham and 

was Miss America 2005. 

WHAT IS IN VITRO FERTILIZATION? 

In vitro fertilization, or IVF, is an 

assisted reproductive technique that 

involves combining a woman’s eggs 

and a man’s sperm in the laboratory, 

growing the resulting embryos, and 

then transferring an embryo back into 

the uterus a few days after fertilization. 

This usually involves taking 

fertility medications to stimulate the 

ovaries. During the stimulation, the 

ovaries’ response to the medications is 

monitored every couple of days with 

ultrasounds and labwork. When it’s 

time to harvest the eggs, you undergo 

an egg retrieval procedure, which 

is a vaginal procedure done under 

sedation and usually takes about 30 

minutes. The eggs are mixed with the 

sperm in the lab, and usually one or 

two embryos are placed back into the 

uterus on day 3 or 5 following the egg 

retrieval. This is called a “fresh” 

transfer when it’s done a few days 

after the retrieval. You can also 

transfer one of your embryos that was 

frozen in an earlier IVF cycle, which 

is called a “frozen transfer.” After an 

embryo is placed in the uterus, you 

wait 10–14 days and then take a 

pregnancy test to find out if the 

transfer has resulted in a pregnancy. 

I’VE HEARD ABOUT PEOPLE FREEZING 

THEIR EGGS FOR LATER. WHAT DOES 

THAT MEAN, AND SHOULD I DO IT TO 

GUARANTEE MY FERTILITY IN 

THE FUTURE? 

There are several reasons women 

might choose to freeze their eggs. For 

reproductive-aged women diagnosed 

with cancer who want to preserve their 

fertility in the future, egg freezing can 

be done before the ovaries are affected 

or damaged by chemotherapy. Other 

women (without cancer) choose to 

freeze their eggs for a chance at future 

pregnancy if you don’t have a partner 

or don’t want to be pregnant right 

now. The rationale is to preserve your 

(younger, better-quality) eggs now 

since egg count and quality decline 

with age. This decline becomes worse 

around age 37, on average, and it 

begins to accelerate after the age of 40. 

Freezing eggs now allows you to freeze 

younger, better-quality eggs that can be 

fertilized later using sperm from your 

future partner or with donor sperm. 

The important thing to remember is 

that freezing your eggs is never a guarantee 

of pregnancy. Also, some women 

need more than one egg-freezing cycle 

to obtain enough eggs for a reasonable 

chance at future pregnancy. 

Infertility can be caused by many different factors, and often it’s 

a combination of factors in both the male and female partners. 


MY PARTNER IS HEALTHY AND HAS HAD 

CHILDREN BEFORE, SO HE SAYS HE’S NOT THE 

PROBLEM. WHY DOES HE NEED A SEMEN ANALYSIS? 

Male infertility is either the primary factor or at 

least a contributing factor in 40–50% of couples 

with infertility. Because men’s sperm counts and 

motility can vary over time due to illness, stress, 

overweight or obesity, substance use, or hormone 

problems, the semen analysis is an important part 

of a couple’s testing so that any sperm problems 

can be addressed along with any contributing 

female factors. 

IF I HAVE INFERTILITY, IS IVF MY ONLY OPTION 

FOR TREATMENT? 

Infertility can be caused by many different 

factors, and often it’s a combination of factors in 

both the male and female partners. Depending 

on the results of your testing (which can include 

labwork, ultrasound, semen analysis, and a test to 

see if your fallopian tubes are open), there may be 

several treatment options available to you. It may 

be as simple as taking a thyroid medication, taking 

a pill for 5 days in the early part of your cycle to 

help with ovulation, or doing an insemination 

with your partner’s sperm (or donor sperm, if you 

don’t have a partner) around the time of ovulation. 

For some patients, IVF is the only way to achieve 

pregnancy. For example, if your fallopian tubes are 

blocked so that the egg and sperm can’t meet to 

create a pregnancy, or if your egg count/egg quality 

is poor, or if the sperm counts are extremely low— 

these are all reasons that IVF might be the initial or 

only option to get pregnant. 

MY DOCTOR SAYS I NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT BEFORE 

I START FERTILITY TREATMENT. WHY DOES MY 

WEIGHT MATTER? 

Extremes of weight (being too thin or too heavy) 

can affect your fertility and pregnancy outcomes. 

Obesity, which is a BMI of 30 or higher, affects many 

reproductive-aged women in the U.S. Obesity can 

cause problems with ovulation and fertility. The 

good news is that research shows a fertility benefit 

even with modest weight loss (i.e. 5–10% of your 

body weight). When you become pregnant, obesity 

can greatly increase the risk of complications to 

mom and baby, including miscarriage, birth defects, 

hypertensive (blood pressure) disorders, gestational 

diabetes, stillbirth, preterm labor, and C-section risk. 


Baby Registry 

Car Seat Picks 


IT’S SAFE TO SAY THAT THERE IS NO PURCHASE MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOUR BABY’S CAR SEAT. 

If you are a mommy-to-be, you probably have already covered every sharp edge in your home and have 

installed more safety latches on your cabinets and drawers than you can count. 

At the end of the day, no safety measure that you take for your baby is as crucial as choosing the 

perfect car seat. With so many products on the market, all offering different features and claiming to be 

“the best,” we understand how overwhelming this purchase can be—especially for first-timers. In honor 

of National Child Passenger Safety Month, which occurs each September, we’ve narrowed down the top 

baby car seats of 2019. 

Chicco 

Chicco KeyFit 30 

Chicco 

$200 

They don’t call it the #1-rated infant 

car seat in America for nothing! This 

baby car seat is easy to install with a 

Recline Sure® leveling foot and Ride 

Right® bubble level indicators. It 

offers removable newborn head and 

body supports and is intended for 

infants up to 30 pounds and 30 

inches in height. 

