Dr. Jodie Horton Expert

535

Board Certified OB/GYN

We all know exercising is one of the best things you can do for your mind and body. The question is, what can exercise do to your vagina? There is a lot of sweating and friction that can wreak havoc down there. Post-workout we usually make sure to freshen up. The vagina is no different and may even need some extra attention. 

The vagina has normal bacteria that prevents the overgrowth of bad bacteria like bacterial vaginosis and yeast. However, a warm, wet environment after a sweat sesh can be a breeding ground for infection. Here are some tips to keep the vagina fresh and clean after a heavy workout. 

1. Wear moisture-wicking breathable workout clothes with a cotton crotch to allow airflow. Materials like nylon and lycra can trap moisture and heat. Try to avoid these materials if you are susceptible to infections.
2. Cotton and seamless workout clothes are going to be the most vagina friendly and prevent chafing and irritation.
3. Go commando. Even wearing cotton underwear adds another layer that can cause irritation and trap moisture.
4. Ditch the thongs. The thong's friction and movement can introduce E. coli from the anus into the vagina and lead to potential urinary and vaginal infections.
5. Change your clothes as soon as you finish your workout. Always keep clean, dry clothes with you to change into afterward.
6. If you have time, take a shower and wash the vulva with warm water and mild fragrance-free soap and gently pat the vagina dry before putting new clothes on. In a hurry? Keep vaginal wipes handy in your gym bag.
7. Avoid using any douching, deodorants or sprays to mask odors. If you get frequent infections, use a fragrance-free hypoallergenic detergent to wash your workout clothes

When cleaning your vagina, it's so important to gently clean the outside, known as the vulva, with warm water and a mild soap. The vulva is the external female genitalia and includes the clitoris, labia majora, labia minora, and the vaginal opening. You want to avoid cleaning the inside of the vagina because it is designed to keep itself clean with the help of natural secretions. Washing the inside can disrupt the normal acidic pH of the vagina (between 3.5-4.5) and create an environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive. 

As we age, hectic schedules dictated by jobs, school, kids, and gym time can interfere with vaginal hygiene. Keep vaginal wipes handy in your purse and gym bag is always a good idea when on the go. 

If you are a woman approaching menopause, a decrease in estrogen can lead to a reduction of the good bacteria that helps maintain a normal pH of the vagina. The pelvic floor muscles also get weaker and have decreased tone. You may notice leakage of urine with certain exercises. The combination of altered pH, decrease in Lactobacilli, urinary incontinence, and the moisture and friction from exercising can be challenging. To prevent urinary incontinence, you can do Kegel exercises  to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that support the uterus, bladder, small intestines, and rectum. Adding probiotics and using the tips mentioned above will help your vagina stay healthy when exercising. 

By following these tips, you CAN still keep your vagina happy and healthy, even when working out.

With love, 

Dr. Jodie Horton

We wait long and hard for our treasured summer months and for some women, those summer months increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). As the heat and humidity rise, it's easier for bacteria to grow. You lose lots of fluids through sweating and become dehydrated, putting you at risk for that pesky and irritating bladder infection. 85% of UTIs are caused by a bacteria called Escherichia coli or E.coli that is found in your gut. 

All women are at risk of cystitis and are 4 times more likely to have a bladder infection than men. The reason is because of our anatomy — specifically, the short distance from the urethra to the anus and the urethral opening to the bladder. Other risk factors include sexual activity, immune system, certain types of birth control, and even our age. 

Here are some tips to prevent UTIs during the summer months: 

Water Water Water. Stay hydrated so you can flush out your kidneys and bladder. You should be drinking at least 2L of water every day. I like to keep a stainless steel water bottle to keep my water cool. Pro tip, add a couple of lemons to your water to help prevent bladder infections. Lemons act as a diuretic so that you will flush out bacteria that may be harmful. It also maintains the correct pH level in the urinary tract, preventing bacteria from growing. 

Avoid sugar. Sugary foods, beverages, juices, even cocktails, promote the overgrowth of bacteria in the bladder. If you have recurrent bladder infections, you may want to eliminate sugar in your diet. If you are diabetic, make sure your blood sugars are well controlled. 

Urinate after sex. Women are having more sex during the summertime, according to studies. Urinating after sex may lower the risk of a bladder infection by flushing out bacteria that may get into the urethra during sex. 

