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
Tag: Newborn
Do I have enough breast milk to feed my baby?
Almost all breastfeeding parents go through a period when they think they don't have enough breast milk. Sometimes parents worry about this soon after the birth of their baby. Other times even after breastfeeding is well established. The most common reason for stopping breastfeeding is when parents feel they don’t have enough breast milk. The… Continue reading Do I have enough breast milk to feed my baby?
What is delayed umbilical cord clamping?
A common question from expectant parents in our prenatal program is "when is the best time to cut/clamp baby's umbilical cord?" During pregnancy, the umbilical cord helps move blood, oxygen and nutrients to your growing baby. Shortly after baby is born, their umbilical cord is clamped. Research shows that clamping the umbilical cord at different… Continue reading What is delayed umbilical cord clamping?
Cannabis use while breastfeeding
Cannabis is now legal to use in Ontario for people 19 years and older (age may be different in other provinces across Canada). However just because it is legal does not mean it is safe to use while breastfeeding. Cannabis contains many ingredients, the main psychoactive component being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is safest to not… Continue reading Cannabis use while breastfeeding
What is jaundice in newborns?
Jaundice is a common newborn condition where your baby's skin turns yellow because there is too much bilirubin in your baby's blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is released when the liver breaks down red blood cells. Your baby's immature liver may not be able to quickly get rid of the large number of… Continue reading What is jaundice in newborns?
Can I take medications while breastfeeding?
You may wonder if it is safe to take prescription or over the counter medications while breastfeeding or whether it is wiser to avoid all medications during this time. In almost all cases it is safe to continue breastfeeding while taking medications. Medications and Breast Milk Most medications will get into your breast milk but… Continue reading Can I take medications while breastfeeding?
Feeling stressed during the holidays?
Year after year I notice that as soon as Halloween is over, it's all about the upcoming holiday season. The days get shorter, the sights and sounds of the holiday fill the air. The holidays are considered a time for celebrating and spending time with family and friends. This time of year can also be… Continue reading Feeling stressed during the holidays?
Comforting your crying baby: Swaddling and other tips
As a nurse, many parents have asked me to give them tips on comforting and soothing their crying baby. It can be very frustrating and exhausting for parents to hear their baby cry. If you find your frustration climbing, take a break and ask for help. How can I soothe and comfort my crying baby?… Continue reading Comforting your crying baby: Swaddling and other tips
Is my newborn baby’s runny stool normal or is it diarrhea?
At the breastfeeding clinic, I have quite a few new parents expressing their concerns that their baby may be having diarrhea. I hear "my baby's stool is liquid and runny" or "my baby has a bowel movement every time I change their diaper". On the other hand, some parents are not so concerned when their… Continue reading Is my newborn baby’s runny stool normal or is it diarrhea?
New to Canada? Just had a baby and feeling lost and alone?
Maria moved to Toronto six months ago. She is a new mother of a two month old baby girl. She and her husband are feeling the stress of a new country, a new baby, and no family to help. Maria speaks little English and isn’t sure where or how to get help from her new… Continue reading New to Canada? Just had a baby and feeling lost and alone?