Are you thinking about having a baby? It's important to have a family health history completed at your next visit with your health care provider (HCP). What does this mean and why is it important? Learning about your family’s health history before you get pregnant will give you more time to address any concerns and… Continue reading Planning a pregnancy: What’s a family health history all about?
Author: Katherine Chan, RN
As a Public Health Nurse working with Toronto Public Health, I've had the privilege of working with children and parents in many different capacities over the past 20 years. Most recently, I've had the opportunity to support new families and their children by providing them with the best possible start before, during, and after pregnancy.
I'm also a busy mom of 3 boys. In my spare time, I enjoy jogging, yoga, reading, the outdoors, and spending time with my family.
Mental health matters when planning a pregnancy
Has planning a pregnancy got you worried and tense? Maybe you've been feeling sad, scared or not in control of your life? Stress from trying to conceive a baby can sometimes affect your mental health and well-being. It's a good idea to talk about your feelings with someone you trust. When should I get help?… Continue reading Mental health matters when planning a pregnancy
Why be physical activity if I am planning a pregnancy?
Is this the year that you've decided to have a baby? If you've answered "Yes!" then it's a good idea to start planning now to ensure that you and your partner are as healthy as possible. Moderate exercise may help to improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy & baby. To get started, think… Continue reading Why be physical activity if I am planning a pregnancy?
What vaccines do I need when planning a pregnancy?
It was during my first pregnancy when I found out that I may have come into contact with the chickenpox virus. I had been at my friend's birthday party. Two days later, I heard some of the kids at the party came down with chicken pox. I was in a state of panic! Having never… Continue reading What vaccines do I need when planning a pregnancy?
Delaying parenthood: Does age really matter?
A friend of mine recently mentioned that he and his wife of 4 years have talked about when they should start having a family. His wife's 29th birthday was just around the corner and he was now 37 years old. They intentionally delayed having to make this decision since they had started new jobs and… Continue reading Delaying parenthood: Does age really matter?
What I need to know if I’m diabetic & planning to have a baby
During prenatal class, one of my moms shared her story of being diabetic and how this affected her ability to get pregnant. She expressed that if only she had known about the effects of her diabetes, maybe she would've had an easier time getting pregnant. Although it's true that diabetes can affect your fertility, knowing… Continue reading What I need to know if I’m diabetic & planning to have a baby
Alcohol and Pregnancy: What’s the Risk?
September is FASD Awareness month. As a member of the Toronto FASD Network, we are joining the Red Shoes Rock campaign to raise awareness about this preventable disease. To recognize this important initiative, the Toronto sign lit up in red on September 9th, and we're asking you to help us spread the word by wearing… Continue reading Alcohol and Pregnancy: What’s the Risk?
Can stress affect my ability to get pregnant?
When planning a pregnancy, how many times have you heard from family and friends to "just relax, you're trying too hard." It turns out that there is some truth to this old saying. With the pressures and busyness of our everyday lives – stress is unavoidable. We now know that managing stress may help improve… Continue reading Can stress affect my ability to get pregnant?
What’s the scoop on men’s health and fertility?
Ready to have a baby? That’s terrific news! Did you know that men's health before conception plays a key role in having a healthy baby? In fact, the evidence is growing regarding the importance of men’s health when it comes to fertility and the baby’s health. It takes about 3 months for sperm to fully… Continue reading What’s the scoop on men’s health and fertility?
Thinking of having another baby? What’s your plan?
New parents often mention to me that they plan on taking some time to reconnect with their partner and spend some quality time together as a couple. Having a young baby at home often gives couples little time and energy left to enjoy each other again. In the heat of the moment, parents may not… Continue reading Thinking of having another baby? What’s your plan?