Professional Help For Digital Marketing Is A Must

There is no denying that even some big companies cannot handle digital marketing and they get things wrong. This is when professional help can be a real blessing in disguise. Now there are many agencies, but very few are capable of delivering good results. So, you have to be a little patient and steady in your search. Here are some tips that will help you locate a reliable agency for your digital marketing campaign.

Signs That You Are Talking To The Wrong Agency

Here are some things that you should keep in mind as they will help you locate unreliable agencies.

Bad Communication

If internet marketing in Oklahoma City does not display clear-cut and strong communication, then this should be a warning sign for you. Typically they should respond to your phone calls and emails. They should also set a realistic deadline for submitting their work. Any agency making unrealistic promises should be struck off your list immediately.

Badly Constructed Website

It is not okay for marketing agencies to have a poorly made website as it speaks volumes on them. If you are not impressed with their website then it is unlikely that you will be impressed with their work.

Zero Track Record

Never hire an agency for digital marketing that has no experience in the field. Always go for an agency that has an impressive portfolio. Yes, you are going to pay premium prices, but the results will be beneficial to your business.

How To Hire A Good Agency

If you try to go about with digital marketing by yourself then it will be a mix of hits and misses. Now if you hire a reliable agency, they already know what to do since they have experience. They are well equipped to handle the competitive business scene. Here is how you can locate such a digital marketing agency.

Research

In the age of the internet, you can now locate reputed agencies by clicking a button. Start by creating a list of reputed agencies. Visit their website and go through their portfolio, see which clients have they worked with, and also read the customer testimonials.

Ask For References

When you have selected a few companies, ask them for references from their previous clients and you can get a very good idea of the services that they offer.

Costs

Ask the companies for a price quote on how much it is going to cost you. Collect price quotes from multiple companies just to compare and see if you are paying fair prices. Get the price quotes in writing. Go through all the clauses in the contract before you sign up with any company in oklahoma city SEO.

Wrapping Up

It is not easy to implement digital marketing as the various tricky aspects need to be fine-tuned. Also, it needs to be seen that the message in the campaign is framed properly so that it does not tarnish the client’s brand image. This is why you need to rely on the services of professionals to fetch you the right results.

 

Contact Us:

Modern Influence

Address:10 N Broadway Edmond, OK
Phone: 888-379-2604

Special delivery: Patients receive infusion treatments in the comfort of home

A team of Specialty Infusion Nurses is on the road. They are trained to deliver and administer home therapies to patients in the comfort of their home.

By IU Health Senior Journalist, T.J. Banes, tfender1@iuhealth.org

Her husband was so satisfied with the care and attention she received that he gifted her nurse with flowers.

“I want people to know about the professionalism of my nurse and how well she did explaining things to me,” said Roachdale, Ind. resident Kathryn Gross. Her IU Health nurse was Amanda Tames. In September 2021, Gross began home infusion treatments for thyroid eye disease.

“I had puffiness around my eyes, bulging, and constant double vision,” said Gross, 56. The diagnosis made it difficult to work and to drive. It also came at a time when her fear of hospital visits was heightened by COVID.

Tames is one of IU Health Specialty Infusion Nurses who administer treatments in a patient’s home. For Gross that meant sitting in the comfort of her brown velvet soft chair, her feet propped on an ottoman and her 3-year-old beagle, Colt, curled up by her side. After an eight-course IV treatment, Gross said: “The treatment was a 100 percent success. The puffiness and double vision are gone.”

Clay Gross presented Tames with a bouquet of flowers to thank her for the care of his wife.

Tames is specially trained in vascular access, patient-specific disease processes and the specialty drugs needed to manage those conditions. The goal of the infusion nurse is to provide patients with the best possible health in the comfort of their homes. Not only do the patients have a peace of mind knowing they receive care at home; providers also have the assurance that their patients are receiving quality care.