Holding your pee. Go to the bathroom when you need to and make sure you completely empty your bladder. Self-explanatory, but not emptying your bladder when you need to can lead to a buildup of bad bacteria in your bladder. 

Make sure you wipe right. Wipe from front to back to keep bacteria around the anus from getting in the vagina or urethra. Stay extra prepared and keep pH balanced vaginal wipes handy if you’re at the beach or pool. Always make sure to keep the area clean and dry by changing out of your bathing suit immediately. Remember, moisture is bacteria’s best friend! 

Undies. If you are prone to UTIs avoid thongs because it can easily spread bacteria from the anus to the vaginal area and urethra. Worried about panty lines? Go commando!

Could be your BC. Be aware that certain forms of birth control like spermicidal foam and diaphragms could be the culprit. These forms of birth control are known to increase the risk of UTIs. 

Age. Obviously we can’t change our age. However, after menopause, a decline in circulating estrogen in our bodies can cause changes in the urinary tract system that make you vulnerable to infection. The hormone estrogen allows the “good” bacteria called Lactobacillus to thrive. These bacteria produce acid, which lowers the vagina's pH, which helps keep the “bad” bacteria in check. Add a probiotic to your daily supplements. 

Add proanthocyamidins (PAC) either as a supplement or in your diet. Proanthocyamidins are a cranberry extract that prevent E.coli from attaching to the bladder and causing an infection. Foods rich in PAC include grapes, red wine (Yay!), cranberries, strawberries, blueberries, apples, and red cabbage. 

Try these tips for a happy bladder and happy summer. However, if you are experiencing pain or burning with urination, frequent urination, lower belly pressure, cloudy, bloody, or urine that has a strong odor, seek medical attention. 

With love, 

Dr. Jodie Horton

Hi! I am Dr. Jodie Horton.  I am an OB/GYN and clinical assistant professor in Washington, DC.  I am so excited to be a part of this community of women.  Just wanted to let you know that this is a safe space to ask questions, share your opinions and learn about women's wellness.  If there are any topics you want me to share, please let me know.                                                                                                                            Who would have predicted a pandemic in 2020.  It has been a crazy year and it is only June.  Despite having to still work during the pandemic, I enjoyed my days off.  The quarantine allowed me to slow down a little and spend more time with my daughter and indulge in some necessary self-care.  What about you guys? I wanted to know how you guys handled the quarantine?  Is there anything you are going to change in your life as we start to open back up?                                             

Most women will have a pelvic exam during their annual check-up or if they are having a problem involving the female reproductive system. So what exactly is your doctor looking for during this exam? There are two parts to the exam: a visual and a physical exam.

The visual part of the exam involves inspecting the mons pubis, the vulva (which includes the labia minora and majora, and the clitoris), the vagina, the perineum and the anus (see diagram).

Doctors look at the external genitalia and hair distribution and for any rashes, bumps, ulcers, irritation, or unusual vaginal discharge. From there, they will separate the labia majora and look at the labia minora (smaller vaginal lips), the clitoris, urethra (the hole you urinate from), the vaginal opening called the introitus, and hymen. 

Once finished looking at the external genitalia, they will use a speculum to visualize the inside of the vagina. The vagina should appear pink, rugate, and moist. The vagina is about 4 centimeters in length and at the end of the vagina is the cervix.  The cervix should look like a smooth pink doughnut. The provider will also look at the bladder and rectum to see if they are well supported and not protruding out into the vagina.  Depending on the reason for your visit, your gyno could do a pap smear (a screening test for cervical cancer), take a sample of abnormal discharge you may be experiencing, or swab the cervix for sexually transmitted infections.

The physical part of the exam follows the visual part of the exam. This includes a bimanual exam in which the doctor will place two fingers inside the vagina and the cervix will be moved from side to side. If this elicits any pain, called cervical motion tenderness then this may be a sign of enlarged ovaries due to a cyst, or ovarian mass. Another reason for pain could be an infection in fallopian tubes and ovaries called pelvic inflammatory disease or tubo-ovarian abscess. This is commonly caused by sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and chlamydia but Bacteroides and other less common bacteria can be the culprit. From there, the top of the uterus is then palpated. The doctor will then feel for the size, mobility, and if it is irregularly shaped, keeping in mind that the normal size of a uterus is 6-8cm. An irregular or enlarged uterus may be due to fibroids or adenomyosis. Fibroids are caused by encapsulated smooth muscle that can grow inside or on the outside of the uterus. Adenomyosis is where the inner lining of the uterus grows into the muscle portion of the uterus called the myometrium. This is more common in women in their 40s and can cause painful periods, bloating, and heavy periods.  The uterus could also be fixed or retroverted meaning tilted toward the spine which can be a normal finding but could also be due to endometriosis and cause pain during intercourse.