The carrier’s foam design keeps 

your baby safe with its ability to 

absorb energy from an impact. The 

five-point harness keeps your baby in 

place, and the canopy blocks the sun, 

keeping your baby comfortable at 

all times. 


Graco 4Ever® 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat 

Graco 

$300 

Does 10 years with one car seat sound too good 

to be true? Well, it’s not! This comfortable, 

convenient seat transitions from a rear-facing 

infant car seat (4 to 40 pounds) to a forwardfacing 

5-point harness seat (22 to 65 pounds) to 

a high-back belt-positioning booster seat (30 to 

100 pounds). 

The Simply Safe Adjust Harness System 

and 10-position headrest make it easy to achieve 

the perfect fit, and the 6-position recline ensures 

your child is comfortable. Best of all, the seat is 

easy to install thanks to the InRight LATCH 

system with one-second attachment. It’s truly 

the only car seat you’ll ever need! 

Graco 

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 with Base 

Peg Perego 

$300 

The innovative and upscale shell design of 

the Primo Viaggio 4-35 optimizes your baby’s 

safety and comfort as they grow. The Side 

Impact Protection is adjustable to six different 

positions, protecting your baby’s head and 

shoulders at any size. The energy absorbing 

lined shell enhances your baby’s protection, 

and the Dual Stage Cushion System properly 

positions your baby’s head and shoulders within 

the protected side wings. It also includes an 

anti-rebound bar for protection in the event of 

a collision. This car seat is for babies up to 35 

pounds and 32 inches in height. 

Peg Perego 

UPPAbaby MESA 

UPPAbaby 

$300 

The MESA is the only infant car seat with 

technology utilizing a tightness indicator and 

self-retracting LATCH connectors for fast, 

accurate, and easy installation. The seat has 

an indicator window that changes from red to 

green to ensure you know the base has been installed 

correctly. Its integrated headrest design 

keeps your baby’s head station in the event of a 

side impact collision. The EPP foam constructed 

wings distribute crash forces, minimizing head 

trauma and whiplash. The MESA holds infants 

up to 35 pounds and 32 inches in height. 

UPPAbaby 


Baby Registry 

CYBEX Aton 2 

Cybex 

$300 

Safety is a top priority for CYBEX. Their 

Aton 2 car seat builds on the latest safety 

technologies and is for babies up to 35 

pounds and 30 inches tall. The height 

adjustable Load Leg absorbs and distributes 

energy to the floor of your vehicle, reducing 

forces on your child. It keeps your little one 

in the perfect position for maximum crash 

protection, preventing the seat from turning 

forward. The L.S.P. System absorbs any side 

impact, and the entire shell absorbs shock 

from potential collisions. 

Cybex 

Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 MAX Convertible Car Seat 

Maxi-Cosi 

$330 

The Pria 85 MAX is top rated for superior 

safety, comfort, and best fit in your vehicle. 

Its FlexTech provides multi-directional 

crash energy management, and Air Protect 

gives advanced side impact protection. The 

premium seat padding also keeps your baby 

comfortable during their ride. This car seat 

fits children rear-facing starting at 5 pounds 

(with removable insert cushions for a snug 

fit) and up to 85 pounds. 

Maxi-Cosi 

Britax Marathon ClickTight ARB Convertible 

Car Seat 

Britax 

$310 

Created by the #1 brand in safety technology, 

the Britax Marathon ClickTight ARB Convertible 

Car Seat features a ClickTight Installation 

System, making it as easy as buckling a 

seatbelt to install. Your little one will be safe 

and secure surrounded by the SafeCell Impact 

Protection and the Side Impact Protection. 

This car seat also has an Anti-Rebound 

Bar, which minimizes forces associated with 

crashes and stabilizes the car seat when it’s 

rear facing. The 14-position, quick-adjust 

harness easily adapts to your growing child, 

allowing it to fit children up to 49 inches in 

height and hold children up to 65 pounds. 

Britax 


Breastfeeding 

Back-to-Work 

Breastfeeding Tips 

BREASTFEEDING CAN BE A LEARNING CURVE FOR ANY NEW MOM. BUT FOR THOSE 

HEADING BACK TO WORK, IT CAN TAKE SOME ADDITIONAL PLANNING. 

“Magical breastmilk allows you to be both places at once: work and with your baby via 

the bottle!” says Moorea Malatt, CLEC Lactation Counselor-Educator, Sleep Educator 

and Consultant at SavvyParentingSupport.com. “Still, it is important to stay realistic 

that keeping supply up while pumping and working requires thought, planning, and 

commitment.” 

Working moms who breastfeed must make room in their schedule for pumping, find a 

good spot to pump (if one doesn’t already exist), and figure out where to store their milk. 

Practicality aside, they may deal with less-than-supportive managers or coworkers. 

We asked few working moms about their experiences and compiled our best advice for 

successfully balancing work and breastfeeding. 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

5 CHALLENGES OF PUMPING AT WORK 

We asked three working moms about the hardest 

things about pumping at work. Here’s what they had 

to say. 

Scheduling Challenges: “Life happens, and things 

get in the way of pumping,” new mom Molly told us. 

Though coworkers were initially supportive of her 

schedule, they’d forget over time and schedule meetings 

that interfered with pumping time. 

