MotherToBaby North TX is an affiliate of the international non-profit Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS), a prestigious professional society that supports and contributes to worldwide initiatives for teratology education and research. MotherToBaby affiliates and OTIS, which are suggested resources by many agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are dedicated to providing evidence-based information to mothers, health care professionals, and the general public about medications and other exposures during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

All North Americans can be connected with MotherToBaby experts toll-FREE through its phone counseling service (866) 626-6847, as well as at (800) 733-4727. In addition, you can read more about MotherToBaby North TX at www.ttis.unt.edu.

“Currently, reliable information about the risks of medications and other exposures, like over-the-counter products and alcohol, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding is hard to find, particularly online. It’s crucial women and health care providers know that experts who are up-to-date on the most cutting edge research are readily available to them,” explained Lori Wolfe, CGC, the current MotherToBaby North TX director. “The connection between mother and baby and the impact a particular exposure might have on the developing child is the type of education we provide. This is why we strongly believe the name MotherToBaby and the service it represents will be well-received by the general public.”

Wolfe further explains the need for this sort of counseling since approximately 50% of women report taking at least one medication during pregnancy. “The average woman doesn’t find out she’s pregnant until she’s five or more weeks along,” said Wolfe. “That means a woman could have been consuming alcohol or taking medications during that time without knowing she’s pregnant. She then finds herself very worried about what it might mean for her baby.”

In addition to a pregnant woman’s primary health care provider, MotherToBaby North TX experts offer an added layer of support by providing her with an individualized risk assessment so she may make informed health decisions. For more information about MotherToBaby North Texas, please visit www.ttis.unt.edu.

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Media Contact: Lori Wolfe, 800-733-4727, lwolfe@unt.edu. Interviews in Spanish can also be arranged.