Connect with us

Health

After A Traumatic Stillbirth, This Mom Vowed To Donate Her Breast Milk

A few days before her September due date, Catt McGrath, 29, noticed something was off. The mom-to-be woke up and didn’t feel her baby—a boy she’d named Daniel—moving in her belly. She tried not to worry, but a few hours later there was still no movement. She went to the doctor, and that’s when her […]

Published

on

A few days before her September due date, Catt McGrath, 29, noticed something was off. The mom-to-be woke up and didn’t feel her baby—a boy she’d named Daniel—moving in her belly. She tried not to worry, but a few hours later there was still no movement. She went to the doctor, and that’s when her worst fears were confirmed. “The nurse tried to find his heartbeat and couldn’t find it,” McGrath told People. “I started crying. I knew. Then they did an ultrasound and I could see his head and his spine and nothing was moving.”McGrath and her husband, Dan, learned that Daniel died from a “true knot” forming in the umbilical cord, People reports. If a knot forms in the umbilical cord and remains tight, it can cut off circulation to the fetus and can result in fetal death in utero, according to the National Institute of Health. It’s very rare, and it typically is caused by the fetus slipping through a loop in the umbilical cord. Doctors told McGrath that her “true knot” probably formed earlier in her pregnancy, but it wasn’t until Daniel got bigger that his circulation was cut off. A true umbilical cord knot is usually formed between nine and 12 weeks of gestation.Daniel was stillborn, and McGrath and her husband were devastated. Soon after the delivery, McGrath started to produce breast milk. And that’s when she decided to donate her breast milk.

“I started pumping right there at the hospital, and the first two weeks it was amazing,” McGrath told People. “I was thinking, there are so many babies that need this.” For some new moms, producing breast milk—which can pass important antibodies from a mother to a newborn—is difficult or impossible. Experts have previously told SELF that using another mother’s breast milk for a baby is safe as long as the proper precautions are taken, like knowing the mom’s medical history and diet.McGrath pumped for three and a half months, donating her milk to a milk bank in her home state of North Carolina as well as to moms who needed additional breast milk in her hometown of Charlotte. Sometimes, it was difficult for McGrath to pump, knowing that her breast milk was really meant for Daniel. But she kept at it. People spoke with one mom, Alexandra Malissen, who used McGrath’s donated breast milk to feed her newborn daughter. Malissen was struggling with her own breast milk supply, so McGrath’s donated milk was a welcome supplement.”It’s unreal to think that someone who is going through one of the most gut-wrenching, life-altering, heartbreaking experiences is still willing to sacrifice and pump for other people’s children,” Malissen told People. “It’s mind boggling.”McGrath, your selfless act in a very difficult time will truly help so many. Our thoughts are with you and your family as you continue to heal from your loss.h/t PeopleRelated:After This Mom Tragically Lost Her Son, She Donated 131 Gallons Of Breast MilkMoms Came Together To Donate More Than 500 Ounces Of Breast Milk For A Baby After Her Mom Was Killed In The Line Of DutyMeet The Mom Who Donated Over 2,000 Ounces Of Breast Milk

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Health

Healthcare Explainer Videos: Simplifying Medical Communication for Every Patient

Published

on

By

healthcare explainer videos

Making Healthcare Easier to Understand

Healthcare communication should be clear, accurate, and easy to understand. However, medical information often includes technical terminology and complex processes that can overwhelm patients. Whether explaining a treatment plan, introducing a new healthcare service, or educating people about preventive care, presenting information in a simple way is essential.

This is where healthcare explainer videos make a real difference. By combining engaging animation with straightforward storytelling, these videos transform complex medical topics into visual content that patients can easily understand. As more healthcare organizations embrace digital communication, animated videos have become one of the most effective ways to educate, inform, and build trust.

The Benefits of Visual Learning

People often remember information better when they can see it rather than simply read it. Animated explainer videos use visuals, motion graphics, and professional narration to explain medical concepts step by step, making them easier to follow.

Healthcare providers commonly use animated videos to explain:

  • Medical procedures
  • Treatment plans
  • Medication instructions
  • Preventive healthcare
  • Chronic disease management
  • Telemedicine services
  • Patient onboarding
  • Medical device demonstrations

This visual approach helps patients better understand important healthcare information while reducing confusion and improving confidence.

Supporting Better Patient Engagement

Patients who understand their healthcare journey are more likely to follow treatment plans and actively participate in their care. Educational videos provide information in a format that patients can watch before appointments, review after consultations, or share with family members.

Professional healthcare explainer videos also help healthcare professionals save time by answering common questions before patients visit a clinic or hospital. This allows doctors and medical staff to focus more on personalized care while ensuring patients have access to reliable educational resources whenever they need them.

Strengthening Digital Healthcare Communication

Today, most patients search online before choosing a healthcare provider or learning about a medical condition. Healthcare organizations that include educational videos on their websites create a more engaging experience for visitors.

Animated videos can also be shared through YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, patient portals, webinars, and email campaigns. This allows organizations to maintain consistent messaging while reaching patients across multiple digital platforms.

Educational content not only improves patient understanding but also helps establish credibility and strengthens an organization’s online presence.

Conclusion

The demand for healthcare explainer videos continues to grow because they simplify medical communication while improving patient education and engagement. They help healthcare organizations explain complex topics, build trust, and create meaningful connections through clear visual storytelling.

As healthcare continues to evolve, animated explainer videos will remain a valuable communication tool for educating patients, supporting healthcare professionals, and delivering information in a way that is both engaging and easy to understand.

Continue Reading

Health

How Effective Medical Waste Disposal Matters for Health Safety

Published

on

By

medical waste disposal

Medical waste poses serious risks that can affect healthcare workers, patients, communities, and the environment. Mishandled medical waste can lead to serious injuries, environmental contamination, and costly penalties. Proper disposal is an essential responsibility for healthcare providers and organizations, ensuring healthcare remains a benefit rather than a risk. 