There is a lot of information your doctor can get from a pelvic exam which is such an important part of the women's wellness exam. If the exam reveals anything unusual, your doctor will discuss any tests, treatments, and additional follow-up appointments that you need.

Getting familiar with your vaginal anatomy is so important and shouldn't be scary! Embrace the body that you're in and get to know your lady parts. 

With love, 

Dr. Jodie Horton

No matter the time of year, whether we are approaching the sunny summer days or in the dead of winter, we often think about that summer glow and how to attain it. Your skin, your body’s largest organ, is a direct reflection of what’s happening inside of your body. So what are some things you can do to look radiant from the inside and out?  

Drink Water

Obviously, drink water every day. Your body is made of 60% water. It is essential for the function of cells, organs, and tissues. Water helps digestion, detoxify your body, and prevent you from becoming dehydrated. We lose water through breathing, digestion, and sweating. The amount of water you need depends on multiple factors. It depends on the climate you live in, physical activity, and any illnesses or health problems. It is recommended that you drink at least 64oz of water a day. Your skin is made of numerous cells, and without water, it will become dry, tight, and flaky. Dry skin has less resilience and is prone to wrinkling. Water is going to keep your skin supple and hydrated, so drink up!

Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It is a major component of connective tissue like muscles, ligaments, bones, blood vessels, and skin. Collagen is responsible for keeping your skin firm and supple. Due to stress, pollution, sun exposure, and other toxins, your body produces less collagen, starting in your mid-20s. Your body makes collagen by combining two amino acids called proline and glycine with the help of vitamin C. To boost your body’s natural collagen production, you can eat foods that have vitamin C such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers. Foods containing proline can be incorporated into your diet like dairy products, egg whites, wheat germ cabbage, asparagus, and mushrooms. Glycine can be found in pork, and chicken skin and gelatin. You can also add hydrolyzed collagen as a supplement to your morning coffee, tea, or smoothie. Bovine collagen is the most potent and effective collagen, but there are other sources, such as marine collagen.

For women who have acne, hydrolyzed collagen promotes the healing of acne scars. It is also an anti-inflammatory and will help calm down redness and swelling due to an acne breakout. Studies show that 8-12 weeks of collagen will also help with dry skin, eczema, and cellulite. BONUS! Other benefits include bone and joint health, stronger immune system, and a healthier gut.

Other Supplements

Ashwagandha has many benefits for the skin and hair too. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin from free radicals and skin damage. It also slows down the aging process by firming up your skin for a more youthful luminous look. Ashwagandha also improves scalp circulation that improves the strength of hair and prevents hair loss. Biotin is another essential nutrient for healthy skin and stronger, thicker hair and nails.  

So if you are looking for that effortless, not a care in the world glow up, try out these tips to show off your natural beauty.

With love, 

Dr. Jodie Horton

As we look forward to the hot summer days, most women are worried about their summer body but one of the questions you should be asking is if your bathing suit or the heat going to put you at risk for a vaginal infection or UTI? The research is conflicting, and there is no definitive answer to that question, but let’s break it down. 

Summer means heat, humidity, and wet bathing suits. Extended contact of the vagina with a warm, moist environment can potentially cause an overgrowth of bacteria and yeast. Friction from a bathing suit or chemicals such as chlorine can cause irritation and disrupt the pH balance of the vagina. You are more likely to become dehydrated from sweating, so if you don’t drink enough water, there is an increased risk of UTIs. Here are some tips to help reduce the risk of summer vaginal and bladder woes:

