If you planned your pregnancy, finding out you are pregnant can be exciting news, but it also can be a time of uncertainty. If your pregnancy was unplanned you may want to know more about your options. Either way, you have come to the right place for information to help you make the best choice.
Missed your period? Peeing more than usual? Have tender breasts? Feeling tired and nauseated? Do you think you could be pregnant? The only way to know for sure is through a positive pregnancy test. You can take a home pregnancy test or have a test done through your health-care provider.
When should I take a home pregnancy test?
An at home pregnancy test, provides the most accurate result one week after you have missed your period.
When should I seek prenatal care?
Getting early and regular prenatal care improves your chance of having a healthy pregnancy. Call to book an appointment as soon as you think you may be pregnant. Click here to see what options are available in Manitoba for your regular prenatal care.
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy
With this pregnancy, you may have none, some or all of these symptoms, which can range from mild to intense. You may find your experience different from that of your friends or family.
Late period or missed period: This is the most common sign of pregnancy. Your period stops because your body produces hormones that stop ovulation and the shedding of the lining of your uterus.
Tender (swollen) breasts: Your breasts may feel tender and sore. They may start to enlarge and your areolas (the area around your nipple) may also start to darken and enlarge. As your pregnancy progresses, your cup size may increase (due to increased fluids and milk production) as well as your band size (as your ribs expand to make room for your growing baby).
Peeing more often: This can be an early sign of pregnancy. Your pregnant body makes more blood to nourish your growing baby. This increase in fluids makes you pee more often.
Nausea and Vomiting: These common symptoms of early pregnancy are caused by your changing hormones. Despite being called morning sickness, it can occur any time of day. For tips to help with your morning sickness, see our article Morning sickness got you down?
Fatigue: Your changing pregnancy hormones may make you feel extremely tired in your first trimester. People often get their energy back in their second trimester, then often feel more achy and tired as they get closer to their due date. This is due to your changing pregnancy hormones.
Spotting and cramping, especially around the time you expected your period
Strong cravings or dislike of certain foods
Learning about the healthiest choices for you and your baby, whether your pregnancy was planned or unplanned, is very important. If you planned your pregnancy, finding out you are pregnant can be exciting news, but it also can be a time of uncertainty. If your pregnancy was unplanned, you may want to know more about your options. Either way, you have come to the right place for information to help you make the best choice for your experience.
Planned Pregnancy
You can start taking care of your unborn baby right away by:
For some people, an unplanned pregnancy is simply a welcomed change in life plans. For others, it can be quite an unwelcome shock. You are not alone, as many pregnancies are unplanned. For pregnancy counselling and supports, see Women’s Health Clinic for more information.
Abortion
Making the decision to end your pregnancy can be very difficult. Abortion is safe and legal in Canada. You do not need the permission of a parent or partner to have an abortion. Speak to your health care provider as soon as possible to learn about the process and about the availability of abortion services. Seek help early because abortions should be done early on in pregnancy.
Many people drink alcohol occasionally to relax, socialize or celebrate. Some use alcohol because they feel it helps with mental health problems and life’s stresses.
Safety tip:
If you use alcohol to manage your stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health symptoms the best choice is to seek other supports. Talk to a health care provider. If you do not have a health care provider, Family Doctor Finder can help.
Alcohol is affecting your family and/or your relationships
Even though alcohol is commonly used, there is no amount that is safe in pregnancy. All types of alcohol are equally harmful, including all wines and beer. Alcohol use can affect health, learning, relationships, children and parenting.
Alcohol and Fertility
Alcohol can:
decrease sperm production and quality
reduce your sex drive
can cause erection problems
affect fertility
Safety tips:
When planning a pregnancy, it’s safest not to drink any alcohol because you might be pregnant and not know it for up to four to six weeks. During this time your unborn baby’s brain is already developing. You could be drinking and exposing your unborn baby to alcohol without meaning to.
If you didn’t know you were pregnant, stopping or reducing alcohol use as soon as possible is the safest choice. If you choose to use alcohol despite the risks, use as little as possible.
Stopping alcohol use can be difficult, especially if you are also trying to cut down on other substances. While alcohol, cigarettes and cannabis are all harmful to your unborn baby, alcohol causes the most harm and should be what you quit first.
When you are pregnant your unborn baby is connected to you by your placenta. Your placenta sends what you eat, drink and breathe to your unborn growing baby.
If you drink alcohol during pregnancy, it gets passed on to your baby through the placenta. The baby’s organs are developing and cannot break down the alcohol like you can. Alcohol use during pregnancy may cause permanent damage to the baby’s brain and spinal cord. There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.
