Most of us think that having a baby will be the happiest time in our lives; however not everyone feels joy or that "love at first sight" feeling. Feelings of guilt, sadness, stress, or anxiety can affect the early weeks and months of parenthood which can make it hard to enjoy a new baby. I've… Continue reading Postpartum Depression – it’s not your fault!
Can I get enough Calcium if I don’t drink milk?
With the update of Canada's Food Guide earlier this year, there may be some confusion as to the importance of calcium, especially during pregnancy. Calcium-rich foods help to build strong bones and teeth, healthy muscles and maintain normal blood pressure – all of which is important for your growing baby. Pregnant women over 19 years… Continue reading Can I get enough Calcium if I don’t drink milk?
Skin-to-skin: The healthiest place to begin
What is skin-to-skin? Skin-to-skin contact means holding your baby against your bare chest or tummy. It has many health benefits for both you and your baby. Babies: breastfeed better cry less and are calmer stay warmer have better blood sugar levels Mothers*: breastfeed more easily learn when your baby is getting hungry bond more with… Continue reading Skin-to-skin: The healthiest place to begin
Gender stereotypes & toys: The impact on children
The holidays are approaching and if there are children on your gift-giving list, there's a chance you are going to be visiting a toy store – where gender stereotypes rule the layout of the store! Here are some tips from our sexual health nurse, Jennifer Katz, RN, to help us navigate through those kids' lists.… Continue reading Gender stereotypes & toys: The impact on children
People games: Peek-a-Boo, I see you!
As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I provide families with practical tips on how they can bond with their child and create fun opportunities to teach their child new language. I often recommend people games! People games are play routines that you have created with your child that do not involve any toys. Keep in mind that… Continue reading People games: Peek-a-Boo, I see you!
Zika virus: Planning a pregnancy & travelling
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
Physical activity & children: What’s the connection?
Being physically active is important at any age. The early years (0-4 years old) is an important time to create healthy behaviour and patterns that your child will build on as they grow. Every little bit counts, but, more is better, at every age. We can encourage children to be active for life through developing… Continue reading Physical activity & children: What’s the connection?
Baby’s first smile
After weeks of waking up for late night feeds, diaper changes, and randomly waking up wondering if baby is ok, you are about to get the moment you have been waiting for (or perhaps you already have), your baby's first smile! The first moment I saw that smile as a new mom, the one that… Continue reading Baby’s first smile
Baby & Music: Everyone loves a dance party!
Ever find yourself humming along to a rhythm and singing lyrics from a song that you have a memory or a specific interaction with? Music impacts our life in so many ways! It can affect our mood, give us energy, help us focus, and trigger memories – just to name a few. And guess what?… Continue reading Baby & Music: Everyone loves a dance party!
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