Tames works four 10-hour shifts a week and sees about two to three patients a day. Before joining the Specialty Infusion team she worked at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health as a medical-surgical nurse. Those in her care range from pediatric patients to adults. Their diagnosis may include bacterial pneumonia, urinary tract, blood, skin or bone infections, nutritional deficiency, Crohn’s disease, Rheumatoid arthritis, immune or blood disorders or organ transplant. Tames covers patients who live west and south; she travels to the Illinois state line, Bloomington, Avon and Plainfield.

“The thing I like best is focusing on one patient and knowing they don’t have to worry about driving, parking and walking. I show up and I’m here to help them,” said Tames. A visit can take up to 45 minutes or longer. Tames starts by taking her patient’s vitals, then mixes the medication and continues monitoring her patient throughout the course of the treatment.

Some patients doze on and off during lengthy treatments; others want to talk,” said Tames, who has been married for 22 years and is the mother to five children ages 21 to 11.

“I see some of the same patients frequently. It’s not unusual for us to exchange recipes or just catch up on our families and life,” said Tames. “It’s easy to get to know my patients well when I’m with them one-on-one.”

IU Health files design plans for landmark new hospital in downtown Indianapolis

Indiana University Health has outlined design plans for its new downtown Indianapolis hospital showing a distinctive three-tower structure meant to flexibly serve the future healthcare needs of Indiana.

Filed March 24 with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission, the plans call for a new flagship hospital for IU Health that will sit on a 44-acre expansion to IU Health’s campus along 16th Street. Excavation for the hospital’s foundation will begin next week after several months’ work to extend utilities to the enlarged campus south of 16th Street.

The new hospital and campus, which will be developed over the next four to five years, will consolidate operations of IU Health’s two downtown adult acute care hospitals, the adjacent Methodist Hospital and University Hospital, located 1.5 miles away. Combining operations of the hospitals furthers IU Health’s mission to provide world-class, patient-centered care in ways that are more cost-efficient and accessible while eliminating costly duplication of high-acuity services.

“The new downtown hospital will become an iconic addition to the Indianapolis skyline, representing hope and healing for future generations. Significant in scale and stature, it is designed foremost as a destination for patients, offering leading-edge medicine in a flexible facility that can be reconfigured over time to accommodate advances in medical care and changing patient demand,” said James Mladucky, vice president of design and construction for IU Health.

Diversity goals

Development of the new hospital and campus brings significant business opportunities for veteran, women and minority-owned businesses and local companies under IU Health’s supplier diversity program. The program aims to award 30% participation on design and construction projects to certified veteran, women and minority-owned businesses and achieve at least 50% local business participation.

Distinctive design

Two differently sized building options, of 14 and 16 floors, were submitted to the city for review. The design includes a multi-story base containing an expansive outpatient center. Above are three inpatient bed towers holding up to 672 private patient rooms. To serve future growth, the design could accommodate a fourth tower with a basement-level extension to the south.

A view of the hospital from the northeast.

Both proposed size options feature LEED silver certified designs with a rooftop terrace and dual helipads. The hospital is styled to be welcoming and accessible, with transparent street-level entryways featuring wood-clad entry canopy soffits. The hospital will be well integrated into the surrounding medical campus and linked to neighboring buildings with walkways and tunnels. Landscaped areas around the hospital would be outfitted with outdoor seating connected by walks and serpentine paths and featuring native plantings and rain gardens.

The new campus will amount to one of the most notable construction projects in the history of Indianapolis and the largest investment yet by IU Health toward its mission to make Indiana one of the healthiest states. Construction of the new hospital is estimated to cost $1.6 billion, depending on its final size and economic uncertainties such as labor and material costs.

The architect for the hospital is Indianapolis-based CURIS Design, a collaboration of BSA LifeStructures, RATIO Design and CSO Architects. HOK serves as executive architect. Construction manager is a joint venture of locally based Wilhelm Construction and Gilbane Building Co. of Providence, R.I., which have extensive portfolios of hospital projects nationally.

Follow progress on the project at iuhealth.org/newhospital.