Time-Consuming Nature: “Breastfeeding while working 

is similar to having two full time jobs,” new mom 

Sonya says. Molly agrees: “There is a lot of time 

eaten up each day by pumping, washing pump parts, 

thinking about the pump schedule and how that fits 

with daily activities, writing on bags to freeze extra, 

rearranging the freezer contents to make milk fit, ordering 

new pump parts and bags, and reading tons of 

mom blogs on how to make pumping sessions more 

efficient,” she says. 

Privacy Issues: Not every mom is fortunate enough 

to have a private space for pumping. New mom 

Kendal had to pump in a space that included 

restroom stalls and a shower. “I would sit in there 

pumping for two or three times a day, 20 minutes 

each time, listening to people go to the bathroom 

and take showers,” she recalls. Sometimes people 

would hear her pump whirring and poke their heads 

around the corner to see what she was doing. 

Dipping Milk Supply: Molly noticed that her milk 

supply would dip if she became ill, didn’t drink 

enough water, experienced stress, or deviated from 

her pumping schedule. She combated the issue by 

taking Fenugreek (a seed used in herbalism) and 

doing her best to stay hydrated. 

Requires Lots of Gear: Heading to the office 

sometimes feels like packing for an overnight trip. 

Moms need to bring a pump, pump part, hands-free 

bra, milk bags, bottles, a Sharpie, hand sanitizer, 

wipes, and so on. Whew! 

MAKE A PLAN FOR PUMPING AT WORK 

If you know you’ll return to work after your baby 

is born, it’s a good idea to make a plan early on. 

Consider these tips. 

Prepare Yourself: While you’re still on maternity 

leave, you should work toward establishing a strong 

breastfeeding relationship so your milk supply holds 

up. You should also secure a high-quality breast 

pump and experiment with bottles to find which 

works best. 

Communicate With Your Employer: Ask your HR 

department about the company’s lactation policies. 

Make sure you understand the guidelines regarding 

time and place. Many companies would also like 

you to write a letter outlining your lactation plan. 

Practice Self-Care: It’s easy to become stressed when 

you’re juggling parenthood and work. Make sure 

you are eating nutritious meals and drinking enough 

water. Consider bringing along soothing music 

and a photo of your baby to make pumping easier. 

“Utilize the time you legally have to pump as a way 

to decompress, think about your gorgeous baby, 

and breathe deeply,” Malatt advises. “We let down 

(milk ready to flow) more quickly and easily and 

make more milk when we are relaxed.” 

If you know you’ll return to 

work after your baby is born, 

it’s a good idea to make 

a plan early on. 


Breastfeeding 

BREASTFEEDING EMPLOYEES & THE LAW 

Not every employer is familiar with the ins and outs 

of breastfeeding, so you may need to be proactive. 

“Know that you have the right to express comfortably 

and in privacy and for a reasonable amount of 

time, and stand up for yourself,” Malatt advises. 

Thankfully for working mothers, laws exist to 

make breastfeeding and working more compatible. 

The federal “Break Time for Nursing Mothers” law 

was enacted in 2010. It applies to most hourly wageearning 

employees and some salaried (nonexempt) 

employees. This law covers two key factors: 

Time: When it comes to breastfeeding and pumping, 

there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. This law stipulates 

that employers must provide “reasonable” break 

time for one year after the child is born. 

Space: The law also stipulates that employers must 

offer a completely private space (“that is shielded 

from view and free from intrusion from coworkers 

and the public”) that is not a bathroom. However, 

that doesn’t mean every employer must create 

a permanent space that is devoted solely to 

breastfeeding employees. 

Are pump breaks paid or unpaid? The law does 

not require pumping breaks to be paid. But if an 

employee already receives paid breaks and pumps 

milk during those times (or during a meal break), 

wage would not be affected. 

What about small businesses? The law says that 

any employer that employs fewer than 50 employees 

may not be subject to the requirements if they would 

“impose an undue hardship by causing the employer 

significant difficulty or expense.” Translation? 

If you’re working for a tiny company, it simply 

may not be possible for them to accommodate all 

your needs. 

5 Features of a Work Lactation Space 

If no lactation room exists within your company, you may 

even have an opportunity to provide input. Keep in mind 

three traits when setting up a lactation room: private, safe, 

and clean. It cannot be a bathroom, and it must not be a 

space where coworkers or customers can see inside. It 

should also be comfortable, with good lighting and ventilation. 

Here are some elements to include: 

1. Seating: You want a comfy chair that offers support 

for an employee to sit up straight to pump comfortably. 

(A squishy sofa is less than ideal!) 

2. A spot for the breast pump: You need a flat surface 

for the pump (such as a countertop) as well as electrical 

outlet access. 

3. Refrigerator access: You’ll need a small fridge nearby 

to keep pumped milk cold. 

4. Sink access: This is necessary so employees can 

wash their hands and rinse their pump parts afterward. 

However, Malatt notes, “It is safe to store your pump 

parts in a bag in a fridge between pumpings so you 

don’t have to clean them multiple times.” 

5. A locking door and/or “occupied” sign: This is 

important for privacy. 

The above features are the minimum. Some employers go 

the extra mile when creating a lactation space. You might see 

footrests, clocks, mirrors, computer terminals or telephones, 

and even decor. If multiple employees are nursing babies, 

it’s also a good idea to set up a system so they can reserve 

the room: for instance, a Google calendar or sign-up sheet. 

What If Your Employer Won’t Comply? 

If your employer refuses to comply with the law, you can 

file a complaint by contacting the U.S. Department of Labor 

Wage and Hour Division (WHD): Call toll-free 1-800-487-9243 

or visit www.dol.gov/whd. 

In order to file your complaint, you’ll need to tell them 

your name, your address and phone number, the name of 

the company where you work (or worked), the company’s 

location and phone number, the name of the manager or 

owner, what type of work you did, when and how you were 

paid, the birth date of your breastfeeding child, and a 

description of your concern. 