• Gently dry the genital area with a towel or wipes without vigorous rubbing
• Use a mild, pH-balanced cleanser to clean the genital area
• Don’t wear bathing suits for prolonged periods of time
• Choose a bathing suit that is moisture-wicking or quick dry
• Change out of your bathing suit when finished swimming and put on clean, dry cotton underwear
• Do not use vaginal douching or scented sprays, powders, or soaps. There is no benefit and can be harmful by promoting an imbalance of vaginal flora
• Avoid tight clothing to let the vagina breath and dry out
• When you use the bathroom, wipe front to back to reduce the risk of exposure of bacteria from the gut entering the bladder or vagina

Other things to consider are your diet. High sugar foods and drinks, including alcohol, can increase your chance of infection. Sugar is acidic and can disturb the pH balance of the vagina and the bladder, making it a hospitable environment for bacteria to grow. Eating a well-balanced diet and curbing the alcohol may help. If you have medical problems like diabetes, maintaining a healthy blood sugar level is essential to decrease your risk of infections. 

Pregnancy also puts you at risk for urinary tract infections because your immune system is weaker than usual. You are easily dehydrated, and a growing uterus makes it more difficult to completely empty your bladder. Pregnant women are at increased risk of a bladder or worse a kidney infection. Perimenopausal and menopausal women have a lower level of lactobacilli, which is needed to maintain a healthy vaginal flora to fight infections. Studies show that older women with lower levels of lactobacilli in their vagina were at increased risk of vaginal atrophy or thinning of the walls of the vagina. This can lead to burning on urination, bleeding after intercourse, painful sexual intercourse, and vaginal discharge, itching, or burning sensations.  Studies are exploring the use of probiotics to prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria and yeast responsible for vaginal infections and UTIs and maintain a healthy vagina.

So, get your vagina ready for the summer! Drink at least 64oz of water every day to stay hydrated and flush out your bladder. Take probiotics to promote healthy vaginal bacteria to prevent infections. Add supplements called proanthocyanidins (PAC). Research shows that PAC prevents bacteria like E.coli that is responsible for 85% of UTIs to adhere to the bladder and cause infections. If you have recurrent yeast or bacterial vaginosis, it’s good to keep boric acid vaginal suppositories handy. It’s time to kick-start your healthy routines and give some attention to your body so we can feel confident, comfortable, and healthy. 

Happy summer!

With love, 

Dr. Jodie Horton

Vaginal health is an important part of a woman's overall health. Problems with the vagina can lead to issues that can affect your sex life, fertility, and your relationship. These changes can lead to stress and lower your self-confidence. So what affects vaginal health?

Sex

Unprotected intercourse can increase your risk of sexually transmitted infections or STIs, that can affect fertility rates by damaging your fallopian tubes. Also, vaginal trauma from rough sex can cause bruising and lacerations that may lead to painful intercourse later. Painful intercourse, known as dyspareunia, can occur with penetration or thrusting. It is important to distinguish when this happens because the cause and treatment may be different.

Mental

Anxiety and depression can affect your libido and result in discomfort during sex. Sexual abuse or painful sexual experience also can lead to pain associated with sex. A woman can experience involuntary contractions of the vagina during penetration called vaginismus that can be treated with medication, behavioral, and physical therapy.

Medical Conditions

Endometriosis is a condition where the lining of the uterus called the endometrium is found in the uterus. This can cause chronic pelvic pain and scarring of the pelvic structures leading to pain during intercourse. Pelvic inflammatory disease and surgery can also lead to scarring and pain.

Birth Control and Feminine Hygiene Products

Birth control such as diaphragms, condoms, spermicide, and lubricants can cause vaginal irritation. The use of sprays, deodorants, or douching can also cause irritation or make it worse. It is essential to eliminate or simplify products used to identify the cause and modify the birth control or products used.

Hormones

Changes in hormone levels can occur during menopause, and if you're breastfeeding. A decrease in estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and thinning of the vaginal walls. The use of a water-based lubricant and foreplay can help with vaginal dryness and decrease painful intercourse. Menopausal women can also be treated with vaginal estrogen to help alleviate some of these problems. 

It is essential to identify the problems that you are having and to discuss them with your doctor. Safe sex practices, regular well-woman check-ups, and knowing the effects of the medication you are taking has on your vagina are steps that you can take to protect your vaginal and overall health. 

With love, 

Dr. Jodie Horton

Health maintenance is an excellent opportunity to spend focused time on disease prevention and health promotion. Although there is no consensus on the frequency of well-woman check-ups, most patients and physicians agree that being seen annually is essential. A well-woman check-up provides an opportunity to address any concerns that a woman may have depending on a woman’s age, health status, reproductive health needs, and risk factors. More importantly, it allows the physician to recommend preventative care.  