Social worker: ‘I’ve always wanted to combat the stigma with love & acceptance’

IU Health’s LifeCare offers a team approach to patient’s living with HIV. A big part of that team is social work – finding solutions to individual needs.

By IU Health Senior Journalist, T.J. Banes, tfender1@iuhealth.org

She was just a kid when Shawn Delmolino first felt it. An acquaintance had been diagnosed with AIDS. He was married and Delmolino sensed the strain when people ‘whispered’ about the man. He later died of complications of the immunodeficiency virus.

“I didn’t know what stigma was at the time but I do now. I think about that family and how they had to manage to keep the situation a secret. When you are living with something alone, you are living without the support of others,” said Delmolino. She serves as a licensed social worker with IU Health LifeCare, a program offering various HIV services.

Those services include diagnosis and treatment, health assessments and medical exams, comprehensive treatment, access to lab work, immunizations and TB testing, education and counseling, and assistance with specialty and community referrals.

Delmolino is team lead for a group of eight social workers, managing a caseload of about 200 patients each.

Born in Dallas, Delmolino grew up in Anderson, Ind. and graduated from the former Highland High School. She went on to receive her master’s degree in social work. One of her early experiences working with patients living with HIV was at the city’s south side Concord Neighborhood Center, one of the state’s first community centers.

Working as an HIV care coordinator she referred patients to IU Health LifeCare.

“I came with a patient to an appointment at LifeCare and I thought how great it was that social work was integrated into the medical care,” said Delmolino. Later she had an opportunity to join the team.

“I’ve always wanted to combat that stigma of HIV with love and acceptance. I tell people that I want LifeCare to be a place where people want to be and don’t feel like they have to be here,” said Delmolino. She started her role with IU Health Methodist Hospital conducting HIV testing and education with patients in the ER. She also coordinates care for pediatric patients living with HIV at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. The Riley Hospital team sees anywhere from 65-70 patients – some as young as six months and some in their early 20s.

March is Social Work Month and this year’s theme is, “The Time is Right for Social Work.”

In Delmolino’s role she focuses on building a rapport with patients and helping them understand the role of social work. Team members stress more than one message: “You’re either a person living with HIV or a person affected by HIV;” “HIV does not discriminate at any time regardless of sexuality, circumstances, education, or wealth.”

Breaking barriers also means education: “If someone has had sex without using a condom, then that person is at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.” LifeCare extends testing and education to persons living with HIV and their loved ones.

Working with a social worker, means receiving individualized care. That care could include assistance with insurance, transportation, housing, or other resources, said Delmolino.

Since she began working with people affected by HIV, Delmolino has witnessed some positive changes.

In early 2016, a health equity program called Prevention Access Campaign (PAC) launched “U=U” (undetectable=untransmittable). The action has united HIV advocates, activists, and researchers with the common message: People living with HIV who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load – achieved by taking prescribed medication – cannot sexually transmit the virus to others. In 2017, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially supported the research that resulted in the widespread “U=U” campaign.

Language and phrases have also been modernized to help reduce stigma. Some of those terms offered by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) include use of: “People Living with HIV” rather than “HIV infected people,” and “Condomless sex” rather than “Unprotected or Unsafe Sex.”

Similarly, policies regarding disclosure by those testing positive for HIV are now referred to as “duty to inform” rather than “duty to warn.”

In terms of medical advancement, last year the FDA approved a monthly injectable drug, Cabenuva, to treat adults 18 and older. In February 2022, the FDA expanded the label for the medication to allow for bi-monthly administration. Patients now have an alternative option to daily antiretroviral therapy.

“Medicine to treat HIV is expensive. One of the roles of our social workers is making sure patients have access to health coverage and to help initiate applications for Medicaid and the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program to secure funding,” said Delmolino.

“Our role is to assess and help patients with unmet needs,” she said. “We do our best to connect them to the resources they need and help break down barriers to treatment.”

