As a Public Health Nurse working in the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children program, I am asked every day: Is it safe to take my baby outside? My answer is YES, I recommend you go outside for a discovery walk (everyday if you can). Here’s my top 5 benefits of a discovery walk: Opportunity for new learningBabies… Continue reading Benefits of taking your child on a discovery walk
Author: Emily O'Brien RN, BScN, MN
My name is Emily O'Brien and I am a mother of two (one teen and another almost there!). I have learned a tremendous amount from all of the families that I have worked with over the last 15 years. My experience has taught me that every family is unique and I work hard to help each family find what will work for them!
Increasing the joy in parenting
As a Healthy Babies, Healthy Children (HBHC) Public Health Nurse one of the best parts of my job is to help parents find moments of joy with their infants and children. Sharing joy and laughter can help parents and babies create a connection that will last a lifetime. Moments of joy may look like: A… Continue reading Increasing the joy in parenting
Build healthy eating habits for your little one
Imagine the last meal you had with a friend - there was good conversation, eye contact and maybe even a few laughs. No one was stressed about how much the other person ate. Everyone was relaxed and enjoying sharing the time together. Isn't this what we want for our families too? Build healthy eating habits… Continue reading Build healthy eating habits for your little one
Toilet Training – 4 P’s to success!
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!
Great gifts for babies and toddlers
My favorite gift for a baby or toddler is a book. Even though my kids are teens now, I still have some of their favorite books from those early days. Those books have been enjoyed so many times they feel like part of the family! But don't take my word for it, see for yourself!!… Continue reading Great gifts for babies and toddlers
Is there a “Perfect” bedtime routine for babies?
There is no perfect bedtime routine. The truth is our little bundles of joy were designed to get up and nourish those little developing brains. Night waking is normal and actually very healthy for newborns! Just this week, a client of the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children program asked me why they can't get their child… Continue reading Is there a “Perfect” bedtime routine for babies?
6 ways to keep your relationship strong after having a baby
'Baby's arrived and now we argue more than ever, I don't feel very romantic!' One complaint that I hear is that the relationship has changed now that baby is on board – "we're more like great roommates than romantic partners". Life has been transformed. Once, there was lots of couple time and much needed "me"… Continue reading 6 ways to keep your relationship strong after having a baby