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?

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?

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!

Pregnancy

If I’m pregnant, do I still need a flu shot?

A woman in her third trimester of pregnancy was looking at the 'I got my flu shot!' button that was attached to my identification card.  "What's the fuss about pregnant women and the flu?" she said.  "It's just coughing and fever for a week, right?" In fact, the flu, or Influenza, is a serious respiratory… Continue reading If I’m pregnant, do I still need a flu shot?