Outside of work, Delmolino and her wife, Sara Minor, enjoy camping and canoeing with their dog, Frankie.

How Technology Is Evolving The Investment Banking Industry

In this new generation, technology is making changes to all aspects of life. In the banking system, financial technology investment banking is growing in the market. As with all the other things going digital these days.

Technology can accelerate procedures and quicker decisions with huge operations. In recent years there are going to be more changes in investment banking. The world banks are focusing on hiring more technical support to make their business models better. Let’s see what are the huge transformations movements.

 

Mobile banking

Everyone is familiar with mobile banking. The bank accounts are now operable from mobiles. More banks are now adopting mobile banking through the assistance of technology. As these things are more in demand for their customers. Fintech investment Bankers are giving mobile platforms a fast banking experience.

 

Decision assistance

Technology can gather substantial data and analyze information rapidly to make decisions. The decision-making process is better and quicker. The technology uses historical data, statistics and to help gather much-needed information. Computer modeling like these can enable teams to focus on other issues. Predicting analytics allows banks to reduce risks. Market movements are forecasted to figure out the investment decisions are worth or not.

 

Digital payments

The mobile banking system gives the option to choose from different mobile apps for payments. The industry of digital banking is growing since 2018 and it has had a huge market change. Digital money is also going to evolve in the future, so are banking technologies. It is estimated that the mobile sale transitions are in billions of dollars.

 

Blockchain

Technology has given the banking system huge protection from fraud by adding a blockchain system. Blockchain solution stores the data in a blockchain system. In this system, the data is chained together that is not changeable or breakable. An outside fraud can’t crush the blockchains. The data comes and creates new blockchains and also observes the data.

 

Relationship intelligence

AI technology can provide intelligence assistance and deal-making decision allowance for business developments. In these competitive surroundings, a relationship manager can change the whole banking system. It can build a personal connection with the help of technology. Crucial deals and information about transaction processing need a lot of assistance. This can add more value to the banking system.

 

Virtual data room

The restructuring, IPO, and transactions need data collection systems that can virtually help other people with their decision-making. It can offer financial situations and participants can share personal information through virtual data rooms. Corporate business has lots of data and confidential deals. This can assist the corporate world in protecting personal data and reducing cyber-attacks. A virtual data room will provide a data storing system that can have transactions and information. This system allows secure data sharing and quick financial document access.

 

As technology is changing rapidly the banking system needs to catch up. Making more technology-driven changes to their fintech investment banks. The investment banking system is based on relationships. So the virtual meeting place or assistance can be found more in use in investment banking. To upgrade productivity in banking firms technology is making a huge difference.

 

Contact Us:

Wellesley Hills Financial, LLC

Address: 1087 Beacon Street, Ste. 204, Newton, MA 02459
Phone: (617)-465-2425

Patient with thyroid cancer: ‘Doc Mantravadi saved my life’

A northern Indiana attorney is so grateful for his care and recovery that he has written a book, “Firm Grip.” During “Medullary Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month” Bill Nelson shares his story.

By IU Health Senior Journalist, T.J. Banes, tfender1@iuhealth.org

There were many places that Bill Nelson could have gone for his treatment for thyroid cancer. He chose IU Health and Dr. Avinash Mantravadi. Six years after his diagnosis, Nelson is speaking out about the care her received and is also educating others about medullary thyroid cancer.

Medullary thyroid cancer, a growth of abnormal cancer cells in the thyroid – makes up about three percent of all thyroid cancers. It can be a sporadic or hereditary development and often shows up as a bump on the front of the neck. Sometimes there are few symptoms.

For Bill Nelson, it was an unrelated symptom that resulted in his diagnosis. He was listening to music in his car and had a ringing in his ear that sounded like a vibrating speaker. He thought possibly the symptom was related to an ear surgery he had years ago.

A long-time resident of northern Indiana, where he has a private law practice, Nelson could have gone to Chicago. But instead, his diagnosis brought him to IU Health. He first visited a local ENT specialist closer to home. During that visit, the physician noticed a nodule on Nelson’s thyroid. An ultrasound and biopsy followed.

