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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)— On Friday, Ochsner Health officials held a virtual press conference to share post-storm resources and provide an update for expecting moms and families.

Spokespeople:

  • Joseph R. Biggio Jr., MD, MS (System Chair, Women’s Service Line and System Chair, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Ochsner Health)
  • Julie Jeansonne, MD (OB/GYN, Ochsner Baptist)
  • Rayne Schexnayder, MD (Pediatrician, Ochsner Hospital for Children)  
  • Jill West, PhD (Section Head, Child Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Ochsner Hospital for Children)

Key Updates:

  • Expecting patients displaced because of Hurricane Ida can call hotline 504-354-3950 for questions about pregnancy. The hotline is available Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.
  • Remember to stock up on baby essentials before coming back into an area impacted by a storm. Check out Ochsner.org/newmom for more tips for expecting and new moms!
  • Once you are back home, check in with your OB/GYN and pediatrician to reschedule any appointments you may have missed and/or confirm your upcoming appointments.
  • Wellness visits and immunizations are vital to a child’s health. Cold and flu season is just around the corner. It’s recommend kids get the flu vaccine by late October.
  • From school closures to evacuating to a new place to coming home to find storm damage, the aftermath of a storm can be especially confusing for children. Be honest but deliver the content in a way that is calming and understandable for the child. A good shorthand is to “calm young children, explain to older children.”