When my best friend recently shared with me that she and her partner were planning to start a family, I couldn't be happier. This exciting news took a turn when she told me they were travelling to their dream destination spot in South America. Alarm bells went off in my head as I asked if… Continue reading Zika virus: Planning a pregnancy & travelling
Category: Pregnancy
Foods during pregnancy: Organic vs non-organic
Both organic foods and conventional (non-organic) are equal in terms of nutrient content. I say…it is a personal choice. The difference is in how they are produced. Organic foods are produced without the following: Synthetic (human-made) pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) antibiotics or growth hormones Irradiation or ionizing radiation However, organic farmers… Continue reading Foods during pregnancy: Organic vs non-organic
Born too soon: World Prematurity Day
Every year on November 17th, we celebrate World Prematurity Day to raise awareness about preterm birth and the concerns preterm babies and their family's experience. Babies born too early may face serious health risks or long term health problems. In 2016, the preterm birth rate was 8.7% in Toronto, higher than the rest of Ontario.… Continue reading Born too soon: World Prematurity Day
Gingered Butternut Squash Soup
As colder weather has arrived, I start to think of what soups to make to stay warm and cozy. Winter squash is now readily available, locally grown and reasonably priced. I enjoy using butternut squash but acorn squash, buttercup squash, Hubbard squash and spaghetti squash are some other varieties you may also see in store.… Continue reading Gingered Butternut Squash Soup
Cannabis: The effects during pregnancy
It has now been a little over a year since the legalization of non-medical use cannabis. At a recent gathering of parents I was asked about cannabis use during pregnancy. They had heard that using cannabis for morning sickness helps, and was wondering if it may be harmful to their unborn baby. Until more is… Continue reading Cannabis: The effects during pregnancy
High fibre recipe to help ease constipation
Constipation is common during pregnancy, it's usually caused by a combination of slow digestion, use of iron supplements and the lack of fibre, fluid and activity in your day. Those who are pregnant are recommended to consume 28 g of fibre each day. To prevent or ease constipation, try eating a high fibre diet, drink… Continue reading High fibre recipe to help ease constipation
Is there a right time to have a baby?
Has your mom told you she's ready for grandkids? Grandma says you need to start having babies before you're too old? Is your partner either super interested or unimpressed with the whole idea? Is it too early or late to get pregnant? Irida, a current nursing student walks us through the meaning of "the right… Continue reading Is there a right time to have a baby?
Recipe: Middle-Eastern lentil pita pocket
Are you looking for more plant-based protein ideas? Here is a recipe that is full of protein and has plenty of fibre to keep your intestines moving during pregnancy. This lentil recipe is based on a recipe that I found on the New Canada's Food Guide website and I combined it with some of my… Continue reading Recipe: Middle-Eastern lentil pita pocket
Online prenatal program: Survey results
Are you pregnant and living in Toronto? You may be thinking of attending a prenatal program, but may not have the time to go to in-person classes. Well, Toronto Public Health offers a variety of programs for expecting individuals and one of your options is Welcome to Parenting, our free online prenatal program. A recent… Continue reading Online prenatal program: Survey results
Tips to help beat the Autumn blues
Are you already missing the warm sunlight of summer? Have you felt stressed with trying to juggle with back to school routine with older children? Is it difficult to go out in the darker evenings? Autumn can bring a feeling of change, or a feeling of the need to prepare for our long winters. We… Continue reading Tips to help beat the Autumn blues