Be assured the process is free and confidential. If you file 

a complaint, your employer cannot retaliate by firing you or 

discriminating against you. 


Live life on your terms. 

AlfaInsurance.com


Family Travel 

Blessed 

Brokenness 

RIGHT PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOLLAND WILLIAMS OF HOLLAND WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY. 


THREE-AND-A-HALF-YEAR-OLD TYSON AND ANNIE 

MOURON WERE BORN JUST 6 WEEKS APART. They 

are biological siblings and not twins, although they’ve 

been raised as twins—in fact, their parents call them 

“twiblings.” How is this possible? 

Allyson and Lewis Mouron began trying to conceive 

fairly soon after they got married. “We always knew 

we wanted kids,” Allyson says. “I’m one of three and 

he is one of three.” Because Allyson’s cycles had never 

been regular, she was nervous about her ability to get 

pregnant. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts, the 

Mourons decided to seek help from their OB/GYN. 

Clomid, an oral treatment for certain types of female 

infertility didn’t work, so they went to a fertility specialist, 

Dr. Cecil Long: a board-certified reproductive 

endocrinologist and the co-founder of America Institute 

of Reproductive Medicine – Alabama (AIRM). 

The next four years were a whirlwind. Allyson was 

diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 

unexplained infertility—a frustrating diagnosis shared 

by approximately 15 percent of couples who deal with 

infertility. She underwent a handful of exploratory 

surgeries. They tried three fresh IVF cycles and three 

frozen IVF cycles. They endured five miscarriages. 

They’d tried everything. At that point, Dr. Long 

referred them to a physician who had experience with 

surrogacy: Dr. Gilbert Mottla of Shady Grove Fertility 

in Annapolis, Maryland. Their surrogate’s first attempt 

ended with a failed cycle. The second attempt resulted 

in a pregnancy—however, the couple’s joy turned to 

heartache when their surrogate called them 10.5 weeks 

into the pregnancy to alert them of her miscarriage. 

“We were devastated,” Allyson recalls. “We were at 

the end of our rope. We didn’t know which way was 

up or where to turn.” But Allyson still clung to hope. 

“God gave me the desire to be a mom,” she says. “I had 

trust and faith.” 

On the recommendation of a friend, she read the 

book “The Hardest Peace,” which is about pursuing 

God in the midst of brokenness. “For the first time, I 

got to a place of surrender,” Allyson says. “It wasn’t 

about us, the doctors, or all the procedures. I thought, 

God, this is too hard our way. You know what’s best. 

I surrendered our expectations.” 


They are biological siblings and not twins, although they’ve 

Dr. Mottla asked the couple to consider trying one 

more time, and the surrogate agreed. She began preparing 

her body for another pregnancy. 

Meanwhile, Allyson went to Dr. Long for her annual 

exam. They discussed putting her on birth control and 

decided to perform an ultrasound to check for cysts. 

During the ultrasound, the nurse’s eyes filled with 

tears. Allyson was startled, wondering if there was a 

problem, and then the nurse pointed to the screen. 

“Allyson, that flickering is a heartbeat,” the nurse said. 

“You’re pregnant.” 

The moment, Allyson says, was like “an out-of-body 

experience.” After four years of trying with no success, 

she was floored to realize she was expecting a baby. And 

not only was she expecting, she was also 8 weeks along! 

“I had never gotten that far in a pregnancy before,” 

Allyson says. “A sense of peace came over me. This 

baby was a gift from God, and I felt that God was taking 

care of the baby.” 

Meanwhile, their surrogate was preparing her body to 

receive the couple’s embryo. Allyson and Lewis prayed 

about what to do. They ultimately decided that if God’s 

plan was to doubly bless them, they’d gratefully accept 

that gift. 

The day they told their surrogate they were pregnant, 

she said through tears, “The day I miscarried, I asked 

the elders at church to pray for you. One of the elders 

told me he prayed that God would perform a miracle 

and give you two babies.” Amazingly, their surrogate 

became pregnant. 

During Allyson’s pregnancy, the couple gathered 

their friends and family at a gender reveal party. They 

popped the balloon and blue confetti flew out— 

a baby boy! 

And then came another surprise … their loved ones 

didn’t know their surrogate was also pregnant, so the 


een raised as twins—in fact, their parents call them “twiblings.” 

party guests were amazed when another balloon was 

brought out. This time, pink confetti flew everywhere. 

Their surrogate was pregnant with a girl. 

Allyson had an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth, 

and the couple were thrilled to welcome baby Tyson 

into the world. Six weeks later, they flew to Ohio the 

day before their surrogate underwent a C-section to 

welcome baby Annie. 

Three-and-a-half years later, the couple still count 

their blessings. Tyson is “all boy,” his mom says. He 

loves trucks, balls, superheroes, and Paw Patrol. He’s a 

bit timid, a pleaser, and a snuggler, she says. He has his 

mommy’s heart and he’s his dad’s little buddy. 

Annie is “all girl.” She’s into dance, makeup, and 

dolls. She’s spunky, dramatic, loud, and full of life. She 

has her daddy’s heart, and she’s her mom’s best friend. 

“Our story couldn’t have been written any better,” 

Allyson says. “God had a hand in this. It was so beyond 

our control. We are so grateful to have a healthy boy 

and a healthy girl. It was all so worth it.” 


Blessed 

Brokenness 

WITH THEIR PRAYERS ANSWERED AND THEIR FAM- 

ILY COMPLETE, ALLYSON AND LEWIS DECIDED THEY 

WANTED TO SHARE THEIR STORY AND HELP OTHER 

COUPLES DEALING WITH INFERTILITY. 

