Real talk: Q&A with Dr. Boyer of FreedomDoc Zionsville
Isn't it every mom's dream to have a doc you can text or call whenever you need them? Meet Dr. Anastasia Boyer, a mom of six and doctor who recently opened her membership-based FreedomDoc primary care practice in Zionsville, IN. For a low monthly cost (like your fave gym membership), you get an all-inclusive primary care experience with enhanced access to your doctor, including same-day appointments and video chats!
Dr. Boyer is now welcoming patients to her Zionsville practice.
We sat down with Dr. Boyer to ask some of the most common Q’s from our CityMoms:
There are so many supplement options available- it's overwhelming! What do you recommend for optimal health for moms?
Taking a prenatal vitamin works well at any stage of motherhood because this ensures you get a daily dose of iron. As a bonus, it's also great for your hair, skin, and nails!
For moms with trouble sleeping, melatonin is one first-line option to try. I do NOT recommend jumping to Benadryl, especially for kids who have trouble sleeping, because it has many side effects, especially grogginess.
(Remember that natural supplements are not FDA regulated, so no research backs them up.)
Aside from supplements, for common issues like sleep and anxiety, I encourage moms to take time every day to care for themselves. We often end up putting our kids and family first, but you have to take good care of yourself before you can take good care of your family. Continue doing the things you enjoy, like hobbies, walking, staying active, and spending time with friends.
As moms, it feels like we're always asking, "Is this normal?!" Can you share the most common issues you address with moms and kids?
Ages 3 and under:
Remember that developmental milestones (walking, talking, and getting their first teeth) vary significantly between children. Instead of stressing, monitor progress with their doctor so you can start interventions early if there are any unusual delays.
I get asked many questions about safe sleeping with babies, and I remind moms that the safest place to sleep is on their back, in their crib or pack-and-play, with no blankets, pillows, or bumpers.
Rashes are another big one! Kids are very rashy - especially babies! Infants have dry, flaky skin, which is totally normal. Same with cradle cap. These typically don't bother babies and tend to be self-resolving. I encourage members of our office to call or text me with any questions. Moms can also schedule a quick video visit so I can check out any rash without them having to leave home or take off work.
School-age kids:
Make sure you're addressing your kiddos' mental health at this age. Bullying and peer pressure are common problems for school-age kids, so we want to ensure we know what's going on in their lives.
I encourage parents to start educating kids at this age about body autonomy and body image, as well as internet safety, to help protect them and prevent or limit cyberbullying.
We are seeing girls starting their menstrual cycles at a younger age. So I encourage parents to start talking with kids about puberty and menstrual cycles, so they're not scared when it happens to them.
Teens and young adults:
I often warn my teenage patients we'll talk about some hard things. I promote healthy relationships and understanding what that means:
No means no.
You should not feel controlled by your partner but should feel love, empathy, and respect from them.
Kids often think of abuse as hitting, but they need to know what emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse is to understand what is healthy and what is not when they start developing romantic relationships.
I also encourage them to surround themselves with friends with similar goals and aspirations.
We've been talking a lot about PPA and PPD treatment and prevention. As a mom of six, we're sure you've got plenty of personal and professional input on this one!
If you were on an antidepressant or anxiety medication before pregnancy, talk to your doctor about possibly continuing those during pregnancy. There have been a lot of studies on the safety of these drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding. SSRIs are generally safe while pregnant and breastfeeding.
Isolation can exacerbate mental health symptoms, especially when you're sleep-deprived and caring for a newborn. Find your support network within your family, friends, and community, and understand that going through those struggles is normal.
A lot of postpartum moms suffer from back and pelvic pain. I offer osteopathic treatments (similar to chiropractic adjustments) to improve postpartum back and pelvic pain, breastfeeding-related back pain, and other musculoskeletal complaints.
MORE REAL TALK: What’s the deal with perimenopause?
Any general tips for keeping kiddos healthy during cold and flu season, especially in public (play) places?
My tips for everyone:
Get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines
Wash or sanitize your hands often (especially before eating)
Get at least eight hours of sleep each night
Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water
Make sure you stay home if you have a fever (temperature of 100.4 F or more)
Cough and sneeze into your elbow
Whew! While we definitely touched on something for everyone, if you have any specific questions or concerns, we recommend contacting your primary care provider for answers or before making any changes.
And if you're in the Indy area, reach out to Dr. Boyer online. Outside Indy? For personalized healthcare near you, find a FreedomDoc here.