“A day after I was told I had medullary thyroid cancer, the ringing in my ear was gone. We call that, ‘God,’ said Nelson, 57. “The symptoms were unrelated by both got me to an ENT. I was in the office alone when I got word that I have cancer. I immediately turned to ‘Dr. Google’ and started researching.” Part of Nelson’s research included reading the 87 pages of the American Thyroid Association’s (ATA) Guidelines for management of thyroid cancer.

By the time Nelson got to Indianapolis and met with Dr. Mantravadi, he was well on his way to understanding his condition. He came armed with questions, and was satisfied with the answers.

“If you can’t get to a center of excellence for medullary thyroid cancer, you need to get to a doctor who understands the ATA guidelines. Standard chemotherapy and radiation do not work. Surgery is the primary and first line of defense,” said Nelson.

Dr. Mantravadi completed his medical degree at Indiana University School of Medicine. He completed a residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center and a fellowship in advanced head and neck oncologic surgery/micro vascular reconstruction at the University of Miami Hospitals/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“The experience with IU health was fantastic. The first time I saw Dr. Mantravadi, he squeezed me in and I got immediate attention from a doctor who actually cares for me like family. He’s not just a great doctor, he’s a fantastic human being,” said Nelson. “The first time I drove to Indianapolis I drove with dread. Now I drive with gratitude because he saved my life.”

Nelson underwent an eight-hour surgery on Feb. 10, 2016. Since then, he says the results are as rare as the cancer itself. His tumor markers have shown no evidence of active cancer.

He’s spent the years following surgery focusing on his family and opportunities that allow him to live his life to the fullest. He has been married to his wife, Jane, for 32 years. They have two sons, Erik, 27, and Adam, 25.

Knowing that his diagnosis could be hereditary, Nelson underwent genetic testing. His results were a sporadic diagnosis rather, than hereditary.

“Waiting for those test results was one of the toughest times throughout all of this. I’d rather die than pass it along to my boys,” said Nelson. Throughout his diagnosis, surgery, testing, and follow up, Nelson focused on gratitude every step of the way.

“People talk about ‘fighting cancer,’ but it’s not a fair fight. There’s little you can do other than go through it with a positive attitude. Someone told me ‘you’re so brave’ and I said ‘what choice do I have?’” said Nelson, a board member of the Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association (ThyCa). He has also been a keynote speaker at national conferences, and an active social media supporter for people with medullary thyroid cancer.

Last October, Nelson released a book, “Firm Grip: Learning to Thrive when Life Doesn’t go as Planned.” In sharing his personal story, Nelson offers hope to others. He encourages people facing life-threatening health situations to recognize their life-creating capabilities, understand the power of their thoughts, trust God, and remain aware of life that his happening around them.

“When my friend encouraged me to write a book, I resisted and then I thought, ‘how can I not write a book?’ I have hope and if I didn’t share that hope it would be selfish,” said Nelson, who recently gifted Dr. Mantravadi with a copy of the book. He posted a picture of the two of them on Facebook with a caption: “This is the guy who saved my life. Of course I gave him a copy of the book since he’s in it.”

What keeps Nelson hopeful every day? “For someone who has gone through cancer and kicked the can down the road but doesn’t know what’s next, I encourage them to find their gratitude,” said Nelson. “Gratitude is the bass note of daily attitude. When you practice it you can get better and it’s impossible to be negative.”

Social worker applauds courage of patients with cystic fibrosis

March is Social Worker Appreciation Month – a time to recognize team members who help patients face the complexities of their daily lives. This social worker celebrates the successes of her patients.

By IU Health Senior Journalist, T.J. Banes, tfender1@iuhealth.org

She first sensed it in high school – the stigma that often contributes to symptoms of mental and social health.

