I've had many parents ask me about whether it is safe to practice hot yoga or use hot tubs when pregnant or trying to get pregnant. You've probably heard about the effects of extreme heat on the body such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but extreme heat can also affect your chances of getting… Continue reading How can heat affect fertility or pregnancy?
Masculinity: What messages are we giving children?
"Boys don't cry!" "You throw like a girl!" "Why is that boy playing with dolls?" As adults, there is potential to fall into gender stereotypes very easily. I've reached out to our Sexual Health Promoters to share their expertise on the importance of talking with children about society's gender stereotypes. Here's what they shared: By… Continue reading Masculinity: What messages are we giving children?
Pesticide safety during pregnancy
In the summer, there may be more pests, weeds or fungi in your living spaces. If you choose to use pesticides in or around your home, it is important to use them responsibly and safely. Here are a few tips I share with participants at our prenatal programs, to help protect expectant parents and their… Continue reading Pesticide safety during pregnancy
Chat live with a Public Health Nurse
Let's face it, life can be extremely hectic and it's not always convenient to talk on the phone! Waiting to speak to the right person can seem like hours, particularly when you are trying to manage several tasks at the same time! Being a parent and juggling the demands of work/school and family, I know… Continue reading Chat live with a Public Health Nurse
Locally grown summertime foods
A refreshing bite of juicy watermelon. The sweetness of a ripe strawberry. The satisfying crunch of fresh corn. The peppery punch of a radish. What do these foods all have in common? They are all grown locally, and are in season in the summer! In season refers to the time of year a vegetable or… Continue reading Locally grown summertime foods
Are you ready to start exercising after having your baby?
Do you think of exercise and immediately picture a fitness centre with complicated machines and impossibly hard, high tempo exercise classes? This can be scary for anyone, let alone a new parent who is isn’t sleeping well and adjusting to life with a new baby. Exercise doesn't have to be difficult, it can be built… Continue reading Are you ready to start exercising after having your baby?
How to manage stress in pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of change and feeling stressed is very common. Sometimes when stress builds over a long period of time and you start to feel like you have little control over these feelings, you may be experiencing chronic stress. Learning how to deal with everyday stressors can help. Chronic stress may cause immediate… Continue reading How to manage stress in pregnancy
Family and friends can support breastfeeding
The early weeks after the birth of your baby are joyful and full of new experiences. At the same time they can also be tiring, overwhelming and stressful. As a new parent you can feel both emotionally and physically tired. Your body needs time to recover. You also need time to learn how to breastfeed,… Continue reading Family and friends can support breastfeeding
Ways to increase your fluid intake during pregnancy
It is so important to stay hydrated when you’re pregnant. Canada's Food Guide recommends we make water our drink of choice and Toronto's tap water is safe to drink and free! Drinking enough fluids will help: decrease constipation control swelling in pregnancy control your body temperature support the transport of nutrients to and waste from… Continue reading Ways to increase your fluid intake during pregnancy
Health conditions & planning a pregnancy
If you're trying to have a baby or are just thinking about it, it's never too early to start getting ready. Whether you are living with a health condition, or trying to prevent one - it's important to take this time to talk with your health care provider. To help improve your health care experience,… Continue reading Health conditions & planning a pregnancy
