Are you or someone you know, pregnant or planning to get pregnant and have questions about taking the COVID-19 vaccine? During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes that may increase the risk of getting sick, including getting viral respiratory infections. The COVID-19 vaccines are very effective in preventing infection. According to the Ministry of… Continue reading COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy
Author: Mary Ann Gatbonton, RN
I am a Registered Nurse currently working as a Health Promotion Specialist at Toronto Public Health. My work over the last 20 years has focused on reproductive health, parenting, and child development. I have been fortunate to support families planning to have a baby, pregnant and to celebrate the successes of parenting.
COVID-19 vaccine and fertility
A common question I'm asked about the COVID-19 vaccine is "how does it affect my fertility" or "will it affect my reproductive health"? Rumours or misinformation about vaccines and the possible impacts it has on fertility or reproductive health, make it hard for people to make an informed decision. It's important to consider the facts… Continue reading COVID-19 vaccine and fertility
Pregnancy and alcohol: Do they mix?
September is FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) awareness month with September 9th designated as International FASD Awareness Day. This day was started as a reminder that pregnancy and alcohol don't mix. Why pregnancy and alcohol don't mix: Alcohol can pass from the mother's blood into the baby's blood and affect the growth of the baby's… Continue reading Pregnancy and alcohol: Do they mix?
The many hats of parenthood
Becoming a new parent brings new roles and responsibilities. It means having to wear many different hats. Hats that you may have never worn before and hats that you never thought you would wear. Some of the hats may be beautiful and fit you perfectly and some of the hats may be hard to put… Continue reading The many hats of parenthood
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
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!
Emergency Birth Control
Studies show more than 50% of pregnancies in Canada are not planned. With this in mind, have you thought about your reproductive life plan? Perhaps you have decided that you are not ready for a pregnancy just now …but then, life throws you a surprise. For example, in the heat of the moment, you and… Continue reading Emergency Birth Control
Fire Safety: The Home Escape Plan
Keeping your child safe is a full-time job as any parent knows. An important part of home safety is your home fire escape plan. Here's Josephine Park, a Firefighter and Public Educator with Toronto Fire Services, to share her expertise and walk us through the steps. As a Firefighter, Public Educator and a mom of… Continue reading Fire Safety: The Home Escape Plan
Happy World Breastfeeding Week!
In Canada, Breastfeeding Week is celebrated annually on October 1-7th to promote the importance of breastfeeding. This year's theme is "Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet." Breastfeeding contributes to a healthier planet by…. being environmentally friendly, there is no packaging or waste being low cost, convenient and readily available reducing baby's exposure to the effects… Continue reading Happy World Breastfeeding Week!
Talking to Kids about COVID-19
With this global pandemic, a lot is happening quickly. It’s normal for everyone, including children, to feel worried and overwhelmed. Children look to trusted adults to find out how to deal with stressful situations. If parents are worried and anxious, children may worry and be anxious as well. Children need accurate and age appropriate information,… Continue reading Talking to Kids about COVID-19