"Nobody told me it would be this hard; I feel like I'm in over my head". "Everyone I know seems so happy being a mom – why do I feel so overwhelmed?" Sound familiar? These are just some of the things I hear as a Public Health Nurse working with new parents. Pregnancy and parenthood… Continue reading Let’s talk about mental health!
Category: Pregnancy
Intimate partner violence during pregnancy
What makes a healthy relationship? Do words like respect, love, equality come to mind? Well, this may not be the case for some people. Pregnancy can be a vulnerable time for intimate partner violence due to changes in physical, emotional, social and financial demands. Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to physical, sexual, or emotional harm… Continue reading Intimate partner violence during pregnancy
Sugar and Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes (GDM) can happen during pregnancy as hormone levels in your body change. When you are diagnosed with GDM, you may have heard that you cannot have sugar anymore. Some people that are pregnant with GDM may find that it's very hard to manage sugar intake from food and beverages, they may find it… Continue reading Sugar and Gestational Diabetes
Medication use when planning a pregnancy
Are you are planning to have a baby or maybe you're just thinking about it and wondering whether the medication you are taking is safe? This is especially important if you have a health condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure when it is necessary to take medication even when you become pregnant. Making… Continue reading Medication use when planning a pregnancy
Top 4 winter nutrition tips
Winter is here and it may hang around for a little longer than we would like! Getting important nutrients from the foods you eat is one of the best ways to strengthen your immune system while helping your baby grow. Four tips to practice eating well this winter season: Eat vegetables and fruits: These will… Continue reading Top 4 winter nutrition tips
Labour: What is it & where to learn more?
What is labour? And how do I know if I'm in labour? These are the two most common questions that I've been asked by pregnant individuals during the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP). Preparing for labour and birth is an important step during your pregnancy. Prenatal education can help you and your support person make… Continue reading Labour: What is it & where to learn more?
Hearty Lentil, Tomato & Tofu Soup
Winter is here! Nothing beats the winter months like a warm bowl of homemade soup. One of the things I love about soups are the variety of flavours and textures they offer, from spicy to creamy and chunky ones. You can add or substitute meat or poultry with plant-based sources of protein like beans, lentils and… Continue reading Hearty Lentil, Tomato & Tofu Soup
Chronic hypertension and planning for a baby
Several families have asked me how high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) can affect their plan to have a baby. When a person has higher than normal blood pressure for a long period of time, it is known as chronic hypertension. Planning the best time to have a baby can be different for each… Continue reading Chronic hypertension and planning for a baby
Healthy holiday tips: It’s more than the foods we eat
The "most wonderful time of the year" often comes with the most wonderful foods to eat. One of my favourite foods to eat during the holidays is my mother's pepperpot. It's a traditional beef stew cooked with spices like cinnamon, thyme and hot pepper. My grandmother taught my mother how to make this dish. This… Continue reading Healthy holiday tips: It’s more than the foods we eat
Alcohol use in pregnancy: Is it safe?
As the holiday season approaches, you may be involved in social gatherings where alcoholic drinks may be served. If pregnant or planning a pregnancy, the safest choice is to avoid drinking any alcohol. There is no known safe time, type or amount of alcohol when pregnant or planning to be pregnant. Try making mocktails for… Continue reading Alcohol use in pregnancy: Is it safe?