“For most people, fertility is not only a burden due to 

heartache,” Allyson says, “but also a financial burden.” 

The couple were in a position to give. During a conversation 

with Dr. Long and Nurse-Practitioner Karen 

Hammond, Karen mentioned she was on the board of 

a nonprofit organization called Blessed Brokenness. 

The organization began three years ago when Ann 

Adams wrote a curriculum called “A Blessed Womb,” 

which was designed to shine the light of Christ into 

brokenness. Mallory Wear was in the first “A Blessed 

Womb” study group, and the pair immediately hit it off. 

Allyson met with Ann and Mallory, and their connection 

was instantaneous. All three women were dedicated 

to helping other couples struggling with fertility. 

Ann is co-founder and president, Mallory is co-founder 

and Executive Director of Strategy and Business Development, 

and Allyson is Executive Director of Communications 

and Donor Development. 

They serve more than 100 women through small 

groups, and plan to expand the curriculum to cover 

topics such as marriage, postpartum anxiety and depression, 

and infant loss. 

Their second goal is to offer financial assistance to 

married couples who could use support with the high 

cost of fertility treatments. The organization solicits 

support from individuals and companies and also apply 

for grants. 

Blessed Brokenness is currently establishing criteria 

for couples to apply for financial assistance, and they 

anticipate that applications will be accepted starting in 

fall 2019. An anonymous committee (not including the 

three of them) will review the applications. 

Learn More 

To learn more about the organization, whether 

you want to donate or seek assistance, visit their 

website at blessedbrokenness.org. You can also 

follow them on Facebook and Instagram 

@blessedbrokenness. 

LEFT PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY COURTNEY RAY OF LOVE BEHIND THE LENS 


is a proud supporter of 

HYDRATE 

your day

Bringing 

Winston 

Home 

BY LYNN DEVORA-MCNABB 

& KIM HILDENBRAND 


A MOM AND OBGYN BATTLES PREECLAMPSIA AND BRINGS HOME A HEALTHY BABY BOY. 

Excited. Slightly overwhelmed. Cautiously optimistic. 

Those were Julie Taylor’s emotions when she and her 

husband, Craig, found out they were expecting a baby. 

In the past, the Taylors struggled with infertility and 

opted for adoption as the path to becoming parents. 

They adopted their daughter Cady Riley, now age 5. 

“I asked God to take away the desire for another child 

if that wasn’t in His plan,” Julie recalls. “For a few years 

it wasn’t, and then the desire came back and I knew 

I wanted one more chance to have a baby.” 

This was Julie’s first time being pregnant. Regardless 

of any potential complications she knew might arise, 

her overwhelming feeling was one of peace and 

gratefulness for this blessing from God. 

A TROUBLING CONDITION 

When Julie was around 24 weeks pregnant, her blood 

pressure began to rise. Julie, who happens to be an 

OBGYN at the Women’s Center at Brookwood Medical 

Center, knew that this time also coincided with a baby’s 

ability to survive outside the womb—however, she also 

knew the health issues for babies born this early. 

“I’m not an anxious person, but I did start to worry 

a bit,” Julie recalls. “My doctor (and my friend who 

went to residency with me) was very reassuring, and 

I trusted her completely. Not only was she watching 

out for me, but all of my partners were keeping an eye 

on me [while] praying for me and my family. This was 

such a comforting force.” 

Julie kept in mind that every day she could stay 

pregnant meant one fewer day her baby would be 

in the NICU. However, she was exhausted, and her 

swelling began to worsen. She kept working, knowing 

she had a maternity leave coming up, and figured she 

was just tired from her busy life as a mom of a 

vivacious 5-year-old, and wife, and full-time doctor. 

Finally her diagnosis was official: She had preeclampsia, 

and it was clearly taking a toll on her body. 

LIVING WITH PREECLAMPSIA 

“One day at a time.” That’s how Julie tackled life with 

preeclampsia. She started with the basics: Is the baby 

moving? Once the answer was yes, she checked to 

ensure her blood pressure was stable. 

As an OBGYN, she’d advised plenty of patients in 

the same situation; however, she says, “It was different 

when I had to take my own advice! Very humbling.” 

As her pregnancy continued, Julie started working half- 


days because her blood pressure was rising—even with 

medication. 

On her first half-day, she went for an ultrasound 

and the doctor told her she was struggling to get good 

blood flow through the umbilical cord. 

Dr. Aultman said, “You know you need to be 

admitted.” “I know,” Julie replied. 

She was 31 weeks pregnant. 

THE ARRIVAL OF BABY WINSTON 

That night in the hospital, Julie prayed. She prayed for 

her baby’s safety, for his little lungs, for her own safety, 

and for the safety of her husband and daughter. She 

relished every moment and every movement because 

she knew her pregnancy was drawing to an end. She 

was scheduled for a C-section the following day. 

It was a difficult night. The next day at 1 p.m., baby 

Winston entered the world. Julie’s partners prayed for 

her before and after the procedure. 

Winston weighed 2 pounds 6 ounces. Julie and Craig 

were shocked at how tiny their baby boy was, but they 

agreed his first cries were the sweetest sound in the world. 

“My c-section was smooth, the staff were my friends, 

and the nurses were comforting and kind,” Julie says. 

“I can’t imagine delivering anywhere else but at my 

home hospital. They were fantastic.” 

63 DAYS IN THE NICU 

Winston was here, but the Taylors’ journey was just 

beginning. Their time in the NICU at the Women’s 

Center at Brookwood Medical Center, Julie says, was 

“scary and humbling.” 

