This is one of the hottest topics that our readers have asked us over the last year. So, to answer this question, I've reached out to Jennifer Katz, RN – who is one of our sexual health nurses. As a sexual health nurse, I often speak to prenatal clients about their sexuality throughout their pregnancy. … Continue reading Is it okay if I have sex while I’m pregnant?
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.
Parenting isn’t always easy: How can we help?
In my opinion, parenting is one of the toughest and most rewarding things in life. When I was pregnant I was so worried about labour and birth. I went to prenatal programs to learn what to eat to keep me and my baby healthy, how to manage my nausea and vomiting, signs of labour, and… Continue reading Parenting isn’t always easy: How can we help?
Vaccine time? Tips to reduce immunization pain
So, over the last few weeks we have been reminded to make sure that our vaccinations are up-to-date. If you're like me or my kids, getting a needle can be quite an ordeal! Vaccines may protect children from serious diseases, however, the pain factor can be an issue and affect your child's experience with vaccination. … Continue reading Vaccine time? Tips to reduce immunization pain
5 Refreshing and naturally infused water recipes
With the weather warming up, you're probably looking for different ideas to quench your thirst! Our dietitian, Melissa Koch, posted these great fruit-flavoured water recipes and I wanted to share it with you once again. Share your favourite water recipe! _________________________________________________________ Sometimes I get tired of drinking plain water. Knowing that most of my fluid… Continue reading 5 Refreshing and naturally infused water recipes
Tips to stay safe and active during pregnancy
My friend Aileen loves walking and doing Zumba. Recently, she found out that she was 5 weeks pregnant. She was very excited but wondered if she should stop going to her favourite Zumba class. This is a similar question commonly asked by expectant parents and I'm sure many of you want to know if it's… Continue reading Tips to stay safe and active during pregnancy
We’ve reached a milestone – Pregnancy to Parenting turns ONE!
It's been a year since Toronto Public Health launched our Pregnancy to Parenting blog. Thank you for following along! We hope you've found our posts interesting and informative. After 12 months, we thought this would be a good time to reflect on where we're at and what's to come. So far, we've had 121 posts… Continue reading We’ve reached a milestone – Pregnancy to Parenting turns ONE!
Measles and Mumps…oh my!
We have all heard about the recent outbreak of measles and mumps in Toronto. Two doses of MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles and mumps. What is Measles? It's a super contagious viral infection causing blotchy rashes to the face and body. Symptoms are worst for babies and adults, with some needing hospital… Continue reading Measles and Mumps…oh my!
New baby and feeling tired? Tips to increase your energy
Just had a baby and notice a change in the way you feel? It can be a difficult time. You're recovering from the delivery, not getting enough sleep, and caring for a new baby. Having a baby is a big life change, feelings ranging from joy and excitement to guilt and sadness can happen at any time… Continue reading New baby and feeling tired? Tips to increase your energy
Playtime – Box versus Toy?
Why your baby prefers to play with the box? So here I am thinking how great it would be to buy a new, fancy toy for my baby. Of course I bring it home, we open it up, and he only wants to play with the packaging. Seriously, I can’t believe he's more interested… Continue reading Playtime – Box versus Toy?