“I’m thankful I experienced the work of a social worker at a young age and saw the good they can do. Depression and anxiety can be tough in high school. People don’t talk about it and I think we need to talk about it with younger generations. Being honest and seeking help makes all the difference in healing,” said Olivia Hansen.

Those personal experiences have helped her in her professional life. She joined IU Health two and half years ago and works in the outpatient cystic fibrosis clinic at IU Health University Hospital.

“She is an amazing, dedicated, versatile and compassionate social worker,” said veteran social worker Sarah Hale. “Everyone who meets Olivia is blown away by her genuine empathy and caring.”

Hansen grew up in Fort Wayne, Ind. and graduated from Carroll High School where she was a track and field standout. Her high school accomplishments included: Conference, Regional, and Semi-State Championships and Academic All-State. Honoree. She is also a Chargers’ recorder-holder team member for the 4x800m relay. Hansen is the middle child of Daniel and Lisa Hippensteel.

Hansen is married to her high school sweetheart, Paul. They started dating her senior year and were crowned prom queen and king.

After high school Hansen attended IU Bloomington, where she continued her running career achieving Academic Big Ten status, a Runner-up at the Hoosier Invitational and a top contender at Big Ten and NCAA Championships.

She completed her undergraduate degree in public health and received her master’s degree in social work.

“I spent a summer working at a residential treatment facility in Fort Wayne and we did a lot of interventions with kids. I realized that for many of the children it came down to their families. A lot of them didn’t have healthy family lives or maybe there was a history of mental health, financial concerns and stress. I felt if there was a way to proactively prevent these things from happening to people, we should,” said Hansen, 27.

When a position opened up at IU Health to work with a team of practitioners focused on the needs of patients with cystic fibrosis, Hansen was all in.

“A lot has been changing in the past three years with cystic fibrosis. Prior to November 2019 a lot of patients were admitted for cystic fibrosis exacerbation. Being in the hospital so often is life limiting,” said Hansen.

Cystic Fibrosis is a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTCR). In October 2019, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Trikafta to treat patients with Cystic Fibrosis (ages 12 and older). The medication is a CFTR modulator that helps defective CFTR proteins work more effectively. As a result, patients spend less time in the hospital.

“The new medication has changed the patient’s quality of life. It brings them new identity. They can now think about working, going to college, their futures,” said Hansen.

“We have about 300 patients and I’ve gotten to know them so well and it’s been incredible to see their changes, and their triumphs and courage. Working with an incredible team of pharmacists, nurses, doctors, dieticians, makes the environment so dynamic and proactive when it comes to patient care,” said Hansen.

“I see my patients at a minimum once every three months. When I see they can benefit from mental health counseling, I’ll encourage them to take those extra steps and when I hear they are following through, I could just dance,” she said.

Endometriosis: What to know and how to ‘end’ the pain

It affects an estimated 176 million women across the globe. What is this 13-letter word that causes so much pain and how can women find relief. One OB/GYN offers advice.

By IU Health Senior Journalist, T.J. Banes, tfender1@iuhealth.org

It’s a mystery to some, and to others it’s difficult to describe. Endometriosis is a condition that impacts the lives of one in 10 women. Following are some questions and answers from IU Health certified gynecologist, Dr. Insiyyah Y. Patanwala, who works with the Coleman Center for Women.

Q: What is endometriosis?
A: A growth of uterine cells found outside the uterus, somewhere in the pelvis, bowel, bladder, diaphragm.

Q: What are the symptoms?
A: The most common symptoms are pain and can manifest in different manners – some of the pain in cyclical – before, during and after periods. A lot of times it stays that way and sometimes it becomes more severe over time. Some women may also experience pain during intercourse or during bowel movements or urination. We see some women where endometriosis can be a contributor to infertility.

