OB/GYN Patient Education and Resources
We understand that some issues facing our patients can be confusing and even scary. That’s why we would like to provide as much information as we can regarding our OB/GYN clinic, the procedures and treatments we recommend as well as answer any concerns you may have. Stay informed about your health by reading the patient resources below. Any specific questions regarding your health should be directed to your physician.
Having Your Baby with The Women’s Medical Center
Giving birth with us
Congratulations! We’re excited to be a part of this experience with you. We have proudly delivered babies on the Westbank since 1962, and our family here looks forward to helping you expand yours.
Obstetrics
We are experienced in managing both high risk pregnancies and respecting parents’ wishes to have as much or as little intervention as they desire. We can discuss your goals and hopes and any possible challenges to helping your family have the best delivery possible. We are pleased to deliver babies at both West Jefferson Medical Center and Ochsner Westbank.
What to Expect After Surgery
Colposcopy
Expect to have some black or brown discharge for a few days. You may return to your regular activities immediately unless your doctor told you otherwise. Please call if you have not heard from us in a week or so for your results.
LEEP Procedure
Expect bloody, black or yellow discharge for as much as 6 weeks after the procedure. You may return to all your normal activities, except nothing should go into the vagina for these 6 weeks. You should not have sex, douche or use tampons. If you have severe pain or bleeding heavier than a period, please call the office.
IUD Placement
Expect light bleeding and cramping for a few days. You may return to all your normal activities immediately. If you have excessive pain or fever, please call the office. You may have irregular bleeding for several weeks afterward.
Laparoscopy
Expect some gas pains in your abdomen or possibly your shoulder for a few days. Walking, changing positions and avoiding or treating constipation may help. You may bathe or shower normally and return to normal activities as soon as you feel ready, generally in 1-2 weeks. If you have Band-Aids or dressings, remove them in 24-48 hours. If there are strips of tape, leave them on until you come to the office. Call if you have fever, ongoing nausea and vomiting, or if your pain is not improving.
Hysterectomy
You may have some light bleeding or discharge for a few weeks. Avoid any lifting or inserting anything into the vagina until your doctor tells you otherwise, or at least 6 weeks. You may bathe or shower normally as soon as you feel able and drive when you are not taking narcotic pain medication and can bend and straighten your body. If you have incisions in your abdomen, keep them clean and dry. They do not need to be covered. If there are tape strips, leave them on. Other bandages can be removed 24-48 hours after surgery. Call if you have fever, ongoing nausea and vomiting, bleeding like a period, or your if pain is not improving.
Vaginal Delivery
Expect bleeding off and on for as much as 6 weeks. You may bathe or shower normally as soon as you feel able. You should not have sex or put anything into the vagina until your 6-week checkup. Call if you have fever, ongoing nausea and vomiting, or if your pain is not improving.
Cesarean Section
Expect bleeding off and on for as many as 6 weeks. You may bathe or shower normally as soon as you feel able. You should not have sex or put anything into the vagina until your 6-week checkup. Call if you have fever, ongoing nausea and vomiting or if your pain is not improving. Keep your incision clean and dry. It does not need to be covered. If there are tape strips, leave them on. Call if you have fever, ongoing nausea and vomiting or if your pain is not improving. Treat or avoid constipation, as this is a common cause of extra pain that can be avoided.
Additional Information
Contraception & Family Planning
We offer every major method of birth control including: non-hormonal IUD (ParaGard), hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Skyla, Kylenna, Liletta), oral contraceptive (birth control pills), birth control patch (OrthoEvra), Depo Provera injections, Nexplanon (subdermal implant), NuvaRing (vaginal ring), and surgical options (tubal ligation and Essure).
Preconceptual Care
Choosing to attempt pregnancy may be more complicated than expected. We can discuss any concerns that you may have prior to pregnancy including family, medical or genetic problems and birth defects. If you are struggling with fertility or miscarriages, we can offer evaluation and treatment and referral to specialists when needed.
Breastfeeding
We are committed to helping all our new families meet their breastfeeding goals. One of the best ways to start education is during pregnancy. We would love to answer your questions, and can also direct you to the following resources:
- BreastFeeding Inc
- Maximizing Milk Production with Hands-On Pumping
- Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers
- More Info
STD Testing and Treatment
Louisiana has the unfortunate distinction of leading the country in almost every STD. One of the most important ways we can manage this is to provide as many women as possible with non-judgmental, effective and confidential screening and treatment. We offer testing with a full-service laboratory in-house.
Menopause
Many treatments are available for treating hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sexual dysfunction, mood and sleep disturbances. We can discuss hormonal and non- hormonal options. Only a gynecologist can help you make a personal decision about your overall health considering your specific symptoms and priorities.
Fibroids, Heavy Periods and Endometriosis
We offer a full evaluation including in-house ultrasound and tests confirmed by an in-house laboratory. After discussing all your options, we can suggest medical and surgical treatment including minimally invasive surgery, endometrial ablation and medical treatments (hormonal and non- hormonal).
3D Mammography & Imaging Services
We are pleased to offer the latest innovation in breast cancer screening – 3D mammography. Three-dimensional mammography is a low-dosage scan that produces a substantially clearer image for a more precise evaluation. This new technology has drastically increased the rate of positive cancer detections while decreasing the number of false detections.
We also offer in-office obstetrical and gynecologic ultrasounds and DEXA scans. We are proud to be the only physician office in our area that offers all of these services under the same roof. Patients find this to be very convenient, requiring no separate registration or parking at the hospital.