Balancing Birth To Baby Blog
When your baby is in the NICU
By Bronwyn Addico |
When Your Baby is in the NICU: What to Expect, How to Cope, and Preparing for the Journey HomeHaving a baby in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) is something no parent hopes for, yet it’s a reality for many families. Whether your baby was born prematurely, experienced complications at birth, or needs extra monitoring, […]
Prenatal Class FAQs
By Bronwyn Addico |
We often hear from expecting families that they feel overwhelmed with all the information and advice about birth and their baby. Many families 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 […]
You’re Pregnant! Now What?
By Jane Hammond |
Congratulations! What an exciting time for you! I’m sure there are a million thoughts and feelings running through your brain right now. Let us take care of some of the work for you – here’s a handy list of things you need to do in the first few weeks and months of pregnancy. First things […]
What Is a Doula (and Why You Might Want One)?
By Bronwyn Addico |
If you’ve ever heard someone mention their doula and found yourself wondering, “What exactly does a doula do?” you’re not alone. The word “doula” often conjures up an image of a mystical guide to all things birth and baby, but we’re here to set the record straight (and maybe add a sprinkle of magic along […]
Books for Babies
By Bronwyn Addico |
Books are a great way to help your baby develop and become a reader for life! At birth a baby has all the brain cells they need for life, but they need to develop the connections (or synapses) between these cells. These connections are the keys to learning. The brain’s ability to grow these connections […]
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 […]
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 […]
Recovering from the Heartbreak of Miscarriage
By Jane Hammond |
The first thing to know if you’ve had a miscarriage is that it was not your fault. Often when things like this happen, our first response is to try to figure out why. Unfortunately, it’s often impossible to know why a miscarriage has happened. It can be helpful to understand that miscarriages are extremely common – some estimates say 10-20 % of known pregnancies end in miscarriage.
Newborn Massage : Good for the whole family!
By Bronwyn Addico |
You are at home with your new bundle of joy. Whether it is your first or fourth, incorporating this little person into your household is a challenge for parents and siblings. Infant massage can be a wonderful way to bond with your tiny human. There are many studies that show how infant massage can improve […]
Dads, Partners, and Labour
By Bronwyn Addico |
Gone are the days of dropping the labouring mom off at the hospital and Dad waiting for the news that all was well and his new baby was here. Not only are Dads and Partners expected to be in the birth room, but they are also expected to support moms during an experience that they […]