The diverse categories of medical waste creates an added layer of complexity when it comes to medical waste disposal services. From sharps like needles and syringes to biohazardous materials, controlled substances, and contaminated animal products, each category can pose health risks and require specific handling procedures. Regulated medical waste is especially hazardous as it includes materials that are either toxic, radioactive, or infectious. This kind of medical waste must undergo controlled treatments such as autoclaving or incineration to neutralize dangers before ending up at waste-to-energy facilities or landfills. 

Healthcare is gradually becoming more accessible at home, but this leads to more unregulated home-generated medical waste like loose and unprotected sharps and medications ending up in our regular trash streams. However, following at-home medical waste disposal procedures (varied by state) can protect the people and the planet. Businesses that handle any kind of medical waste can also help protect the communities by using appropriate disposal containers, employing safety equipment, and thoroughly tracking waste collections and quantities. 

Effective medical waste management protects our society by preventing injuries and the spread of infectious diseases, limiting environmental hazards, and maintaining operational efficiency. 

Medical Waste Disposal Services
Source: Amergy Disposal
Continue Reading

Health

Root-Cause Pelvic Physical Therapy: Healing Beyond Symptoms

Published

on

By

Pelvic pain and dysfunction can be frustrating, confusing, and often life-altering. For many people—particularly women—symptoms such as urinary leakage, pelvic heaviness, constipation, or persistent hip and lower back pain are met with temporary fixes, medications, or vague advice like “just do Kegels.” Unfortunately, these short-term solutions often leave deeper problems unaddressed. This is where root-cause pelvic physical therapy stands apart. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, it seeks to uncover and correct the underlying causes for pelvic pain treatment, restoring the body to long-term balance and function.

What Is Root-Cause Pelvic Physical Therapy?

Root-cause pelvic therapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy that evaluates how the entire body contributes to pelvic dysfunction. Instead of assuming the problem begins in the pelvic floor muscles alone, therapists assess posture, breathing patterns, abdominal pressure, hip alignment, gait (how a person walks), stress levels, and even past injuries or surgeries. These interconnected factors can significantly influence how the pelvic floor functions.

For example, someone with chronic constipation may be told to use laxatives or change their diet, yet the real issue may stem from uncoordinated pelvic muscles that tighten instead of relax during bowel movements. Another person may experience urinary leakage not because their pelvic floor is weak—but because it is too tight and cannot properly contract when needed. Root-cause therapy recognizes that understanding the entire system leads to the most effective solution.

A Whole-Body, Personalized Approach

Pelvic health is not “one size fits all.” Each patient’s body mechanics, history, habits, and emotional state play a unique role in how their pelvic floor behaves. Root-cause pelvic therapists take time to gather a comprehensive history, asking questions that may initially seem unrelated, such as:

  • Do you clench your jaw or grind your teeth?
  • Do you sit for long periods?
  • Did you have a traumatic birth or abdominal surgery?
  • How do you breathe: through your chest or diaphragm?

These questions matter because the body compensates in surprising ways. For instance, jaw tension is linked to pelvic tension through muscular and fascial chains. Shallow breathing increases abdominal pressure, altering pelvic muscle engagement. Past scars—from a C-section to an appendix removal—can create tightness that affects posture, organ movement, and pelvic alignment.

A therapist then uses personalized strategies such as:

  • Manual release techniques for tight muscles and fascia
  • Breath retraining to balance abdominal pressure
  • Postural adjustments to reduce strain on the pelvis
  • Hip, core, and spine strengthening exercises
  • Nervous system regulation for stress-related pelvic tension
  • Education on bowel/bladder habits, lifting mechanics, and movement patterns

Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Through Root Causes

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles acting like a hammock that supports organs, controls bladder and bowel function, stabilizes the spine, and contributes to sexual function. When these muscles are overactive, underactive, or uncoordinated, symptoms occur. Root-cause therapy classifies dysfunction through functional assessment rather than assumptions.

Common root causes may include:

  • Chronic stress: leading to constant clenching of pelvic muscles
  • Weak glutes or core instability: forcing the pelvic floor to overwork
  • Childbirth trauma: affecting tissue integrity and alignment
  • Scar tissue: restricting movement of muscles or organs
  • Hormonal changes: influencing tissue elasticity and lubrication
  • Poor breathing mechanics: disrupting natural pressure systems

Rather than blaming age, pregnancy, or “weakness,” root-cause therapy shows that most pelvic issues are treatable through targeted analysis and intervention.

Who Benefits from Root-Cause Pelvic Physical Therapy?

This therapy is valuable for all genders and ages. Symptoms that may benefit include:

  • Urinary leakage or urgency
  • Pelvic or tailbone pain
  • Painful intercourse
  • Prolapse or pelvic heaviness
  • Constipation or difficulty initiating bowel movements
  • Endometriosis-related pain support
  • Prenatal and postpartum challenges
  • Hip, groin, or unexplained lower back pain

Even athletes, dancers, and individuals without pain often benefit, especially if they experience recurring injuries linked to pelvic or core imbalance.

A Path Toward Lasting Healing

Root-cause pelvic physical therapy empowers patients to understand their bodies, not just manage symptoms. By addressing the true origins of pelvic dysfunction, it promotes sustainable healing, improves quality of life, and builds resilience for the future. The goal isn’t simply to “fix the pelvis,” but to restore harmony throughout the entire body, allowing movement, digestion, intimacy, and daily living to feel natural again.

In essence, root-cause pelvic therapy is not just treatment—it is education, prevention, and transformation, all centered around the idea that lasting healing begins at the source.

Continue Reading

Trending