Balancing Birth To Baby Blog
Collecting Colostrum During Pregnancy
By Bronwyn Addico |
If you’re expecting a baby, you may have heard about the benefits of collecting colostrum before birth, also known as antenatal colostrum harvesting. Colostrum is the first milk your body produces, often called “liquid gold” for its rich concentration of nutrients, antibodies, and protective properties. Collecting colostrum in the weeks leading up to your baby’s […]
Planning for your Postpartum
By Bronwyn Addico |
So much time, effort and energy goes into planning for pregnancy and planning for the birth of a baby. Often what is neglected is planning for the postpartum period. We get so caught up in waiting to have a baby that when they actually come there is an awful “Aha!” moment of “Well what do […]
Empowering Black Mothers: Overcoming the Barriers to Breastfeeding in the Black Community
By Christina Iaboni |
This post was written by Desiray Tynes, dietetic student and reviewed by Christina Iaboni, RD Black Breastfeeding Week 2024 runs from August 25-311. This annual event celebrates and supports Black mothers in their breastfeeding journeys. Despite the health benefits of breastfeeding, Black mothers often face unique challenges. To help, we need to address these barriers […]
Foods to Avoid during Pregnancy
By Christina Iaboni |
You probably know that food plays an important role in your pregnancy. You want the best for your baby, and that’s why you’re likely busy making sure you’re getting those extra calories from a well-balanced diet and taking all your prenatal vitamins. But did you know that there are foods you should avoid during your […]
Supporting Postpartum Mood Disorders
By Bronwyn Addico |
Welcoming a baby into the world is a life-changing experience filled with joy, excitement, and sometimes unexpected challenges. For some new parents, those challenges include navigating postpartum mood disorders, which are more common than many people realize. While the “baby blues” are short-lived, postpartum mood disorders like postpartum depression can last much longer and make […]
Postpartum Depression in Partners is Real
By Bronwyn Addico |
Postpartum mood disorders, such as postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety, can affect not only the birthing parent but also their partner. While postpartum mood disorders are often associated with mothers, it is important to recognize that fathers and partners can also experience emotional challenges during the postpartum period. Fathers and partners may not experience the […]
4 Tips for a Beautiful VBAC
By Jane Hammond |
Are you hoping for a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) but still having some lingering worries? Feeling overwhelmed by all the information and opinions out there on the world wide web? Check out this handy list of tips for having an awesome VBAC birth experience.
Exercise in Pregnancy: Guidelines and Top Tips
By Jane Hammond |
We all know that exercise is good for us – but do you know about the benefits of exercise during pregnancy? In the past, people were told not to start an exercise program in pregnancy if they weren’t already active, but we now know that it is usually safe to exercise during pregnancy, even if […]
Prenatal Class FAQs
By Bronwyn Addico |
We often hear from expecting families that they feel overwhelmed with all the information and aren’t sure if they need a prenatal class or which one to take. We aim to cut through the overwhelm and all the noise to give you the best and most relevant evidence -based information to help you make the […]
Healthy Eating During Pregnancy
By Christina Iaboni |
Written by: Christina Iaboni, MHSc, RD Healthy eating is important at any stage of life. During pregnancy, it is important because the food that you eat provides the nutrients that your baby needs to baby grow and develop. Healthy eating also helps reduce the risk of pregnancy related complications such as anemia or high blood […]
Treating the spectrum of mastitis
By Jane Hammond |
Did you know that the guidelines for treating mastitis have changed? In fact, some of the new recommendations are the exact opposite of the previous ones! If you’re like me, you might be skeptical at first, especially if the old methods seemed to work for you. But the truth is, the new guidelines make more […]
Great Gifts for Expecting Families
By Jane Hammond |
Not sure what to get the expecting mother in your life? Wanting something more useful or creative than another cute outfit for baby? Look no further! Check out our list of helpful and memorable gifts for expecting families, featuring Canadian, local and small businesses! All of these can work during the holiday season, as baby […]
