Cleaning with vinegar and baking soda just sounds so old-fashioned. It reminds me of my grandmother who solved every ailment by gargling with salt and water. The truth is, what you use to clean your home is important, especially when you are pregnant or have small children. Many cleaning products that are used for kitchens,… Continue reading This house won’t clean itself! 5 tips to keep your home clean and safe
Author: Vanessa Vandewater, RN
As a Public Health Nurse with Toronto Public Health I have many opportunities to work with pregnant people in the city. I also provide information and support to new parents about infant feeding. My favourite part about nursing in the community? I meet families at a new and changing stage of their lives.
If I’m pregnant, do I still need a flu shot?
A woman in her third trimester of pregnancy was looking at the 'I got my flu shot!' button that was attached to my identification card. "What's the fuss about pregnant women and the flu?" she said. "It's just coughing and fever for a week, right?" In fact, the flu, or Influenza, is a serious respiratory… Continue reading If I’m pregnant, do I still need a flu shot?
Pregnancy changes – the physical & emotional roller coaster
A few years ago I watched one of those reality TV shows about having a baby. There was a young pregnant woman being interviewed in a clothing store. She was talking about the changes she was experiencing in pregnancy. "Once my belly started to grow, I started getting really excited" she was saying. "And then… Continue reading Pregnancy changes – the physical & emotional roller coaster
The truth about physical activity during pregnancy
Recently I saw a post from a new mom on a popular social media site: "Ladies, if anyone tells you not to exercise while you're pregnant, tell them they're wrong," she wrote. "Two months after giving birth and I'm almost able to fit back into my pre-pregnancy jeans. Cardio and light weights are given two… Continue reading The truth about physical activity during pregnancy
Healthy workplace, healthy pregnancy
Make small changes to create the best work environment while you are pregnant During a prenatal class one of our group members mentioned that she was going to quit her job once she was five months pregnant. "I thought it wasn't good for me or the baby to keep working once I started to get… Continue reading Healthy workplace, healthy pregnancy
What does ‘advanced maternal age’ mean in pregnancy?
My friend Rachel will never forget the words of her doctor when she went in for her initial prenatal visit at age 37. "You’re not old," he said, "you're just old to be having a baby." Until she conceived, Rachel had only thought it might take a little longer to become pregnant. She told me… Continue reading What does ‘advanced maternal age’ mean in pregnancy?