Julie soaked up the knowledge and leaned on the 

neonatologists for support. His vital signs are OK 

became her mantra. 

“The NICU was my safe place,” she says. “They 

took such good care of us.” 

At one point, Winston developed an infection 

in his leg from an IV line that required a visit to 

Children’s of Alabama. 

It was nerve-racking leaving their home hospital 

for a less familiar facility, but Julie was grateful when 

she realized the nurse at Children’s was actually one 

of her patients. “I almost cried when I recognized her,” 

Julie says. She also saw a Brookwood nursepractitioner 

at Children’s who was already familiar 

with Winston’s care. 

When they returned to Brookwood, Winston 

continued to grow stronger and bigger and less 

dependent on tubes every single day. “It was a miracle 

to watch,” Julie says. 

To preserve some of her maternity leave to spend 

at home with Winston, Julie went back to work. She 

spent the evenings with Craig and Cady Riley, and she 

spent early mornings, lunchtime, and any other spare 

moments with baby Winston. 

A SONG WITH SPECIAL MEANING 

Though the NICU can be a scary place for some families, 

the Taylors took the experience in stride. It helped 

that they were surrounded by people who loved them. 

“Some of my senior partners prayed over Winston 

in the NICU daily,” Julie recalls. “We were surrounded 

by prayer. My family and friends were amazing, from 

calls to texts. We never once felt we were alone in all 

of this.” 

The song “Jesus, You Alone” took on a special 

meaning for the Taylor family. Julie and Craig sang it 

while they prayed over Winston both at Brookwood 

and at Children’s, and Julie played the song the first 

time she held her baby boy. 

“It was so comforting to know that the Lord was with 

us and in total control,” Julie says. “This has continued 

to be a special song, and I think of God’s faithfulness 

and what a miracle Winston is every time I hear it.” 

LIFE WITH WINSTON 

And then it was time to bring Winston home. The 

feeling, Julie says, “was like a big sigh of relief. Like 

such a big weight was lifted off us.” 

Cady Riley was thrilled to have her baby brother 

and her mommy and daddy home as a family. The four 

settled into normal family life. 

Winston is now a happy 1-year-old who crawls and 

cruises everywhere. He and Cady Riley have a sweet 

sibling relationship, and their parents love watching 

their bond strengthen. 

“He’s a happy baby, and for all the time he spent in 

the NICU, you can’t tell he was a preemie!” Julie says. 

He’s had follow-up appointments and passed all his 

visits with flying colors. He does wear a helmet due to 

a flat area of his head from the long NICU stay, but it’s 

temporary. 

Julie and Craig are so grateful for the health of baby 

Winston. “I know that not every mom gets a truly 

healthy baby,” Julie says. “I know that pregnancy is 

easy for some and hard for others. But God is faithful 

and hopefully, through our journey, someone else has 

hope and comfort from someone who faced the same 

struggle.” 

Another silver lining? While preeclampsia was certainly 

a challenge, Julie realized early on that the experience 

would make her a better doctor. “I knew that 

God was allowing some of these experiences,” she says, 

“so that I could hopefully be able to bless someone else 

that was going through something similar.” 

34 Babypalooza.comalooza.com

While preeclampsia was certainly a challenge, Julie realized early on that the 

experience would make her a better doctor. “I knew that God was allowing 

some of these experiences,” she says, “so that I could hopefully be able to 

bless someone else that was going through something similar.” 

35

ADVICE FROM JULIE 

A preeclampsia diagnosis, early delivery, and 63-day 

NICU stay is a lot for anyone to handle. OBGYN 

and mom Julie Taylor offers advice for overcoming 

adversity like this. 

1. Find the right doctor. It’s so important to have a 

doctor you trust, Julie says. “I knew that we were 

being well taken care of and trusted my doctor with 

the care of my precious son,” she says. 

2. Reach out to others in similar situations. 

According to Julie, 10 percent of all babies are born 

early—which means you’re not alone. “So many 

people have gone through something similar,” she 

says. Talk to people, and reach out and ask for help. 

A friend of a friend who’s traveled a similar path can 

be a true comfort. 

3. Surround yourself with a supportive community. 

“My sense of community was widened when I realized 

how many people supported and prayed for us in the 

hospital,” Julie says. “I still now, a year later, have 

people ask me in the hospital ‘How is your little boy?’ 

My husband and I couldn’t have made it through 

without them.” 

What Is Preeclampsia? 

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can occur after 

20 weeks of pregnancy. A pregnant woman with normal 

blood pressure can suddenly experience pregnancy-related 

complications marked by high blood pressure and indications 

of damage to organs such as the liver and kidneys. 

A diagnosis of preeclampsia can be frightening, but if 

untreated, it can also lead to serious complications––or 

even death––for mother and baby. Doctors agree that the 

best treatment is a quick delivery of the baby. It can take 

some time for the mother to recover after the baby has 

been delivered. 

What Are the Symptoms? 

Preeclampsia can exhibit differently; some women experience 

no symptoms, while others do. One of the noted 

markers is a change in blood pressure. High blood pressure 

may develop slowly or rapidly. This is why prenatal 

care and monitoring a mother’s blood pressure is important. 

Always attend your prenatal office visits, so your 

health care provider can maintain accurate blood pressure 

records. 

