Baby's First Year · Parenting

What’s so special about being one and a half?

To celebrate turning 1½, all children in Ontario are invited for a special well-baby 18 month checkup with your family doctor or nurse practitioner. This is an exciting stage in your child's growth and learning as they become more independent. Parents need to book this in-depth checkup for two reasons: Now is the ideal time… Continue reading What’s so special about being one and a half?

Baby's First Year · Breastfeeding · Parenting

Can breastfeeding help with immunization pain?

Vaccines are a routine part of your baby's childhood. They help to keep your baby healthy by protecting your baby against serious infections. However, vaccinations maybe painful and cause stress to your baby. Breastfeeding during vaccination is safe for babies even newborns. Research has shown that breastfeeding during your baby's injections can decrease their pain… Continue reading Can breastfeeding help with immunization pain?

Pregnancy

What vaccines do I need during pregnancy?

I’m often asked the question, "If I am healthy, do I still need to be vaccinated while pregnant?" So, I went straight to our vaccine preventable disease health professionals for information. Although it is ideal to get your vaccinations up-to-date before pregnancy, some vaccines are still recommended while you're pregnant. Vaccination will protect you and… Continue reading What vaccines do I need during pregnancy?

Parenting · Pregnancy

What vaccines do I need when planning a pregnancy?

It was during my first pregnancy when I found out that I may have come into contact with the chickenpox virus. I had been at my friend's birthday party. Two days later, I heard some of the kids at the party came down with chicken pox. I was in a state of panic!  Having never… Continue reading What vaccines do I need when planning a pregnancy?

Pregnancy

Can I travel by air when pregnant?

My best friend loves to travel. Recently, she announced that she is 12 weeks pregnant. She is so excited, however, she is worried now that she's already booked a vacation abroad for next year! This raises a good question. "Is travelling by air safe during pregnancy? Do airlines have policies about travelling while pregnant?" Is… Continue reading Can I travel by air when pregnant?

Baby's First Year · Parenting

Vaccine time? Tips to reduce immunization pain

So, over the last few weeks we have been reminded to make sure that our vaccinations are up-to-date. If you're like me or my kids, getting a needle can be quite an ordeal!  Vaccines may protect children from serious diseases, however, the pain factor can be an issue and affect your child's experience with vaccination. … Continue reading Vaccine time? Tips to reduce immunization pain

Baby's First Year · Parenting · Pregnancy

Measles and Mumps…oh my!

We have all heard about the recent outbreak of measles and mumps in Toronto. Two doses of MMR vaccine is the best protection against measles and mumps. What is Measles? It's a super contagious viral infection causing blotchy rashes to the face and body. Symptoms are worst for babies and adults, with some needing hospital… Continue reading Measles and Mumps…oh my!