The effects of alcohol will last for your baby’s lifetime.
Alcohol use can cause Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
FASD is a lifelong disability that can affect motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional control and social skills.
Alcohol may cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)
Babies who are exposed to drugs and/or alcohol during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms (NAS) after birth such as tremors, irritability, poor feeding, diarrhea, vomiting, sleep problems and seizures.
When you drink alcohol, it passes into your breastmilk/chest milk. The safest choice is not to drink alcohol if you are breastfeeding/chestfeeding because:
Drinking alcohol decreases your let-down reflex (it may take longer for your breasts/chest to release your milk)
Drinking alcohol can cause a decrease in your milk production (Drinking alcohol does not increase your milk production as urban myth suggests. Your baby’s feeding determines how much milk you make.)
Babies may not like the taste of breastmilk/chest milk containing alcohol which could make them drink less
Very young babies have immature organs which makes it harder for them to clear the alcohol from their bodies.
Alcohol may affect your baby’s sleep
How long does alcohol stay in my breastmilk?
On average, it takes two to three hours to clear one standard size drink from your body.
How fast your body gets rid of alcohol depends on:
the amount of alcohol you drank
how fast you drank it
whether you have eaten food
how much you weigh
how fast your body processes alcohol
Do I have to pump and dump after drinking an alcoholic beverage?
No. As alcohol leaves your bloodstream, it leaves your breastmilk/chest milk (it doesn’t stay in your breastmilk/chest milk). Pumping and dumping, drinking a lot of water, resting or drinking coffee will not speed up how quickly your body gets rid of the alcohol.
Can I have a drink and still breastfeed/chestfeed?
Mothers who only drink once in a while should continue to breastfeed/chestfeed, because the benefits outweigh the risks. Here are some ways to make it safer for your baby:
it’s best if you can plan ahead if you are going to have a drink
Parents who drink alcohol need to be aware of the risks to their children. These include:
Poisoning:
Children should not consume alcohol because it can make them very sick and put them at risk of poisoning.
Smaller children are at higher risk of poisoning because of their size and weight.
Children can mistake drinks containing alcohol for regular drinks (punch, juice, slushies, Jell-O, pop, etc.) so alcoholic beverages should never be left unattended.
Safety tip:
Store all alcohol and products with alcohol (mouth wash, cosmetics, cleaning solutions etc.) out of the sight and reach of children, if possible, in a locked cabinet.
What to do if you think your child has swallowed alcohol:
Many people smoke commercial tobacco for many different reasons. Pregnancy is often a time when families consider their lifestyle choices. If you smoke, you might be wondering how it can affect the health of your pregnancy, breastfeeding/chestfeeding and your children. This article is referring to commercial tobacco use and gives a brief statement about ceremonial tobacco.
Tobacco and Fertility
Research shows that smoking:
can reduce fertility, making it difficult to conceive.
may negatively affect hormone production.
and exposure to tobacco smoke can harm the reproductive system
can damage the DNA in sperm
Tobacco and Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, your unborn baby is connected to you by your placenta. Your placenta sends what you eat, drink and breathe to your unborn growing baby. When you smoke cigarettes or breathe in secondhand smoke during pregnancy, the nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar are passed on to your baby. This can:
cause harm to your placenta. Your baby will get less food and oxygen than they should.
cause babies to weigh less at birth. This makes them more susceptible to infections and other health problems.
reduce blood flow which affects your unborn baby’s heart, lungs, digestive system and brain.
increase your risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.
increase the risk of your baby being born prematurely (early).
increase the risk for Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).
Safety tips:
Stopping smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke is the safest choice for you and your unborn baby.
If you choose to smoke despite the risks, smoke as little as possible.
The best time to quit smoking is before you get pregnant.
If you quit within the first four months of your pregnancy, you can lower the risks of health problems for your baby.
Even if you quit at the end of your pregnancy, it still helps you and your baby.
The healthiest choice for your baby is to breastfeed/chestfeed and for you to avoid tobacco use. If you can’t stop or cut down, breastfeeding/chestfeeding is still recommended. Breastmilk/chestmilk gives your baby immunities to help fight illness. It can also help lessen some of the negative effects of tobacco on your baby.
If you choose to smoke while breastfeeding/chestfeeding, follow these tips to help protect your baby:
Don’t smoke right before or during breastfeeding/chestfeeding. This way there won’t be as much nicotine in your milk and your baby won’t be exposed to secondhand smoke.
Wait as long as possible between smoking and breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
Keep your home smoke free. Smoke outside, away from your baby and other children. Don’t allow anyone else to smoke near your baby.
