Alcohol and pregnancy is a topic that has been around for generations. Some common questions and statements related to the use of alcohol during pregnancy include: “Isn’t it OK to have a glass of wine or cider on a special occasion during pregnancy?” “One drink won’t hurt, right?” “My mom drank alcohol when she was… Continue reading Raising awareness about FASD
Category: Pregnancy
Tips to help get more protein from plants
Whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s important to eat enough foods with protein; protein will help your baby grow, manage your weight gain and feel good! Protein is found in foods such as beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, meats and poultry, fish, shellfish, eggs, and dairy products. Canada's Food Guide recommends that you choose protein foods… Continue reading Tips to help get more protein from plants
Delicious leftover recipe ideas
Reducing our food waste has had more attention in the news as food costs rise. Sometimes after having a large family dinner, or buying more food due to a sale, we end up with a lot of cooked leftovers. To avoid eating the same food over and over again, here are some different ways to… Continue reading Delicious leftover recipe ideas
Baby’s brain development
Have you ever wondered about how your baby's brain develops? Well, science tells us that the experiences we have in the first few years of our life affect how our brains get built and that this early brain development impacts our health later in life. These impacts can be positive or negative. But how does… Continue reading Baby’s brain development
Food and Mood: What’s the connection?
Positive mental health is our ability to feel, think, and act in ways that allow us to enjoy life and deal with life's challenges. Our mental health is affected by many different things including our work-life balance, our relationships with others and our environments. Having a healthy eating pattern is one of many activities that… Continue reading Food and Mood: What’s the connection?
Pregnant and fasting during Ramadan? 6 tips to eat well
The month of Ramadan is a time of fasting for Muslims. Check out registered dietitian Christine DeSouza's tips to eat well during Ramadan. Fasting during Ramadan means no food or drink, not even water, between sunrise and sunset. Many Muslims stay up late into the night and may choose to rest during fasting hours. Ramadan… Continue reading Pregnant and fasting during Ramadan? 6 tips to eat well
Pregnancy and COVID-19
The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a respiratory infection; an infection that mainly affects your lungs. Those who have COVID-19 can have mild or severe symptoms such as fever, cough, muscle aches, tiredness or difficulty breathing. Research is underway, but at present there is no evidence that pregnant individuals are at higher risk of severe… Continue reading Pregnancy and COVID-19
New to Canada & having a baby? Support is available
Imagine moving to a new country, not speaking the language, not having family support, and having a new baby? This is what many new Canadian families are experiencing in Toronto. Every day we have new, young families moving to our city who are unfamiliar with the land, language, and resources available to them. Did you… Continue reading New to Canada & having a baby? Support is available
Canada’s Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP)
Congratulations on your pregnancy! This can be a joyous yet overwhelming time for you. You are probably thinking about the many physical changes happening to your body and what's going to come next. Prenatal programs can help answer your questions. Prenatal programs can provide information on: labour and birth prenatal care and services how to… Continue reading Canada’s Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP)
Two things parents need to quit smoking
When I used to smoke, I felt ashamed. As a nurse, I knew better. My HBHC clients know it too. They agree when I say, "stopping smoking is the single best thing we can do for our health and our children's health." The challenge is to put our knowledge into action. Vaping is sometimes marketed… Continue reading Two things parents need to quit smoking