Pap Smears

A pap smear for cervical cancer screening should start between the age of 21-29. A pap smear should be done every 3 years. For women aged 30-65 years old, Pap smear should be done every 3 years or every 5 years if the Pap smear and high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) co-testing is done. 

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sexually active women should be screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea up until age 25. Age 25 years and older should be tested if they are at high risk for sexually transmitted infections. This includes gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis. Herpes is not generally included unless there is a concern or is specifically requested. 

Mammograms

Some organizations have differences of opinions as to when breast cancer screening should begin. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends yearly mammograms starting at age 40. Self-breast exams are also recommended. The best time to do an exam is 3-5 days after your period, or if you are menopausal, then the exam should be the same day every month. It is important to recognize any changes in your breast, such as cysts, nipple discharge, swollen lymph nodes, and skin changes. It is important to use breast self-exam along with mammograms because early detection can lead to improved outcomes.

Colonoscopy

Screening for colorectal cancer should start at age 50 years old and continue until age 75 years. Several screening tests can be done, including a colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, or stool tests. There are pros and cons of these different screening methods. Your options should be discussed with your doctor to find out which screening method is best for you. 

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bone to be weak and thin, leading to an increased risk of fractures. One in two postmenopausal women suffer from osteoporosis. The screening test called central dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or DXA should start at age 65 or earlier if there are risk factors that increase your risk for fractures. You can help prevent bone loss by leading a bone-healthy lifestyle that includes 1000-1200mg of calcium,600IU of vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercises.

Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure should be checked every year at your well-woman visit. A normal blood pressure is 120/80 or less. If it is higher than 120/80, then it should be checked more often. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and medication to lower your blood pressure.  

Cholesterol

The recommended age for cholesterol screening is between 20 to 45 years old for women at increased risk of coronary heart disease. It is reasonable to check the cholesterol levels every 5 years.

Diabetes

An estimated 13 percent of women have type 2 diabetes. It is recommended that women who have risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes of pregnancy should be screened with a simple blood test.

Mental Health Check

Depression screening should be done for all women. Approximately 10 percent of women are diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Screening should be started with resources in place to ensure accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and appropriate follow-up. 

The purpose of health maintenance is to shift the focus of health care from treating sickness to maintaining wellness and good health. When combined with a healthy lifestyle, you are living your best life.

With love, 

Dr. Jodie Horton

What are some ways you like to de-stress? It's so easy to get caught up in our day to day and never ending to-do lists. Whenever I feel the stress coming on, I always try to implement as many of these habits into my routine.

Nature

Social distancing may limit our time outdoors so bring nature into your house. Buy a plant.  Studies find that having a plant improves indoor air by reducing toxins and improving oxygen, reduces stress, improves mood sore throats and colds.  Check out this online store thesill.com.

Focus

Keep your mind sharp by doing jigsaw and crossword puzzles, or play games such as sudoku or scrabblego. Read a book that you haven’t had time to read in the past or free online classes.

Schedule

Keeping a schedule prevents you from spending the day in the bed.  Get out of bed, shower, put on a new pair of pajamas or loungewear and spend the day in another room.  Messing up your circadian rhythm can lead to weight gain, changes in hormone levels, poor digestion and changes in mood. 

Sleep

Sleep is so important to maintaining a healthy immune system. Make sure that you get 8 hours of sleep a day. Make your bedroom a sleep haven and only used for sleeping.  If you have trouble sleeping, stop screen time 2-3 hours before bed, drink a cup of chamomile tea, and use essential oils. A 2020 study showed that jasmine is more effective than lavender in improving sleep and reducing stress and anxiety.

Move

Do yoga, dance (I have been following @dnice and have been partying online with the likes of Oprah, Michelle Obama, Stevie Wonder and Rhianna), body weight exercises or just take a break once an hour and do some sort of movement to keep you active.

Mindfulness

Meditate to relax your mind and ease anxiety.  It’s a great way to start the day. There are several apps to 

Connection

Social distancing can lead to feeling isolated and depressed especially if you live alone.   Many people are doing virtual afternoon teas, happy hours, and book clubs. Webex will allow you to have unlimited time with friends and family to catch up.  It’s a great time to actually speak to people the old fashion way rather than through texting.