Protect your baby from thirdhand smoke. Wash your hands and change your clothes after you smoke and before you hold your baby.
Tobacco and Parenting
Parents who smoke cigarettes need to be aware of the risks to their children. These include:
1. Poisoning:
Nicotine is very poisonous. The amount in only one cigarette butt is enough to poison a child. Other forms of nicotine that are poisonous to a child are:
cigarettes,
cigars,
chewing tobacco,
pipe tobacco,
nicotine gum and patches
and liquid nicotine used for electronic cigarettes (vaping).
Safety tips:
Keep all tobacco products out of the sight and reach of children, if possible in a locked cabinet.
Throw out all cigarettes butts to keep them out of your child’s reach.
2. Secondhand Smoke:
Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke that comes from a cigarette and smoke breathed out by a smoker. When a non-smoker is around someone who is smoking, they breathe in the secondhand smoke.
Babies and children are smaller and breathe faster than adults, so they take in more of the harmful chemicals from secondhand smoke.
Risks to babies and children:
Secondhand smoke can harm a child’s behavior and ability to think things through.
Babies who breathe in secondhand smoke have a higher risk for dying from Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).
Babies and children exposed to secondhand smoke have more colds, pneumonia, bronchitis, croup and ear infections.
They are also more likely to develop asthma.
Secondhand smoke is harmful to everyone, including your pets.
3. Thirdhand Smoke:
Thirdhand smoke is the remaining nicotine and other chemicals left on indoor surfaces by tobacco smoke. Thirdhand smoke clings to these and other surfaces long after smoking has stopped:
Clothes
Furniture
Drapes
Walls
Bedding
Carpets
Dust
Vehicles
Children and non-smoking people can be at risk for health-related problems when they inhale, swallow or touch surfaces containing thirdhand smoke. Infants and young children are more at risk because they like to touch and put things in their mouth to learn about their world.
4. Fires and Burns
Children can get a burn from:
Butt’s that have been tossed
A lit cigarette
From playing with lighters and matches
Be sure to store all smoking gear (lighter, matches) out of reach from children.
Every year there are smoking related house fires. To prevent fires:
Don’t smoke in bed or if you are feeling drowsy.
Install smoke alarms outside all sleeping areas and on each level of your home. Test them monthly by pressing and holding the test button.
Make sure you have a fire extinguisher and know how to use it.
Creating Smoke Free Spaces:
Make your house and vehicles smoke free.
Know the law-it is illegal to smoke in your vehicle with children under the age of 16 present.
Click here for more tips from Health Canada on making your house and vehicle smoke free.
Smoke outside - either take your child outside with you or plan to have someone watch them while you go out for a smoke (a neighbour, a partner or a child who is over 12).
Cutting Down and Quitting
Quitting smoking is the single most important thing you can do to improve your health and your family’s health.
If you cannot quit, start by cutting down.
Fight cravings with deep breathing, a breath mint or nicotine gum.
If you use cigarettes to cope with stress, anxiety depression or other mental health symptoms, the best choice is to seek other supports. For help and more information, visit:
Cannabis in any form is toxic to children. Parents who use cannabis need to be aware of the risks. Since edibles look like regular food (gummy bears, brownies, lollipops, cookies), children can’t tell the difference. They need to be protected. Parents who use cannabis need to be aware of the risks to their children. These include:
Poisoning
It is important that children do not eat cannabis. It can make them very sick and put them at risk of poisoning or overdose.
Smaller children are at higher risk of poisoning because of their size and weight.
Kids love to watch and copy what their parents do. Whether using cannabis as medicine or for recreation, avoid consuming it in any form in front of children.
Lock it up
Parents should keep cannabis out of the sight and reach of children, if possible, in a locked cabinet. Invest in a safe, a lock box, a locking bag or have a lock put on a cupboard. It is best for any poisonous products to be stored “out of sight and locked up tight.”
Store your guests’ purses, coats or bags that have cannabis products in a secure (locked) place while they are in your home.
Label it
Keep all medicine and other drugs in their original, child-resistant packaging. If it is not in its original packaging, make sure to label it.
Clean it up
Put cannabis products away after every use, even if you plan on using it again later.
Always throw away waste products like ashes, unfinished joints or pieces of edibles.
If you use a babysitter, ensure they are mature, responsible and recommended by someone you trust. Ask them not to bring cannabis, alcohol or any other harmful substances into your home.
Make sure teens and friends are aware of the danger of cannabis to young children. Share this article with them.
Second-Hand Cannabis Smoke
Second-hand cannabis smoke may cause some of the same health problems as second-hand tobacco smoke. It is harmful for everyone, especially pregnant people, babies and young children.