You should immediately contact your physician or go to an 

emergency room if you experience any of the following 

symptoms: 

• Severe breathing difficulties (caused by fluid in the 

lungs) 

• Severe blurred vision or other disturbances in vision 

(such as temporary vision loss) 

• Severe abdominal pain 

• Severe headaches 

Here are some of the other signs and symptoms of 

preeclampsia: 

• Sudden swelling (mainly in the face and hands) or 

weight gain 

• Weakened liver function 

• Reduced urination 

• Excess protein in the urine or symptoms of kidney 

problems 

• Reduced levels of platelets in the blood 

• Nausea/vomiting 

• Pain in the upper abdominal area (under the ribs on the 

right side) 

• Shortness of breath 

• Vision changes 

• Headaches 

*Remember, it is important to contact your doctor if you 

are unsure about a symptom you are experiencing. 

What Are the Causes? 

The specific cause of preeclampsia involves several 

factors, all of which involve the placenta. A woman with 

preeclampsia has a placenta in which the blood vessels 

have developed abnormally, causing them to function 

incorrectly. The blood vessels are narrower than normal, 

and hormone signals affect them differently, which limits 

the amount of blood flow. 

Experts believe that the development of abnormal blood 

vessels may be attributed to any of the following: 

• Genetic predisposition 

• A complication with the immune system 

• Damage to the placenta blood vessels 

• Inadequate blood flow to the uterus 


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TION’S FIRST TRULY UPSCALE INDOOR/OUTDOOR 

RESORT WATER ATTRACTION. 

Fusing water and music with amenities and activities 

– from thrilling rides to relaxing decks and adult-only 

pools – guests of SoundWaves can expect an 

experience unique to Nashville. 

Taking center-stage in historic Music City, Sound- 

Waves enhances each experience with paired musical 

components from country to pop — featuring attractions 

that play music and a giant screen with music 

programming at the outdoor wave pool. Daily live 

entertainment brings the music of Nashville directly 

to guests. 

The outdoor portion features a 315,000–gallon 

wave pool with giant LED movie screen, 45-foot slide 

tower, kids pool and multi-level play structure, 

adults-only pool and bars, private cabana rentals, 

food trucks and more. Adrenaline-inducing attractions 

include the Beat Drop, a near-vertical drop into 

a tunnel and looping waterslide; and the Bass Drop, 

an open-flume six-story free-fall into water. 

The indoor venue includes three separate levels 

of water rides, activities, restaurants, lounging areas, 

party rooms and private cabana rentals. From the 

Down-Tempo Lazy River that takes guests through 

cavernous rock features with LED lighting and music, 

to the Up Tempo Rapids River complete with 

waterfalls and spray features, there is something for 

everyone to enjoy. The Crowd Surfer, Nashville’s only 

double FlowRider® is a favorite attraction whether you 

want to stand-up surf or boogie board. Rapid Remix, 

Stage Dive, and Record Launch provide the 

adventure and thrill of water slides. 

True to the aesthetic and overall brand of Gaylord 

Hotels, SoundWaves offers adults, young children and 

families a modern oasis in the heart of Nashville. Adult 

guests have exclusive access to adult-only indoor and 

outdoor pools, bars, and lounging areas throughout the 

water resort. A clean, modern design and sleek finishes 

blend together with various living walls and lush plant 

beds to create an alluring ambiance spread across four 

acres of indoor and outdoor recreation zones. 

Elevated dining experiences with local offerings and 

signature cocktails, along with kid friendly fare, ensure 

each palate is satisfied. Dining options inside Sound- 

Waves at Gaylord Opryland offer something for everyone 

with unique, upscale menus inspired by the tastes, 

aromas, sights and sounds of your favorite fun-in-thesun 

destinations. The distinctive adult beverages play in 

perfect harmony with the food, designed around local 

craft brews, premium wine on tap, cold-pressed juices 

and the finest spirits. Enjoy Opening Act appetizers, 

Headliner entrees, Encore desserts, and Intermission 


cocktails and mocktails at Decibels, the 230-seat 

indoor restaurant with seasonal outdoor patio seating. 

Status Cymbal Adult Pool and Bar offers signature 

cocktails and mouthwatering dishes. Or, guests can 

grab a bite on-the-go at the seasonal food trucks while 

enjoying SoundWaves outdoor attractions. 

YEAR-ROUND INDOOR ATTRACTIONS 

OPENED DECEMBER 2018: 

• 111,000 square-feet of upscale water attractions 

and activities 

• Multi-slide tower 

• FlowRider® Double indoor surfing 

• Rapid and lazy rivers 

• Activity pool with rock climbing, obstacle 

course, and basketball 

• Restaurants 

• Exclusive adults-only indoor pool, bar, and 

lounging areas 

• Private cabana rentals 

• Kids pool with a multi-level play structure 

• Multiple dining options 

• Exclusive adults-only outdoor pool, bars, and 

lounging areas 

• Private cabana rentals 

Book the SoundWaves 

Experience Package 

Guaranteed access to SoundWaves is available to those 

who select the overnight SoundWaves Experience 

Package when booking their stay at Gaylord Opryland 

Resort. For more information or to book SoundWaves 

packages, visit www.SoundWavesGO.com. 

SEASONAL OUTDOOR FEATURES 

OPENED MAY 17, 2019: 

• 106,000 square-feet of outdoor water 

amenities 

• 315,000-gallon wave pool with a giant 

LED movie screen 

FAMILY TRAVEL SPONSOR -- Find more 

family-friendly travel tips and destinations from 

The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International 

Airport at Babypalooza.com 


Family Calendar 

EVENT 

Picks 

{July, August, & September} 

1COMPILED BY MELODY MANASCO 

DISNEY’S PETER PAN JR. 

JULY 19-21 

RED MOUNTAIN THEATRE 

COMPANY CABARET THEATRE 

$5 - $10 

Based on the Disney film and J.M. Barrie’s enchanting play, Disney’s Peter Pan JR. is a modern 

take on the timeless tale of a boy who wouldn’t grow up. No flying required! The play features new 

arrangements of classic Disney songs and one exciting adventure after another. 