Limit

Limiting screen time can be difficult but constantly watching media reports can raise anxiety during a time it is important to stay calm.  Binge watch a new series or documentary on Netflix, Hulu etc. Check out Netflix Party where you can watch shows and movies with friends and family.  Make a date night complete with popcorn and candy.

Joy

Cook or bake something you’ve never made before,  take a long bath, or give yourself a facial. Dreaming of a vacation you couldn’t take.  Check out the list of museums you can visit virtually at https://artsandculture.google.com/partner.  

Goals

Set small goals each day.  This is a great time to organize and declutter your space.  Decluttering your home has shown to reduce stress and improve mental health. Tackle that closet that is a mess!

With love,

Dr. Jodie Horton

To give you some background, I am a OB/GYN but work as a hospitalist. This means that I work 15-24 hour shifts 2-4 times a week in the hospital. It averages between 48-96 hours per week! I am an attending and clinical professor so I work with residents and teach medical students when they are doing their OB/GYN rotation. The hospital I work at does around 4000 deliveries per year. The most deliveries I have done in one day is 9! 

There is a whole team that is on call during the day which includes two attending doctors, 3 residents, 2 medical students and the nurses.  We also have all subspecialties (Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pediatric Adolescent Gynecology, Family Planning, Urogynecology, Gynecologic Oncology and MIGS) at the hospital because we are a teaching facility. The hospital is a major trauma center so we receive transfers from other smaller community hospitals who can’t handle high risk pregnant patients or people with complicated gynecologic problems.  

Life at the hospital has been hectic and somewhat chaotic lately due to the Coronavirus outbreak. There are constant changes in hospital and government protocols and changes in schedules amongst the doctors and residents. We are required to wear masks at all times and are required to sit at least 3 feet away from each other in our main workroom. We are assigned one computer and are encouraged to work on only that one. Our computers and phones are also wiped down at each shift change. We minimize the number of people who will see a patient to minimize contact but also ensure proper care of the patient. We have also limited visitors on Labor and Delivery to one person. We have changed our schedules so that we are limited to one area in the hospital.  I mainly work in Labor and Delivery but have patients throughout the hospital including the Emergency Room, main operating room and see consults throughout the hospital. To minimize exposure to patients and other medical staff, my job is limited to only L&D during the day. 
 

So here is what a typical day looks like:

5:00 AM Wake up and watch the news for 30 minutes, shower, make coffee, walk the dog

6:45 AM Leave for work (I live in VA but work in DC-about a 45-50 minute drive so I always listen to a book on Audible)

7:30 AM I get sign out from the doctor leaving about all the patient’s that are on our OB/GYN service which includes patient that are in labor, patients that delivered, high risk patients that were admitted to the hospital that are preterm and GYN patients (patient with problems with the female reproductive system)

8:00 AM All of L&D physicians, nurses, residents and students do another sign-out or huddle.  We do this every 3 hours ( 8 times in 24 hours!) so that we know what’s going on with all of the patients.  Sometimes you are called emergently to a room when a patient is not yours so it is better to know a little about the patient.  This sign-out can take 30 minutes to 1.5 hours (This is why coffee or tea are important)

8:30 AM Start with all scheduled procedures such as C-sections, external cephalic version, cerclages, tubal ligations 

8:30AM-5:00 AM Managing patient’s labor progress, delivering babies either vaginally or by C-section, seeing patients in the OB Emergency Room, and consults in the Main Emergency Room, and possibly doing emergent surgeries. We typically will eat breakfast and lunch when there is a little downtime but it is not a protected time to eat.  So if there is a delivery, surgery or a consultation that needs to be done you eat when you can. Dinner is a collective group effort and is usually takeout/delivery that the attending buys for the team.

11:00 PM-2:00 AM I try to catch a quick nap in the call room or in the resident workroom in a lounge chair (not ideal) if there is downtime

5:00AM We do our last huddle of the shift and then start morning rounding on all our patients.  This can take at most 1-2 hours to see all the patients and write a note on the patient.  

7:30 AM I give report to the oncoming doctor and then I am done for the day! Whew!

9:00AM Arrive at home and take a shower and start my day.  I don’t take a nap but will go to sleep around 8:00PM

With love,

Dr. Jodie Horton