Children exposed to second-hand cannabis smoke are being exposed to the active chemical THC. The THC enters your child’s body where it can remain for weeks.
Cannabis smoke can affect babies’ and young children’s alertness, understanding and judgement.
It is best to avoid smoking or vaping anything around your baby or children.
Parenting your Kids:
Using cannabis can reduce your ability to pay attention, make decisions and react to emergencies. This can affect your ability to respond to your child’s needs and keep them safe. You may not notice if your child:
is in danger
needs medical attention. If you are impaired, you will not be able to drive your child for care.
needs to be comforted
shows cues for hunger
needs to connect, play and learn
When you consume cannabis edibles, the effects are delayed (up to two to three hours for some people) and you may end up taking more cannabis than you planned. Consuming cannabis in foods or drinks can make people feel higher than expected and the effects can last for several hours or sometimes days.
Safety tips:
To ensure your child’s safety always have a plan in place.
Be sure that there is always someone available who is not high to take care of your child.
Impaired Driving
Like alcohol, cannabis affects your judgment and ability to drive. No one should ever drive impaired. Know the law.
Cannabis is used by people for many reasons including: to relax, feel high, for medical purposes and to help manage mental health symptoms. Cannabis can be consumed in a variety of ways, such as:
inhaled (smoked)
swallowed (in food and drinks)
placed under the tongue (strips and sprays)
applied to the skin (oils and creams)
Safety tips
If you’re using cannabis to manage your stress, anxiety, depression or other mental health symptoms, the best choice is to seek other supports. Talk to your health care provider.
Even though cannabis is legal in Manitoba, there is no amount that is safe during fertility planning, pregnancy and breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
Cannabis use affects health, learning, relationships, children and parenting.
Cannabis and Sperm
Cannabis has been shown to reduce the number and quality of sperm, which can make it more difficult for a couple to become pregnant.
Cannabis and Pregnancy
Cannabis use in all forms, such as Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) may affect the way your unborn baby’s brain develops. This can result in mental illness, learning and behavioral problems. Some of the effects, such as poor impulse control and hyperactivity, can last into adulthood.
Like tobacco, smoking cannabis reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients to your unborn baby. This can result in slower growth of your unborn baby, premature birth and a lower birth weight.
Safety tips
Because there is no known safe amount cannabis in pregnancy, it is best to avoid it completely.
If you choose to use cannabis despite the risks, use as little as possible.
Cannabis and Morning Sickness
Some pregnant persons use cannabis to treat morning sickness. There is no evidence that cannabis is useful for morning sickness. Ask your health care provider to help you find the best option for safer treatments. Also check out our article for tips on coping with morning sickness.
Cannabis and Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding
When you use cannabis, the psychoactive chemical called THC is stored in your fat cells (like your brain and breast tissue/chest tissue). When your baby breastfeeds/chestfeeds, THC is passed through your breastmilk/chestmilk and enters your baby’s brain and body, where it can remain for weeks. When a baby is exposed to cannabis through breastmilk/chestmilk, the effects are similar to when a baby is exposed during pregnancy. The baby may have sleep problems, be fussier and startle easily. As the baby grows, they may have problems with memory, reasoning, focusing and be easily distracted.
The healthiest choice for your baby is to breastfeed/chestfeed and avoid cannabis use. For more information on breast/chestfeeding your baby click here.
If you choose to use cannabis while breastfeeding/chestfeeding despite the risks, use as little as possible.
Your baby will spend a lot of time sleeping. It is important to create a safe space for every sleep.
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) is a term that refers to all causes of sudden infant death during sleep. This includes accidental deaths caused by suffocation or strangulation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) when the cause is not known.
Place Baby on Their Back for Every Sleep
Infants that sleep on their back can breathe better and are less likely to choke or suffocate (stop breathing) than infants who sleep on their tummy or side.
Safe Sleep Environment for Every Sleep
Providing a safe sleep space for your baby for every sleep is the best way to keep them safe and comfortable.
A crib, cradle or bassinet are safe sleep spaces. They can be purchased new or used but should meet Health Canada standards.
The mattress must be:
Firm
Flat
The right size for crib, cradle or bassinet
Sleeping in the same room as your baby helps you attend to their needs and to bond with your baby.
Place crib in your room
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a crib, cradle or bassinet in your room for the first six months, or ideally, for the first year.