2KIDZ BOP WORLD TOUR 

AUGUST 17 • TUSCALOOSA AMPHITHEATER 

6 PM • $20 - $40 

KIDZ BOP World Tour is the ultimate family experience, sung by kids for kids! Get ready to sing and dance 

along to some of today’s biggest hit songs. The show offers a 90-minute interactive experience with an 

intermission. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com. 

3NICKELODEON’S JOJO 

SIWA D.R.E.A.M. THE TOUR 

SEPTEMBER 8 • LEGACY ARENA AT THE BJCC 

7 PM • $37.50 - $47.50 

Put on your most fabulous bow and go see Nickelodeon 

superstar JoJo Siwa at The BJCC. Enjoy a night full 

of singing and dancing. JoJo will remind you and your 

little one that if you believe it, you achieve it, you just 

D.R.E.A.M.! 

The Big Latch On 

Join us at Babypalooza in 

The Shoals for The Big Latch 

On - August 3, 2019. The 

Big Latch On takes place 

worldwide during World 

Breastfeeding Week 

(August 

1–7, 2019), gathering mothers 

together to publicly breastfeed 

and raise awareness and 

support for breastfeeding. The 

aim is to strengthen support for 

breastfeeding and to improve 

the health of children and women 

around the world by making 

breastfeeding a regular part of 

day-to-day life at a community 

level. Babypalooza.com 41

Family Calendar 

4PAW PATROL LIVE! THE GREAT PIRATE 

ADVENTURE 

SEPTEMBER 13-15 • BJCC CONCERT HALL • $19 - $75 

X barks the spot in Paw Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate 

Adventure”! Ryder and the Paw Patrol team will be at the 

BJCC to celebrate Pirate Day in Adventure Bay. Before 

the celebrations begin, Ryder and the pirate pups must 

rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern. On their 

mission, they discover a secret treasure map! Join the 

pups as they set out over land and sea to find the treasure 

for the Pirate Day celebration before Mayor Humdinger 

5 

does. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com 

VULCAN AFTERTUNES 

SEPTEMBER 22, 29; OCTOBER 6 

VULCAN PARK AND MUSEUM • 2 PM 

TICKETS $10 - $15 • CHILDREN 5 AND OLDER $5 

Enjoy tunes, brews, and views with up-and-coming artists at Vulcan Park and Museum’s Vulcan AfterTunes. The 15th 

annual Vulcan AfterTunes concert series returns on September 22, September 29, and October 6. Chill out on 

Birmingham’s front porch with your lawn chairs and blankets, and bring the whole family to enjoy some of the 

country’s best rising stars. There will also be a Kids Zone for the little ones to enjoy. Tickets and seating are first 

come, first served. 


5.19.19 - 9.2.19 

See the world with a bionic eye, race against a 

Paralympian, and control an exoskeleton in this interactive 

and hands-on exhibition. 

Created by 

Presented by

#Babypalooza 

We share 

stories with 

each other to 

celebrate, learn, 

and even heal 

together. 

Share your 

story by using 

#babypalooza 

and follow the 

feed at 


Rainbow Baby Cookies 

LINDSAY MARSHALL 

The Cookie Cakery 

@thecookiecakery 

I have been posting pictures only in order to try and catch up with posting but felt that this picture 

deserved more than just a quick post. Although we have never experienced the tortuous heartbreak 

of losing a baby, we have struggled, and continue to struggle, with secondary infertility. 

Infertility is lonely. Infertility is scary. Infertility is heart-wrenching. And no matter how many 

times people tell you not to think about it, it is ALL you think about. Every. single. month. And 

usually, every single day. We have been trying for over 5 years and 4 months to have another baby. 

Five years. That is 64 monthly reminders that we aren’t having another baby. 64 times our bodies 

have failed us. 64 times we have prayed and hoped that maybe this month it will be different. 

It’s scary to think that Zachary’s firsts may also be our lasts. First smile, first time rolling over, 

first time crawling, first steps, first words...... looking back it may be the *only* time we got to 

experience those beautiful moments. And it isn’t our choice. 

This isn’t a sympathy post. I’m not telling you this for pity. I’m telling you this because I want 

you to know that if you are struggling with infertility, please PLEASE know that you are not alone. 

I am always here to listen if you need someone to talk to. I am here if you need a shoulder to lean 

on, or if you need someone to just give you a big bear hug (I’m a great hugger!). It’s ok to be mad. 

It’s ok to hurt, to cry, to be angry, to feel like your body has failed you, to be scared. But please 

don’t ever feel alone. You. Are. Not. Alone!!! 

I am so thankful I got to be a part of this sweet baby’s shower! What a beautiful and amazing 

celebration! And what a beautiful promise of hope! There is always hope. After 64 months we. 

will. keep. trying. Because I will never give up hope. 


HERE 

the good times roll in 

with the waves. 

www.spectrumresorts.com 

844-329-9787

From pregnant with 

multiples to needing 

multiple hands, 

WE’RE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. 

Having multiples comes with multiple blessings, and multiple concerns, too. 

But regardless of whether your needs require the only Level IV NICU in 

Alabama, or you’re simply looking for an OB/GYN that you can trust, at 

UAB Women & Infants Center, we’re prepared to handle it all. Offering an 

exceptional level of care and a full range of comprehensive services, we treat 

everything from the simple to the complex. So whether you’re having a baby, 

battling cancer or struggling with incontinence or infertility, we’re with you 

every step of the way. 

uabmedicine.org/women

Babypalooza Summer 2019

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