When I mention "communication", a lot of parents think I only mean talking. But there are so many ways that you and your baby communicate that don't involve any words at all – through gestures, body movements, touch, and facial expressions. These forms of (non-verbal) communication are important stepping stones to talking. How your baby… Continue reading How do babies communicate when they are too young to talk?
World Maternal Mental Health Day
This year, May 5, 2021 is World Maternal Mental Health Day. It is a day to raise awareness of perinatal mood disorders. 1 in 5 women experience anxiety and/or depression during pregnancy or post-partum. It is one of the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth yet it is often unnoticed and untreated. The COVID-19… Continue reading World Maternal Mental Health Day
COVID-19 Vaccine: Planning a pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding
As of April 23, all pregnant individuals in Ontario are eligible to register for COVID-19 vaccination appointments. It is free and available to all eligible residents. An OHIP card is not required to get the vaccine. Many have been asking questions about the vaccine and whether it is safe to be vaccinated when planning a… Continue reading COVID-19 Vaccine: Planning a pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding
Six tips to support food sustainability
What is food sustainability? In short…it is maintaining a food system that is safe and healthy for everyone starting from the production of food all the way to putting food on your table. It means making food in ways that are safe and healthy for the environment and the consumer. But it doesn't end there;… Continue reading Six tips to support food sustainability
Breastfeeding can be effective in preventing pregnancies
Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) is a natural form of birth control method that uses breastfeeding* to prevent ovulation. However breastfeeding is only a reliable form of birth control when all these conditions are met: Your baby is under 6 months Your monthly period has not returned Your baby is fully or nearly fully breastfed Your baby… Continue reading Breastfeeding can be effective in preventing pregnancies
Are you getting enough potassium?
By 2022, you will see potassium listed on the Nutrition Facts Table, as one of several food labelling improvements required by Health Canada. Why potassium? Diets low in potassium are linked with having higher blood pressure and other chronic diseases such as heart disease. Data shows that Canadians are not eating enough potassium-rich foods. What… Continue reading Are you getting enough potassium?
Tips to be more mindful
This past year has been challenging. We have posted many blogs encouraging us to take care of ourselves especially our mental health. One of the strategies that comes up a lot is mindfulness. But what is mindfulness and how does it help us? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines mindfulness as: "The practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental… Continue reading Tips to be more mindful
March is Nutrition Month. Find Your Healthy!
March is Nutrition Month! Join Toronto Public Health in recognizing the important role dietitians have in promoting health through nutrition. This year, Dietitians of Canada wants you to know that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to healthy eating. Healthy eating looks different to everyone. We all have our own culture, traditions, preferences and nutritional needs.… Continue reading March is Nutrition Month. Find Your Healthy!
A good latch is important for breastfeeding
Latching is how your baby takes your breast and your nipple into their mouth. A good latch is very important for breastfeeding. Having a good latch will help your baby to breastfeed well. A poor latch can lead to: a hungry baby sore nipples decreased milk supply Some babies can latch themselves while others may… Continue reading A good latch is important for breastfeeding
Advice for new parents
When I was pregnant I received so much advice. Family and friends, random people in the grocery store, social media, the internet - they all had advice to give me even when I wasn't asking for it. So how do you sort through all this advice? How do you know what to listen to and… Continue reading Advice for new parents