Readiness to Parent
Is becoming a parent for you? Both joys and challenges come with parenting. Mixed feelings about getting pregnant and becoming a parent are normal. Working through how you might deal with the emotional, physical, financial and career changes that result from becoming a parent will help you make and cope with your choice. Talk to your partner and to other parents before making the decision whether or not to have a baby.
Your Health Before Pregnancy Makes a Difference
The time to focus on the future health of your baby is before you even get pregnant. This time is called preconception. Make healthy lifestyle choices now. Taking the time to learn more about your health and to make changes before you are pregnant can mean better health for you, your baby and your family. Also, babies often get a good start developing long before many women learn that they are pregnant.
Consider the following health-related factors before you get pregnant:
Activity - Being active before you or your partner get pregnant boosts your chances of having a baby who isn't underweight at birth. Consult with your doctor if you have any concerns about how much exercise you should be doing.
Immunization, infection and more - Certain diseases put a baby at serious risk for birth defects. Women need to know whether they have had German Measles (Rubella) or have been immunized for them. Are you up to date on the "every 10 year" vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus and polio? Another disease that can cause birth defects during pregnancy is toxoplasmosis, spread through cat litter, garden soil and uncooked meats. Pregnant women shouldn't change cat litter, eat raw meat or garden without gloves. Hand washing is the number one way to prevent disease from spreading. Talk to your doctor about risks linked to blood types and having children.
Chemicals Chemicals at home or work, such as lead and mercury, and those in garden pesticides can create problems for men and women trying to get pregnant, and can cause miscarriages or stillbirths. To find out more about chemicals and your pregnancy contact Motherisk at 416-813-6780 or http://www.motherisk.org/ and read the guidelines on workplace hazardous materials (WHMIS).
Nutrition A daily balance of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein foods help build a healthy baby. Ask your doctor about folic acid, a vitamin found in foods such as dark green vegetables, corn, oranges and dried beans. This key nutrient can help prevent certain birth defects. If you have had problems with overeating or extreme dieting, now is the time to explore why.
Emotions and feelings Strong feelings can take their toll on you. Dealing with your emotions can help you to be ready for the changes a pregnancy can bring. Both men and women should pace themselves at work and home. Be aware of signs of depression. With the assistance of your doctor, figure out what is normal as you go through emotional ups and downs. Learn signs of depression and know who you can call for help.
Family, friends, relationships Explore the medical history on both sides of the family. If you know of mental or physical challenges, you might want to get genetic counselling before a pregnancy. Talk to your doctor.
Families are also a shoulder to lean on before and during pregnancy. Sometimes, however, family relationships are harmful. Abuse of women, in about 40 per cent of reported cases, starts during the first pregnancy. If you are in an abusive relationship, reach out to your health care provider or to a local women's shelter.
Sleep and stress - Most people need about seven to nine hours of sleep nightly. Sleep is the first step to managing stress, along with exercise and healthy eating. When stress gets the better of both men and women, it can prevent pregnancy from happening. Stress is also linked to babies born too early or underweight. Set some limits in your life. Find ways to relieve your physical stress, and talk through your emotions.
Caffeine, alcohol and drugs Some studies suggest that too much caffeine during pregnancy is one possible reason that babies are born underweight or with birth defects. There is still no proof but it is wise to play it safe. Cut back on all sources of caffeine, including coffee, tea, pop, chocolate and even some over-the-counter medications. Read labels. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any over-the- counter drugs you use. Some medications can also make it harder to get pregnant or trigger other health problems while a baby is developing.
If you drink alcohol, be cautious before pregnancy. No known amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. Alcohol is the leading cause of mental disabilities in children. The use of drugs during pregnancy can also lead to birth defects and learning problems. Take charge of a drug or alcohol addiction problem before getting pregnant.
Call local addiction services. For more information about drugs and alcohol concerns related to pregnancy contact Motherisk at 416-813-6780 or the Motherisk Fetal Alcohol Syndrome information line at 1-877-FAS-INFO or http://www.motherisk.org/.
Sexally Transmitted Diseases Sexually transmitted diseases(STD) can be a key factor in not being able to get pregnant (infertility). Chlamydia, the most common STD, often has no signs or symptoms yet, if left untreated, may lead to infertility. Talk to your doctor about testing and protecting yourself from diseases spread through sexual contact, including AIDS.
Tobacco Smoking during pregnancy is the number one cause of babies being born underweight. Smoking also raises the risk of bleeding and miscarriage. Living or working in a smoke-filled environment adds to this problem. Give yourself or your partner time to quit before pregnancy. Work with your doctor. A smoke-free home means your baby will have fewer breathing problems and ear infections. You will also reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (crib death).