Avoid overheating
Dress baby in sleeper
Use a sleep sack or wearable blanket for extra warmth
Keep room temperature comfortable, not hot
Hats can make most babies too hot
See Safer Swaddling Tips below
While it may seem comforting to include other items in the crib, it is best for baby to sleep without:
Pillows or bumper pads
Bottles
Stuffed animals or toys
Sleep postioners
Loose blankets or quilts
Also, baby should not have anything around their neck for sleeping such as jewelry, teething necklaces, bibs or soother strings
Other Sleep Safe Options
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a crib, cradle or bassinet. Playpens usually do not meet Canadian safe sleep recommendations. Bassinets that are sold with some playpens are a safer, lower cost choice.
Parents may use other options below for a temporary sleep space. Talk to your health-care provider to make sure it is as safe as possible.
All sleep spaces should be kept:
On the floor to avoid the risk of falling
Away from baseboard or portable heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, ovens and other sources of heat
Away from pets. Pets may wish to snuggle and can accidentally smother the baby.
Ask a knowledge keeper about safe use of cradleboards and moss bags
Check out this video on safe sleep from The First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba.
If you do not have a crib, cradle or bassinet, you can make a safe sleep space for your baby with some very simple household items such as a drawer (pulled out from the dresser), a basket, a box or a bin (without a lid). Your baby can sleep comfortably and safely in these homemade sleep spaces.
For tips on making these temporary sleep spaces and making a mattress, call your health-care provider, your public health office or visit our other pages on parentinginmanitoba.ca
Unsafe sleep spaces
Remember your ABCs!
Baby should sleep:
Alone On their Back In a Crib (cradle, bassinet, safe sleep space)
It is important for baby to always sleep alone, on their back and in a safe sleep space with a firm flat mattress and sides that will prevent the baby from rolling/falling out.
Baby should sleep alone. Bed-sharing in the same sleep space such as a bed has risks. Adults, other children or pets can accidentally hurt the baby or make it hard for the baby to breathe. If you decide bed-sharing is best for you and your baby, see safer bed-sharing below.
Babies should sleep on their backs. Sleeping on their side or tummy can make it hard for your baby to breathe. Surfaces that are sloped (not flat) may cause the baby to roll into an unsafe sleep position. Baby’s head can also slump forward, making it hard for the baby to breathe.
Soft surfaces do not support the baby to lay flat and in the best position for breathing. Soft materials, such as blankets could cover the baby’s face, making it hard for them to breathe.
Surfaces like couches or an adult bed are risky as they may be too soft for baby to be in a good sleeping position and the baby may roll off and fall, become trapped between the mattress and cushions, or the cushions or material may make it difficult for baby to breathe.
Images with an X are not safe sleep spaces. Sharing any sleep surface with your baby is unsafe
Safer Bed-Sharing
Babies are safest in their own sleep space like a crib, cradle or bassinet.
If you do not have a crib, cradle or bassinet, contact your health care provider or public health office who will work with you to find a solution. You can also make a safe sleep space out of common household items (see above).
Some families choose to have their baby sleep in their bed with them.
Use this checklist to bed-share more safely.
Baby sleeps on back directly on a firm mattress. Co-sleepers, car seats, or infant seats are not safe sleep spaces.
Parent’s long hair is tied up and away from baby’s face.
Bedding and sheets are pulled low enough so that there is no risk of blankets or sheets covering the baby’s face.
Bed is away from the wall and other furniture so baby can’t get trapped between the bed and a firm surface.
Baby is not swaddled. Use a sleep sack if needed.
Baby is placed on the side of one parent. Both parents know that the baby is in the bed. Baby is never in the middle of two adults or next to other children or pets.
No soft bedding such as comforters and pillows near baby
Room temperature is cool and comfortable so that baby doesn’t overheat
When Not to Bed-share
If your baby:
Was born at less than 37 weeks (pre-mature, or born early)
Was small at birth (weighed less than 2.5 kilograms or 5.5 pounds)
Is under four months of age, when the risk of suffocation (not breathing) and sudden unexpected infant death is highest
If you or your partner:
Smoke, if there is any smoking in the home or if you smoked during pregnancy
Are overly tired or are sick
Have been drinking alcohol
Have taken any medications or drugs that make you feel sleepy
Are obese
Sleep Sacks and Sleepwear
There are many types of swaddles, blankets and sleep sacks on the market. Choose the right size for baby and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Not all are safe.
Choose safer ones that:
Are snug around the upper body so that baby is unable to wiggle out
Are not tight around baby’s chest. You should be able to get two fingers between baby’s chest and the sack
Are loose around the hips. Your baby’s legs should bend and move comfortably.
Have no choking hazards like snaps, buttons
Meet children’s sleepwear flammability standards.
Remember, outdoor wear is not designed for sleep. Day clothes may have zippers, hoods and strings that are also not appropriate for sleeping or meet Health Canada’s flammability standards.
