Nutrition · Parenting · Pregnancy

Immune-boosting Carrot Potato Pancakes

Did you know that carrots and potatoes are in season during Ontario's winter months? This combo provides many important nutrients during pregnancy such as Vitamin Aand protein, which keep your immune system in good condition. They're also a great source of fibre and iron. This recipe can be found on both Health Canada and Foodland Ontario websites. Carrot… Continue reading Immune-boosting Carrot Potato Pancakes

Emotional Health · Parenting · Pregnancy

Let’s talk about mental health!

"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!

Emotional Health · 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

Baby's First Year · Parenting

Programs for new parents: Where to take your baby in Toronto?

When you're a new parent it may be difficult to know where to go with your baby. Maybe you are looking to go out somewhere that's baby friendly.  Or maybe you are thinking about going to a place to meet other new parents and learn more about parenting or baby's growth & development. As a… Continue reading Programs for new parents: Where to take your baby in Toronto?

Nutrition · 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

Parenting · Pregnancy

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

Breastfeeding · Parenting

Breastfeeding your baby in an emergency

Emergencies often occur when least expected, when we are least prepared and with no time to plan. Every emergency is different and can include a wide range of unsettling events. They can be the result of natural disasters such as a blizzard, floods or earthquake. Your family could be left without electricity, clean drinking water… Continue reading Breastfeeding your baby in an emergency

Pregnancy

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?

Baby's First Year · Parenting

Creating a healthy eating environment for your children

Your children's mealtime environment depends on where they are having their meals and snacks. It is very important to create a healthy and positive eating environment when having meals at home. So how do you create a positive and healthy eating environment for your child at home? Tips to provide a healthy eating environment for… Continue reading Creating a healthy eating environment for your children