Pregnancy
Now That You Are Pregnant
Make an appointment to see your health care provider as soon as you believe that you might be pregnant. Early access to prenatal care is an important measure to ensure a healthy outcome for both you and your growing baby.
Once you are pregnant continue to talk with other parents and your health care providers about ways in which you can prepare for the arrival of your baby. Register for York Region Health Services Prenatal Classes to learn from and share your experiences with other new parents. Prenatal classes are offered by knowledgeable, degree- prepared registered nurses in a fun interactive environment.
To register for the prenatal that best suits your needs or to talk with a Public Health Nurse call Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653.
Prenatal classes for couples York Region's prenatal program is an eight week series of 2 hour classes designed for pregnant women and their partners/coaches. Weekend classes are available, based on demand.
Special Delivery Club includes prenatal classes geared to the unique needs of single woman and teens. Coaches are also welcome. The classes run once a week for 8-10 weeks. The classes are informal and offer opportunities for sharing ideas, making friends, while learning about pregnancy.
Take Our Prenatal Quiz and Win!
Having a baby and raising a family is no easy job! When do you turn for advice, guidance and support?
The York region Health Services Department Healthy Babies,Healthy Children program is now your "one stop shop" for information. A Public Health Nurse is your link to a broad range of local community programs and services.
To have a prenatal quiz sent to you, call 1 877 352-1698 ext 4565. Answer the five simple questions and learn five ways to have a healthy baby. Return the quiz in the pre-addressed, postage paid envelope. A public Health Nurse will contact you to share more information on having a healthy baby. Your name will be entered in to a draw at the end of the month for the chance to win a free infant and childcare book. Good luck and all the best to you and your baby!
Help is there for the asking. All you have to do is call
Health Connection at
1-800-361-5653 to talk to a Public Health Nurse.
Pregnancy Health Fact Sheets on the following topics are available by calling Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653:
Alcohol Putting Baby Before Booze
Creating a Circle of Support
Early Access to Prenatal Care
Stress No Friend to the Sperm and Egg
Folic Acid Before & During Pregnancy
Healthy Weight A Pound of Common Sense Before Pregnancy
Pregnancy and Over-the-Counter Medications
Physical Activity Your Moves Make Better Babies
Preventing Pre-term Labour
Pre-term Labour
Pregnancy and Smoking Taking Baby Steps to a Baby's Health
What Employers Can Do to Support Pregnant Employees
Preterm Labour Signs and Symptoms
Go to the hospital if you have any of the following symptoms or if something doesn't feel right:
If you experience any of these symptoms it is important to seek medical advice.
Healthy Babies, Healthy Children
The Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program is a prevention/early intervention initiative designed to give children a better start in life. The vision is that every child in Ontario will be provided with the opportunity to achieve his or her potential, with access to effective, integrated programs and services that support healthy child development.
Healthy Babies, Healthy Children is a universal, voluntary program with the following components:
- Support to every mother and newborn, in order to make a healthy adjustment in the first few weeks of life
- Access to parenting information and support
- Access to a range of prevention, early intervention and support services when required
- Identification of families with children who would benefit from additional support, including home visiting
- Coordination of the services that are provided to families
Breastfeeding Support - If you are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant in the future, then the following important information will help you understand the benefits of breastfeeding your baby.
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Breastfeeding is the best food for your baby because it:
- Provides optimal nutrition that changes in composition over time to meet the developmental needs of your baby
- Increases your baby's protection against ear, chest and stomach infections
- Increases your baby's protection from developing allergies; especially when there is a family history of allergies
- May provide increased protection against other childhood illnesses
- Promotes proper development of the mouth (alignment of teeth, shape of palate, swallowing action of the tongue)
- Reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
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Breastfeeding is best for mothers because it:
- Promotes bonding between the mother and baby
- Reduces the risk of osteoporosis
- Reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and pre-menopausal breast cancer
- Promotes postpartum weight loss
- Saves time; no sterilizing bottles or preparing formula
- Saves money on the cost of bottles, nipples and formula
Postpartum Depression - Ten to 20% of all mothers will experience symptoms of postpartum depression, including feelings of hopelessness, sadness or frequent crying, anxiety or panic attacks or feelings of loneliness and isolation. Resources, counselling and referrals for women experiencing postpartum depression are available. Call Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653.
Baby Place - Parents can bring their children (birth to six) to several convenient locations where a Public Health Nurse is available to discuss issues such as feeding, preventing illness, toilet training, parenting, sibling rivalry and more. The Baby Place in Newmarket includes a breastfeeding clinic.