Q: How is it diagnosed?
A: A laparoscopy can diagnose endometriosis, however we do not put all women through surgery. If their symptoms seem consistent with endometriosis, then the first line of management is hormone suppression, such as birth control to help manage the pain. Treatments are designed to attempt to temper estrogen production in a woman’s body. Hormonal therapy is used to suppress the menstrual period to prevent the monthly bleeding.
If someone is attempting to become pregnant then we generally opt for pain medication or remove the liaisons. Some of the strongest hormone therapies can result in a temporary menopause for women.

Q: Is endometriosis hereditary?
A: There is some genetic predisposition so if you have a family member who has endometriosis then you are more likely to develop endometriosis.

Q: Can a woman grow out of endometriosis?
A: Pain improves through pregnancy because of hormonal changes. Breast-feeding can also suppress periods and keep the pain of endometriosis at bay. But once a woman stops breast-feeding the symptoms can return.

For the best diagnosis and treatment women should consult their physician. Dr. Patanwala came to IU Health in 2017. Her practice focuses on abnormal uterus bleeding, fibroids, endometrioses and chronic pelvic pain.

What she likes best about her role at IU Health: “When I see a lot of women who have abnormal bleeding or debilitating pain for many years and I can help them fix their problems so they can enjoy their lives again,” she said.

COVID-19 FAQs for Pregnancy & Childbirth

Updated March 17, 2022

We want to reassure you that you, your baby and our team members are our first priority. As the largest healthcare system in Indiana, we are well positioned to adapt our approach to best meet your pregnancy care needs. Each patient’s care will be evaluated on an individual basis.

We have answered the following COVID-19 related questions to help ease concerns about your labor and delivery at this time.

Am I a high-risk person for COVID-19 while I’m pregnant?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says if you are pregnant, you have an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. You also might be at increased risk of adverse outcomes, such as preterm birth, compared with pregnant individuals without COVID-19.

Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for all people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant now or in the future. You can sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine by visiting ourshot.in.gov.

There is no evidence that fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines.

Can my appointment be virtual or over the phone?

We will conduct some routine office visits by video or telephone based on your care needs. We are working hard to communicate changes before your visit, but please call your doctor’s office if you have any questions about your appointment.

Is it possible that I will be receiving care from a different doctor?

Whether part of your prenatal care, or delivery of your child, you will see a highly skilled IU Health OB/GYN provider. Often it will be your primary physician or a physician within the same practice. You can have confidence that our team of experts are working together to support and care for you.

When it comes to labor and delivery, can I have a support person with me, or will this be limited?

If you are admitted to an IU Health hospital and in labor, two visitors are allowed with you. The visitors must be the same people throughout the entire stay and must screen negative for COVID-19. For more information on visitor policies, visit our COVID-19 Visitor & Appointment Updates page.

Am I allowed to have a doula during labor and delivery?

Yes. A doula is considered part of your healthcare team.

Will I or my newborn be close or come in contact with any COVID-19 patients?

No. All patients and visitors are screened for COVID-19 upon entry. Patients with symptoms will not be near you or your newborn.

What if I test positive for COVID-19? Can I pass the infection to my newborn?

If you test positive for COVID-19, we can help you take steps to reduce the risk of infecting your baby. We will make sure you receive the follow-up care you need to best manage potential symptoms and complications of infection. Babies who test positive for COVID-19 generally recover completely, but it is a new illness and the risk to newborns is not entirely understood.

Will there be any changes in my care after delivery?

Postpartum care will remain relatively the same in hospital. Depending on your location, the nursery may be closed, in which case rooming-in will be encouraged. Well-check appointments and postpartum check-ups will be moved virtually if appropriate.

Will I be able to schedule a pre- or post-birth class, delivery suite tour or pediatric get-to-know you visits?

Depending on your location, classes, tours and visits have been cancelled or moved virtually. To view all classes and events, visit our Classes & Events listings. For further details, talk to your provider or call your office.

Visit our COVID-19 online resource center for the latest updates from IU Health. We value the trust you have placed in our skilled physicians, nurses and team members. We are proud to be your partner during this time. We will continue to bring an unwavering commitment to providing you and your baby with the compassionate, safe and quality care you deserve.