Our office will be closed on Monday, September 6 in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 7.

Breastfeeding for some mothers can have its challenges. Sometimes there are bumps in the road, such as a blocked milk duct. If not treated promptly and appropriately, a blocked milk duct can progress into mastitis, which is an infection in the breast tissue. There are some great conservative methods to deal with it, such as applying heat, massaging the area, and pumping to fully drain the breast. If the blockage does not resolve within a day or two, therapeutic ultrasound may be the answer.

The heating effect of the ultrasound waves help to relax the tissue around the clog, and the mechanical action helps break it up. Kristine Mace, physical therapist at OBGYN Specialists, will assure you are comfortable while lying on your back and will apply a warm gel to your affected area. The ultrasound is moved gently around the area for 5-10 minutes and the treatment is complete. Patients usually only need a few sessions.

If your blocked milk duct does not resolve with other conservative measures, ask your provider about physical therapy and therapeutic ultrasound! This service is typically not billable to insurance, and the cost is $50 for the first session. Please call us at 319-363-2682 to schedule!

It is with sadness that we are announcing Dr. Deer’s move from Cedar Rapids OBGYN Specialists to a practice in Naperville, IL, effective June 16, 2021. Her husband acquired a position and she will be joining him on his new adventure.

Dr. Deer has greatly valued the relationships she has created with her patients here, and is very thankful for your loyalty over the years.

We have four other physicians ready to help you here at Cedar Rapids OBGYN Specialists. We also have four mid-level providers that can see you for all of your routine annuals and visits.

We wish Dr. Deer the very best in Illinois and we will miss her so very much!

COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Facts Not Fear

Human coronaviruses are common throughout the world. However, the latest coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that began in December 2019 is a novel virus, which means it has not been previously identified in humans.

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that has been detected in almost 70 locations internationally. It is believed to be spread through person-to-person contact and, in these types of conditions, illness is spread through coughing or direct contact. That is why it is important to follow the common practices listed below to kill germs that may be spread.

Symptoms

The symptoms are very similar to the flu and include mild to severe respiratory illness with a fever and cough and/or shortness of breath. The symptoms can present from two to 14 days after exposure.

Preventing COVID-19

Because this virus is relatively new, there is not currently a vaccine to provide immunity from the virus (like there is for the flu). As a result, the best way to avoid getting this – or any virus – is to ensure common practices that eliminate germs or keep you from being exposed to germs. These activities include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the restroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Twenty seconds is the recommended amount of time to fully cleanse your hands.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If no tissues are available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.

What do I do if I think I might have COVID-19?

Please do not go to the Emergency Room or a doctor’s office.

If you suspect that you may have the Coronavirus, Call the Iowa Department of Public Health at 515-281-7689 OR Call Either Emergency room.  A nurse will help you determine your appropriate next step.

I am Pregnant, Should I travel right now?

There are no pregnancy specific recommendations by the CDC, Public Health or our office.

As of 3/12/2020 there are five countries around the world which the U.S. CDC have identified as being a high risk for the spread of Coronavirus: China, Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea. The Iowa Department of Public Health recommends that anyone who visits those countries voluntarily self-isolates for 14 days upon their return.

We would recommend that you not travel outside of the U.S. if possible.

We would recommend all non-essential travel be avoided at this time, but if you must travel then please remember your proper hand hygiene.

If you have further questions or concerns, please refer to the CDC website at www.CDC.gov