As a parent, you play an important role in shaping the way your baby will learn, think and behave in the future. Parenting programs help you to do your best and help you to feel good about yourself. |
Attachment and Bonding with Your Child
- Attachment and bonding are the deep and enduring connections established between a child and parent in the first several years of life.
- Respond to your baby's cues. You cannot spoil a newborn. Babies thrive on loving attention.
- Respond sensitively to your child's needs. Respect your child's feelings, spend time together and provide loving touch.
- Value each child's uniqueness. Remember that every child is different and that every parent is difeerent too.
- Notice children's good behaviours. When you appreciate good behaviour, it encourages your child to keep trying.
- Model behaviours you want your children to have.
- Positive discipline is about teaching and guiding. However, before you can start work on discipline you have to build a relationship of love and trust with your child.
- Set up reasonable limits, expectations and consequences that relate to each child's age, temperament, and developmental stage.
- Choose quality care for your child and stay involved.
- Children who are connected are more secure, trusting, independent, empathetic, and confident and ready to learn.
Growth and Development
- Parts of the brain that control how a child listens and sees, talks and discovers, reasons and feels are formed mainly after birth. Much of this developments occurs during the first five years of life.
- Babies' brain development is greatly influenced by their relationship with parents and other important caregivers.
- Early stimulation and nurturing are critical for brain development and to learning, behaviour and health.
- Parents/caregivers play an important role in promoting the development of speech and language. Children learn language long before they can speak by listening, observing, imitating and memorizing.
- Each child is unique and will grow and develop at his own pace. There is a wide range of normal child development and parents/caregivers should avoid comparing their child with others.
- Parents can prevent injuries by supervising their children, watching for new skills and making their surroundings safe. Let your child explore at her own pace.
- Early developmental assessment, identification of risk factors and early interventions are important to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach his/her potential.
Playing with your Child
- Play is your child's work. Play is the way children learn about the world around them.
- Stimulate your baby's senses through play (e.g. read, cuddle, and sing).
- Children learn through play. It is therefore important that play be appropriate to the child's age and stage of development. The parent's role is to be a supportive guide.
- The best environment for a child is one that encourages her to explore and move about freely and safely. Follow your child's lead.
- Play promotes healthy early experiences with communication, language and social relationships. You are your child's first teacher so take time to play with your child.
Head Lice - Lice are small parasitic insects which infest human skin and hair. You may have recently received a letter or call from your child's school alerting you to the fact that there has been an ocurrence of head lice. Our Facts of Lice fact sheet may be helpful as you consider treatment options, or call Health Connection.
Just for You and Your Baby - Public Health Nurses regularly offer six weekly sessions for parents of infants up to six months of age throughout York Region. Learn more about your baby in his/ her first year of life. A limited number of classes are now being offered in Chinese. Nominal fee.
Mother Goose - This is a free interactive 10-week group program for parents and children up to 2 years of age. Both of you will enjoy learning songs, rhymes and stories. Give your children early, healthy experiences with language, communication and social relationships.
Nobody's Perfect - This free parenting program is designed to support young, single, socially or culturally isolated families by assisting the parents to be the best parents possible. Parents of children ages 1 to 5 meet weekly for six to eight sessions to discuss parenting concerns and to create a supportive network.
The Baby Place - Three well-baby drop-in centres throughout the Region offer parents of children from birth to six years an opportunity to talk with a Public Health Nurse about any parenting or child concerns. No cost. No appointment needed.
Parent Child Resource Centres - Parent Child Resource Centres are located throughout York Region. A Public Health Nurse is associated with each of these centres on a monthly basis and is available to answer client questions and make referrals to appropriate community agencies as necessary.
Young Parents Groups - Public Health Nurses are involved in free weekly groups that assist young parents with parenting education and support. Prenatal programs are also available. These are offered with community partners throughout York Region.
Early Child Development and Parenting Programs - Multiple sites are offered throughout the region for families with young children. Drop in and discover opportunities to join your child in activities, parenting information, workshops and more. For a program near you, call Health Connection or access YorkLink, York Region's community service directory, at http://www.yorklink.org/.
Developmental Screening - Parents and caregivers can use Nipissing Screens to check if a child's development is progressing as expected. Call Health Connection for more information.
Health Connection - 1-800-361-5653
York Region Health Services Health Connection is a free and confidential link to health services and information in York Region. Public Health Nurses, Public Health Dieticians and Public Health Inspectors provide easy access to current and understandable health information, Health Services programs and community resources. Our professional staff offers confidential counselling and consultation on a variety of health topics.
Health Connection is staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Our automated line has recorded messages on current health issues and is available 24 hours per day seven days per week. Messages will be returned the next business day. After hours emergency access is also provided.
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