Many of the parents I work with as a Healthy Babies Healthy Children nurse find they have anxious feelings as they try to make informed choices for their child and their family. It's normal to worry. And there is something you can do about it. As a parent, you can recruit a team to support… Continue reading Drafting your parenting team
Tag: Support
Smoking and pregnancy
Most people know that smoking is harmful during pregnancy. When you smoke, your baby receives less oxygen and nutrients. Smoking increases the risks to your own health too. Quitting smoking, cutting down the amount, and avoiding second-hand smoke can help both you and your baby be as healthy as possible. If your partner, family member… Continue reading Smoking and pregnancy
Mental health matters when planning a pregnancy
Has planning a pregnancy got you worried and tense? Maybe you've been feeling sad, scared or not in control of your life? Stress from trying to conceive a baby can sometimes affect your mental health and well-being. It's a good idea to talk about your feelings with someone you trust. When should I get help?… Continue reading Mental health matters when planning a pregnancy
5 great ideas for a baby shower gift
You're excited to welcome a new baby, and want to choose just the right gift. For the first year of life, babies need to be fed and loved, cuddled and sung to, precious gifts that are difficult to wrap! That means the perfect baby shower gift is one that meets parents' needs, giving them support… Continue reading 5 great ideas for a baby shower gift
5 things I learned about having a baby
I've worked with pregnant families and in pregnancy programs for over 10 years as a dietitian so, you might assume that I'd feel more than prepared to have a baby of my own. The truth is that even with everything I knew, or everything that I thought I knew, I was often surprised by the… Continue reading 5 things I learned about having a baby
Postpartum depression & infant attachment: What you need to know
Most parents imagine a strong, healthy bonding and attachment phase with their babies after birth. They are aware that babies need love and attention, as much as they need food, in order to thrive. An infant forms a secure attachment with their caregiver when the caregiver consistently responds to the needs of their infant. I… Continue reading Postpartum depression & infant attachment: What you need to know
Infant feeding and my mental health
Becoming a new parent is a major life change that is certain to come with rewards and a few learning curves along the way. For those who are vulnerable to postpartum mood disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.) support from friends, family and the community are all important in helping a new parent feel confident in this… Continue reading Infant feeding and my mental health
Parenting isn’t always easy: How can we help?
In my opinion, parenting is one of the toughest and most rewarding things in life. When I was pregnant I was so worried about labour and birth. I went to prenatal programs to learn what to eat to keep me and my baby healthy, how to manage my nausea and vomiting, signs of labour, and… Continue reading Parenting isn’t always easy: How can we help?
How a difficult birth can affect your mood
As a Public Health Nurse, I have met many people who have ideas on how they would like the birth of their baby to play out…anything from a natural drug-free birth, a vaginal birth, to a planned c-section. Yes, it's okay to have a birth plan, however, all too often these hopes and ideas don’t go… Continue reading How a difficult birth can affect your mood
How can family and friends make breastfeeding a success?
After birth you and your baby will need time to learn to breastfeed. You will also need to look after yourself and your baby. Here are some tips: Make sleep/rest a priority Limit visitors, telephone calls and other interruptions during the early weeks Ask for help when needed Accept help when offered Family and friends… Continue reading How can family and friends make breastfeeding a success?