Most sleepwear in Canada is safe. However, be cautious of clothing purchased in other countries, vintage clothing, novelty wear (like costumes) and homemade/crafted sleepwear as the material may not meet Canada’s fabric sleepwear standards.
Safer Swaddling
Most babies are warm enough in just a sleeper, or with a wearable blanket or swaddler if they need extra warmth. Swaddled babies can become overheated. The swaddle can also become loose and cover the baby’s mouth and nose, making it hard to breathe.
If you choose to swaddle your baby, follow these tips to help keep them safer.
When choosing a swaddle wrap, look for:
Light, breathable fabric such as cotton with a loose weave. Avoid heavy blankets.
No drawstrings, ribbons, cords or tight elastic.
No buttons, snaps or decorations.
Choose the right swaddling technique for your baby’s age:
For younger babies (birth until three months old), wrap the arms in the swaddle with baby’s elbows bent and hands close to the chin.
For older babies (about three to six months old and babies who can roll), leave their arms free.
How to safely swaddle a baby
Spread the wrap out with one corner folded. Lay baby on wrap.
Bring baby’s hands together over their chest. Bring one side of the wrap over their arms and tuck under baby.
Fold the bottom of the wrap up, leaving room for baby’s feet to move.
Bring the second side of the wrap across baby and tuck the end behind baby.
Follow these tips to keep baby safer
Keep baby on their back
Don’t let baby get too hot
Make sure that the blanket or swaddle doesn’t cover their face
Keep swaddle loose at the hips and legs. Babies who do not have their legs free to bend and kick can suffer abnormal hip development.
When baby can roll over, stop swaddling or wrap baby with arms free.
Other practices to protect against SIDS
Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Protects Baby
Breastfeeding/chestfeeding lowers the risk of SIDS. Breastmilk/chestmilk boosts infants’ immune systems, supports their brain development and helps them wake up from sleep easier.
Once breastfeeding/chestfeeding is established, consider using a pacifier (soother), which may reduce the risk of SIDS.
While not everyone can or wants to breastfeed/chestfeed you can still protect your baby if you are bottle-feeding by following all of the other tips in this article.
When bottle feeding always hold your baby and the bottle to prevent your baby from choking. No matter how you feed your baby, always place your baby back to sleep in a crib, cradle or bassinet.
Keep baby smoke-free before and after birth
Smoke exposure increases the risk of SIDS. Tobacco smoke contains several toxic chemicals that can damage the cells of the body. It can affect infant brain and lung development. This can affect how an infant breathes and may increase the risk of SIDS.
It is safest for a home to be smoke free. If you smoke, do it outside, wash your hands and change your clothes before holding your baby. It is safest to avoid using alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, cannabis and other drugs while trying to become pregnant, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
For support with quitting or cutting down visit Smoker’s helpline or call them at 1-877-513-5333, Tobacco Has No Place Here, NUQUITS and/or talk to your health-care provider
For help with other substances call Manitoba Addictions Helpline – 1-855-662-6605
For more information on safe sleep, bed-sharing, swaddling, sleep sacks and other child health and safety topics, contact your primary care provider, your public health officeor see our other articles on parentinginmanitoba.ca.
Check Health Canada’s website for recalls on baby equipment including sleepwear, cribs, cradles and car seats. Visit healthycanadians.gc.ca.
It’s common to need time to adapt when you are pregnant or have a new baby in your life. Many parents expect to feel happy with the arrival of a new baby and are surprised if they feel sad, anxious, angry or overwhelmed. Depression and anxiety can affect any new parent and can start during pregnancy or any time in your baby’s first year of life.
If you are going through postpartum depression or anxiety, you are not alone. Many parents don’t talk about how they are feeling because they are afraid others will think they are not able to care for their baby. This is not your fault. There is help and there is hope.
The Baby Blues
Up to 75 per cent of people who give birth experience the baby blues. The baby blues are caused by hormone changes and adjusting to becoming a parent. Baby blues usually last about two weeks. Parents with the baby blues may have mood swings, worry a lot, cry easily, feel tired, overwhelmed or irritable, and have trouble sleeping.
Beyond the Baby Blues
Many new parents experience depression or anxiety. Anyone raising a child can be affected. Often, other people close to you may notice changes in how you are doing and express concern. Sometimes it is hard to know if how you are feeling (e.g., tired or overwhelmed) are symptoms of depression or common adjustments to parenting. It is important to recognize the signs early and talk to a health-care provider so you get the support and care you may need.
