As a Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Public Health Nurse, parents often tell me they are worried about toilet training. I have always thought that “toilet training” should be called “toilet learning”. Training implies parents have control over their child’s toileting when our kid’s bodies are in control! Your child’s success with bladder and bowel control… Continue reading Toilet Training – 4 P’s to success!
The topic of calcium comes up often as a question when I am counselling expectant parents or teaching group classes. Most people are aware that it is important to get calcium for strong bones and teeth. But did you know that calcium also plays an important role in maintaining healthy heartbeat, normal blood pressure, healthy… Continue reading Pregnant? Get the facts on calcium!
A CPNP or a Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program, is a national prenatal program available to pregnant individuals and families who qualify. In Toronto, there are over 30 programs that run across the City each week. I work with a team of Registered Dietitians and Nurses to support pregnant families that attend these programs in making… Continue reading Pregnant and want to know how and what to eat? Attend a CPNP
Becoming a father is a big life change, there are many things to learn and adjust to in your new role. Along with all the excitement and joy of having a baby, fatherhood may also bring sleepless nights, lack of routine, and unexpected stress between you and your partner. When everyone’s focus is on baby… Continue reading Depression and anxiety in fathers
Pride month in Toronto begins June 1st. Sometimes parents ask advice on what to say to their young children about what Pride celebrations mean. Here’s Jennifer Katz, a Sexual Health Nurse, who shares some great tips for you and your family. When speaking to children about Pride, try to keep in mind that children will… Continue reading Speaking to children about Pride celebrations
As a nurse, many parents have asked me to give them tips on comforting and soothing their crying baby. It can be very frustrating and exhausting for parents to hear their baby cry. If you find your frustration climbing, take a break and ask for help. How can I soothe and comfort my crying baby?… Continue reading Comforting your crying baby: Swaddling and other tips
Years ago I had a terrible experience of suffering from second degree sunburns on my entire face after enjoying 2 hours of outdoor activities. It was a sunny afternoon and I didn’t feel the heat due to the gentle breeze constantly sweeping over my face. Your baby’s skin is far more sensitive and they are… Continue reading Taking baby outside? Be sun safe!
They say ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’. They were right. But, how many veggies and fruits a day? It is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women eat about 7-9 servings of vegetables and fruits a day, where one serving of vegetables is about ½ cup, and one serving of fruit is about… Continue reading Have more veggies and fruit daily to enjoy better health!
In 2017, Toronto Public Health surveyed over 1,000 moms in Toronto whose babies were 6 months old. We wanted to find out how they were feeding their babies in the first 6 months of life. You may have been one of the mothers we contacted! Here’s what we found out: 98% of Toronto moms fed… Continue reading Breastfeeding in Toronto: 2017 results are in!
Although we try to improve our eating habits during pregnancy, pregnancy itself can bring on changes that can affect our appetite. So I often get asked, “Do I have to take any supplements during pregnancy?” The short answer is yes. Health Canada recommends that all pregnant individuals take a multivitamin daily that contains 0.4mg of… Continue reading Should I take a vitamin/mineral supplement during pregnancy?
