I am a birth doula in Los Angeles, California. I regularly refer my clients to OTIS. I am so thankful to give my clients the tools to be informed consumers. Encouraging women to get their own access to evidence-based information is as rewarding as assisting them in birth. Your site allows me to do just that. I actively refer other doulas and birth professionals to your site.
Back to TopAs a woman trying to get pregnant with my first child, your website was a valuable find—but it was the OTIS counselor I spoke with who did much more for me than just answer my call. I called her at a time of desperation—frightened, embarrassed and feeling all alone. She answered my questions, calmed my fears and restored the hope in my heart. Trying to get pregnant is an overwhelming process, but knowing that there are caring and genuine people out there to help me made all the difference.
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I'm a general internist and get questions regarding medications in pregnancy all the time. Your website is a fabulously helpful resource. I wish I'd found it sooner, and will direct my patients and colleagues there!
Back to TopI am a breastfeeding mom taking several different medications for depression. I have always wanted to breastfeed, and when I asked my psychiatrist during my pregnancy whether I’d be able to breastfeed on my meds he didn’t think it would be much of a problem. But when my baby was born my pediatrician and the pharmacist said that I shouldn’t breastfeed while taking my meds. I was so confused about what to do and then a friend gave me the OTIS phone number. The counselor I spoke with at OTIS was friendly and understanding and gave me more information about antidepressants and breastfeeding then I’d been able to find anywhere else. I now feel comfortable knowing that I am doing what is best for both me and my baby.
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After much time and searching many various websites, I found yours and called the national number listed. The person I spoke with was very knowledgeable and articulate, and able to give me the information I had been seeking in a thorough and easy to understand format. My husband and I have been disappointed in the limited information our OB seems to have, and so I can’t help but compare my phone conversation with your counselor to our visits to our doctor’s office. And well, there is no fair comparison!
Thank you again for the help in answering our question. You are providing a great service to the pregnant community and I will recommend your site to any others who may need it.
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I am a genetic counselor in Denver, Colorado and frequently use your service for information and support for my patients. Your staff is extremely knowledgeable and responsive to my questions and you are an excellent up-to-date resource! Thank you for all you do and keep up the excellent work!
Back to TopThe flu shot given by injection is recommended in any trimester for women who will be pregnant during the flu season. See our FACTSHEET
Paroxetine (Paxil®)While not every study agrees, Paxil use in the first trimester may cause a 1% increase in heart defects. See our FACTSHEET
ListeriosisPregnant women are at higher risk to get sick from eating food contaminated with the listeria bacteria compared to healthy nonpregnant persons. See our FACTSHEET
StressIt is unlikely that stress alone is able to cause physical birth defects. See our FACTSHEET.