Signs of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Postpartum depression and anxiety can be different for each person. Talk to a health-care provider if:
No interest in activities and relationships you usually enjoy
Can’t stop crying
Postpartum Depression Can Be Treated
If you think you have depression or anxiety talk to a health-care provider. The sooner you get help, the sooner you will feel better. Therapy, counseling, support groups and/or medication can help. Treatment can look different for each family. In addition to treatment, you can help yourself by:
Being kind to yourself
Don’t pressure yourself to do everything you used to do
Do what you can and leave the rest
Asking for help
Take friends and family up on offers to help with laundry, cooking or taking care of baby so you can rest or get out of the house
Taking care of your body
Rest when you can
Be physically active
Eat healthy foods
Avoid alcohol
Making time to recharge
Do something you enjoy
Stay connected
Spend time with your partner, family or friends
How to Support Someone with Postpartum Depression
If you think your partner or friend is experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, tell them about your concerns. Be supportive and positive and avoid shaming or blaming the person.
Encourage them to talk to a health-care provider as soon as possible and offer to go with them to appointments.
Encourage them to talk about their feelings. Validate and reassure them.
Ask family and friends for their understanding and support.
Take care of the baby so they can rest.
Do skin-to-skin contact with the baby so they can rest.
Help with the daily housework and chores.
Postpartum depression and anxiety can be treated.
If you think you have postpartum depression or anxiety, here is where to get help:
Your health-care provider, public health nurse, midwife, health centre or nursing station
If you are feeling out of control, like you are not coping or having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, this is a medical crisis. Put your baby in a safe place, get someone to watch them and call:
Deciding how to feed your baby is one of many big decisions you will make as a parent. Breastmilk/chestmilk is the ideal food for babies and contains almost all the nutrients your baby needs for the first six months. Whether you breastfeed/chestfeed or formula feed, the only extra thing your baby should need is vitamin D. If you are considering formula feeding your baby in their first year of life, here is some information on how much it may cost.
The Average Cost of Infant Formula in Manitoba
The table below shows the average cost of formula feeding a baby for one year in Manitoba based on the summer/fall prices of 2023. These prices may change over time and do not include the cost of baby bottles and other equipment you may need to sterilize waterand prepare formula.
Average cost of formula for one year in Manitoba
Powder
Liquid Concentrate
Ready-to-Feed
$1,939.70
$2,098.42
$5,685.20
Data collection: From July to October 23 | Amounts based on an average intake of 750 millilitres of formula per day. Average formula costs were calculated based on basic infant formula across the province. We collected data from a minimum of four stores in each health region. If you choose to buy powdered formula with omega 3 fats and probiotics, it may cost more than the average calculated amount here.
Which Formula Should I Choose?
There are many types and brands of formula on the market. Choose what works best for your situation unless your health-care provider says your baby needs a special formula.
If you choose to feed your baby formula, your baby will most likely be given a brand name ready-to-feed formula in the hospital or birth centre. You don’t need to continue using this brand or type of formula.
Powdered formula is usually the least expensive type of formula; however, it is not sterile. Ready-to-feed formula is the most expensive. For more information on the different types of formula and any special considerations, click here.
Other Milks and Homemade Recipes Are Not Recommended
Cow’s milk, goat’s milk, plant-based beverages (such as soy, almond or oat beverage), evaporated milk, condensed milk and homemade recipes are not to be used in place of commercial infant formula. They do not contain the right amount of nutrients for the healthy growth and development of your baby.
How to Compare the Cost of Different Brands
With so many choices, you may be wondering how to choose what to feed your baby. All infant formulas sold in Canadian stores are regulated by Health Canada and are required to contain the nutrients your baby needs to grow and develop. See the Regular Infant Formulas List for other brands of formula in the same category. Store brands are usually less expensive. If you are unsure, ask your public health nurse, midwife or health-care provider.
Comparing the cost of different brands, formats and sizes of formulas can get confusing. To compare standard amounts, you can calculate the number of bottles (also known as servings) each one will make. Sometimes this information is provided on the label of the formula, but often it is not. For an example, see the table below which compares the different formats and sizes of a single brand of formula. For comparison, the ready-to-feed bottle size is used in the table below (8 oz/237 ml). Young infants will drink less than this.
Product
Product Size
Number of 237 ml bottles this product will make
Product Price
Price per 237 ml bottle
Ready-to-use
18 x 237 ml (8 oz) bottles
18
$75
$4.17
Concentrate*
12 x 385 ml
38
$72
$1.89
Powder**
550 g
16
$44
$2.75
Powder**
663 g
19
$44
$2.31
Powder**
992 g
28
$61
$2.17
*Liquid concentrate formula: Prepared by adding the same amount of water as formula according to the manufacturer’s instructions. **One scoop = 8.8 grams. One scoop makes 60 millilitres of formula. Scoop sizes vary by brand of formula. It is important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare.Do not add extra water to make it last longer.
