Baby's First Year · Breastfeeding

A good latch is important for breastfeeding

Latching is how your baby takes your breast and your nipple into their mouth. A good latch is very important for breastfeeding. Having a good latch will help your baby to breastfeed well. A poor latch can lead to: a hungry baby sore nipples decreased milk supply Some babies can latch themselves while others may… Continue reading A good latch is important for breastfeeding

Baby's First Year · Parenting · Pregnancy

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

Baby's First Year · Breastfeeding

Where to get breastfeeding support during the COVID-19 pandemic

Just had a baby and not sure where you can go for breastfeeding support?  So many services have changed due to COVID-19.  Some clinics have closed and others are only offering virtual services. Toronto Public Health is offering telephone and virtual breastfeeding support by video call if needed. If you would like a Public Health… Continue reading Where to get breastfeeding support during the COVID-19 pandemic

Baby's First Year · Emotional Health · Parenting · Pregnancy

Let’s Talk!

On January 28, 2021 Canadians are being encouraged to talk about their mental health. We are facing challenges that we have never faced before.  From social distancing to lockdowns, fear of becoming sick to fear of losing loved ones.  When it comes to mental health, now more than ever, every action counts. Some stress and… Continue reading Let’s Talk!

Baby's First Year · Parenting

Things to do with your baby or young child during lockdown

Are you struggling with how to keep your child engaged and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic? Are you running out of ideas and activities? Here are a few tips to help your day go a little easier: Keep a daily routine.  Children do well when they know what to expect and breaking the day into… Continue reading Things to do with your baby or young child during lockdown

Baby's First Year · Parenting · Pregnancy

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

Baby's First Year · Parenting

Benefits of taking your child on a discovery walk

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

Baby's First Year · Parenting

Healthy sleep routines for your baby

Have you ever heard the phrase "sleeping like a baby"?  It usually means that the person had a really good sleep. But ask any new parent and they will tell you that most babies don't "sleep like a baby".  Many new parents struggle with helping their baby fall asleep or their baby waking often in… Continue reading Healthy sleep routines for your baby

Baby's First Year · Breastfeeding · Emotional Health · Nutrition · Parenting · Pregnancy

A recipe for wellness

These are difficult times and the pandemic is testing our resilience. We are doing things that we may have never done before, such as home schooling, staying away from our family and friends and working from home.  Our routines have changed and we may be feeling that we have no control over what is happening… Continue reading A recipe for wellness