Jessica Holbrook, MSN, RN, CCRN

Jessica is a current ICU nurse and nurse writer with specialized certifications in pediatrics, life flight, and cardiac surgery. She has spent most of her healthcare career caring for medically complex and chronically ill pediatric patients. Her writing focuses on education of patients and families to help them make informed healthcare decisions.

 

Jessica graduated with her Masters of Science in Nursing from Weber State University, where she focused on hospital quality improvement and expanding access to healthcare for at-risk populations. Her masters thesis focused on health and wellness education for adolescents.

 

Before starting her career in healthcare, Jessica worked for years as a nanny and a high school sports coach. She spends her spare time trail running with her husband and baking with her daughter.

Jessica Holbrook
Mother with her newborn baby sleeping in bed after c-section.

Pregnancy

How to Sleep After a C-Section

Sleep after a C-section is important for recovery. Finding a good position, the right temperature, and medications can help you with sleep after surgery.

Closeup of woman belly with scar from cesarean section with a medical bandage.

Pregnancy

C-Section Scar Pain: What to Do When It Keeps Hurting

C-section incision pain is common right after delivery. Pain that lasts for months or years after your C-section should be addressed by a doctor.

Portrait of hispanic pregnant woman walking in a curb at sunset.

Pregnancy

Curb Walking to Induce Labor: Does It Work?

Curb walking can help open up your pelvis and bring your baby down into position for delivery. It’s one of the best ways to induce labor naturally.

Young beautiful pregnant girl drinking tea in her home during daytime.

Pregnancy

Midwives Brew: Does It Really Work to Induce Labor?

Midwives brew is a drink made with castor oil that can help jumpstart labor. It should only be used after discussion and approval of your physician.

Doctor examining pregnant woman in clinic.

Pregnancy

Creating Your C-Section Birth Plan

A C-section birth plan is a great tool for both planned and unexpected cesarean sections. Having a plan relieves stress and gets your needs met during delivery.

Woman grabbing the loose skin on stomach after giving birth by caserean section.

Pregnancy

The C-Section Shelf: Does It Ever Go Away?

A C-section shelf is excess skin and fat that hangs over a C-section scar. You can make it smaller with diet and exercise or eliminate it with a tummy tuck.

Woman pointing to C section scar.

Pregnancy

C-Section Scar Healing Stages and Care

A C-section is a major surgery that will leave a scar. You can minimize scarring by caring for your incision in the first weeks after delivery.

Baby has rashes on her face because she get herpes infection.

Health & Nutrition

Baby Acne vs Herpes: How to Tell the Difference

Baby acne is a condition that resolves on its own. Neonatal herpes is dangerous and requires treatment. If you think your baby has herpes, seek medical care.

Mom writing near toddler kid with down syndrome and preschooler girl.

Special Needs

Developing Verbal Comprehension in Special Needs Children

Developing verbal comprehension in special needs children can be particularly challenging. Here are some ways to improve verbal comprehension.

Autistic boy playing with colorful dice being watched by a psychotherapist sitting in the background.

Autism

Managing Repetitive Behavior in Children With Autism

Managing repetitive behavior in children with autism is possible, and it's an essential step in avoiding self-harm and improving social skills.

Busy mother breastfeeding her newborn baby while using an manual.

Breastfeeding

Sudden Drop in Milk Supply: 4 Causes and Solutions

A sudden drop in milk supply is stressful for both mom and baby. A healthy diet and stress management can help you make enough milk for your growing baby.

Young family with two small children indoors in kitchen.

Development

Reciprocal Conversation Skills and Your Child’s Development

Reciprocal conversation is communication between two people. Problems with these skills can have an effect on every area of a child’s life

C section operation recovery concept.

Pregnancy

6 Must-Haves for Your C-Section Recovery Kit

Whether planned or a surprise, a c-section recovery kit can help you heal more quickly. You want to make sure you care for yourself after a c-section.

Happy kids with disabilities in preschool.

Special Needs

Building Adaptive Skills in Children with Disabilities

Adaptive skills are the skills your child needs to care for themselves and gain independence. Children with disabilities may need more help learning these skills.

Breast milk frozen in storage bag and baby.

Breastfeeding

How to Tell if Breast Milk Is Bad

Breast milk can have different tastes, smells, and colors. Knowing how to tell if breast milk is bad will keep your baby safe and keep you from throwing away good...