Cost-Saving Shopping Tips
When comparing the price of different formulas and brands, look at the product’s price per 100 millilitres or per 100 grams to find the cheapest option. Some stores will list this amount on the shelf label or on their website for online shopping.
Check prices and watch for sales in different store flyers and websites.
Consider buying store brands. These can be much less expensive than brand names.
Use coupons available from the formula manufacturer’s website, grocery stores or coupon apps.
Look for “subscribe and save” discount offers on formula from online retailers.
If you’ve found a formula that your baby tolerates well, look for it in larger or bulk sizes which are often lower in unit price than smaller containers.
How Long Will My Baby Need Formula?
Your baby will have only formula (and vitamin D) for the first six months and will continue to have formula as they gradually learn to eat solid foods.
Infant formula provides the nutrients your baby needs to grow and develop in their first year. You can begin giving your baby homogenized (“whole”) cow’s milk with 3.25 per cent milk fat (M.F.) at nine to 12 months of age if they are eating a variety of iron-rich foods. However, cow’s milk does not yet replace formula.
Your baby can transition from formula to homogenized cow’s milk around 12 months.
Did you know?
Toddler (or Stage 2) formula is not needed.
What If I Cannot Afford Formula?
Filing your taxes can also give you access to government benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit. See Get Your Benefits for more information and to apply.
Babies become overheated much more quickly than adults. Babies rely on caregivers to help keep them safe by dressing them properly, keeping them hydrated, and moving them to a cooler place when needed. When it’s hot, your baby will need to breastfeed/chestfeed more often. Formula fed babies under six months will need more formula if they are thirsty. You may also offer sips of water from a cup if your baby is older than six months.
Keeping Baby Comfortable Indoors
Dress your baby in an undershirt and diaper or diaper only. Dress your older child in loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing made from a breathable fabric.
Place the crib or bassinet in the coolest room.
A fan can help keep the room cool. Fans should never blow directly on the baby and should be out of baby’s reach.
Mist your baby using a spray bottle filled with cool water or use cool wash cloths to make your baby more comfortable.
Bathe your child in a cool bath until your child feels refreshed. Always supervise your child in the bath.
If you have air conditioning, your home may be cool enough.
If you’re comfortable, then your baby probably is too.
Keeping Baby Comfortable Outdoors
Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in a cooler place.
When outdoors, look for a shady, breezy place. Tree-shaded areas could be as much as 5ºC/9ºF cooler than the surrounding area.
Infants under six months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Keep your child in the shade or protected from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed, breathable hat or shade them with an umbrella.
If the sun cannot be avoided, cover baby in light long sleeve tops, long pants and a hat.
For babies over six months, it is okay to use sunscreen. Use sunscreen on exposed areas, like face, ears, neck and back of hands. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming.
Safety Tips:
Never leave a baby or child inside a vehicle. Parking in the shade, opening the window or running the air conditioner will not keep the temperature inside the car at a safe level.
Check that the car seat is not too hot before putting baby in, especially the metal parts which get extremely hot.
If using a baby tent, make sure it has mesh sides for good airflow and place it in the shade if possible. These products can get hot inside so check the temperature often to make sure that your baby isn’t overheating.
If you are draping a cloth over the stroller to help shade your baby, choose a cloth that is light-coloured, and made of lightweight, breathable fabric. Check the temperature in the stroller often to make sure that your baby isn’t overheating.
Your baby might be too hot if they…
feel hot to you (check the back of the neck and abdomen)
are sweating
have a heat rash (looks like tiny pink pimples surrounded by pink skin)
look unwell
become floppy, weak or less active
are irritable
have skin that feels dry
refuse to drink
have fewer wet diapers than usual
If your baby is hot
Breastfeed/chestfeed more often
Bottle-fed babies may need extra formula
You may offer sips of water from a cup if your baby is older than 6 months and taking solids
Take baby to a cooler location
About Heat Stroke
Heat stroke occurs when the body overheats and loses too much water.
Heat stroke can damage the body’s organs and cause death and is a medical emergency.
Seek immediate medical care. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away, or take your baby to the nearest hospital, nursing station or health centre
While waiting for medical treatment: move baby to the shade or indoors and use damp cloths to cool your baby down.
If your baby is conscious and able to swallow, try to get them to breastfeed/chestfeed or drink fluids.
Signs of heat stroke include:
rising body temperature
less urine than usual
increased thirst (but as baby gets weaker, he or she may drink less)
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