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PARENTING IN MANITOBA

PARENTING IN MANITOBA

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Lan

Prevent Poisoning in Young Children

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Many things in our homes put young children at risk of poisoning. Medications, cleaning products, personal care products and some household plants can all be poisonous to a young child. Even a small amount can make your child very sick. To a child, some common household products can look like candy, juice or chewing gum. 

Parents should go through every room to check for poisons. 

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Keep all potential poisons locked up high, out of sight and out of reach  

As your child grows, they become more active and can more easily reach and open cabinets. 

Make your home a poison-safe zone by storing all potential poisons in a high-up cabinet, drawer or cupboard that can be locked using a lock (with the key stored in a hidden location) or with a latch that cannot be opened by a child. 

Store products in their original containers and teach older children hazard symbols on containers. 

Medications

Tips to prevent poisoning from medications: 

Store medications “out of sight and locked up tight” so that children do not have access to them. The best choice is a locked box kept out of your child’s reach.

Lock up medications with child resistant caps as well, as some children can take the caps off.  

It is best to use the original, labelled container that makes it clear what is inside and has the dosage information you may need. 

Do not call medicine or vitamins candy. 

Be extra careful with medicines that may taste good to your child, such as chewable vitamins and fruit-flavoured syrups. Children learn by touching, tasting and by imitating others. 

When giving your child medicine, check the label to make sure you are giving the correct amount. 

Keep products in their original containers to help you remember the medication and the dosage. 

Keep visitors’ purses and bags out of your child’s reach as they may have poisonous products in them. 

Visitors may have potentially poisonous products with them, such as medication, vitamins, cosmetics or cannabis products.

Other products that cause poisoning 

  • vitamins 
  • household cleaners and other chemicals, such as bleach 
  • laundry detergent, including single-dose pods.
    • Laundry pods can look like candy and appeal to children, but they can cause burns and illness. It is safest to use powdered or liquid detergents. 
  • personal care products, such as mouthwash or nail polish, nail polish remover, perfumes, and aftershaves 
  • car supplies, such as antifreeze and windshield washer fluid 
  • alcohol 
  • nicotine (cigarettes) and vape juice (the liquid used in e-cigarettes)
  • cannabis, including cannabis edibles that may look like a harmless snack to your child 
  • illicit drugs, such as opioids 
  • pesticides 
  • certain plants, such as mistletoe, holly berries and poinsettias

Tips to prevent plant poisoning 

While children benefit from outdoor play and learning about how plants grow, some can be poisonous if eaten or cause irritation if touched. 

  • Know all plants in and around your home and yard. 
  • Label each plant in your home with the specific name (e.g., Devil’s ivy vs. just ivy). 
  • Keep all houseplants, seeds and bulbs out of reach of children. 
  • Teach children to never put leaves, flowers, seeds, nuts, wild mushrooms or berries in their mouths without first checking with an adult. 

Did you know? 

Poison centres across Canada received more than 200,000 calls in 2023, and 66,000 calls were related to children under six.  

It’s a good idea to keep the number of your poison centre nearby or in your phone. Program the number into your phone’s contact list or keep it in a visible location, such as on your fridge. 

If you think that your child may have swallowed something poisonous

  • Stay calm 
  • Call the Manitoba Poison Centre – 1-855-776-4766  
  • In the event your child or someone else in your household is potentially poisoned, contact the Manitoba Poison Centre. If the person loses consciousness or has difficulty breathing, call 911. 

If your child is awake and alert, call the Manitoba Poison Centre at 1-855-776-4766. Emergency responders will want to know… 

  • your child’s age and weight 
  • what was swallowed (show them the container of medication or poison if possible)
  • when the poison was swallowed 
  • the address where the poisoning happened 

Related links

Skull and crossbones with a telephone receiver on a green background Manitoba Poison Centre 1-855-776-4766

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Water Safety for Young Children

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Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death for Canadians, and it often happens quickly and silently. In Manitoba, on average, there are 23 fatal drownings every year. Many of these drownings happen in bathtubs, backyard pools, lakes and rivers. Practice being safe around water in nature and in a backyard. 

Children are at higher risk for drowning 

All children are at risk for drowning, but young children under five years old are at higher risk because they:

  • are attracted to water but unable to understand the danger
  • can walk but not swim
  • are still developing balance and co-ordination  
  • have smaller lungs than adults
  • can drown in as little as 2.5 centimetres (one inch) of water

Children should never be left alone 

In all recent Manitoba drownings of young children, there was either no adult supervision or the adult was distracted (present, but not watching the child). Children should never be left alone in or near water, including the bathtub, even for a moment. 

  • All children should be supervised by an adult when they are in or around water.
    • It is best that the adult knows how to swim and has been trained in CPR. Do not leave older children (under the age of 16) to supervise younger siblings. 
    • The adult must be in the water with young children. Supervising from the beach or pool deck is not close or safe enough. 
    • The Manitoba Lifesaving Society recommends a supervision ratio of at least one adult for every baby and one adult for every two young children. 
  • Babies should always be held by an adult at all times. In Canada, approved life jackets and PFDs are not available for infants who weigh less than nine kilograms (20 pounds). 
  • Toddlers should always be within arms’ reach of an adult when they are in or around water. This includes bathtubs, pools (including wading pools), lakes and rivers. 

Water safety around your yard 

  • Supervision is still the most important thing you can do to prevent drowning. 
  • Stay within arms’ reach of your child around pools, ponds and hot tubs and never leave them unattended.
  • Empty buckets, pails or coolers as soon as you are done with them. 
  • If you have a rain barrel, make sure it is child resistant and labeled as such. Store empty containers upside down so they do not fill up with rainwater. 

Toddler pools 

  • Use diapers designed for use in water. Regular diapers get heavy, come apart and can cause your child to lose their balance. 
  • Empty toddler and other portable backyard pools after use. Store toddler pools upside down when they are not in use so they do not fill up with rainwater. 

Swimming pools (in- or above-ground) and hot tubs 

  • Parents and pool owners should learn how to swim and how to rescue a drowning victim. They should get trained and stay certified in first aid and CPR. 
  • Pool owners should have:
    • an emergency action plan
    • rescue equipment including a first aid kit, reaching pole and ring buoy attached to a rope
    • a telephone on the deck or poolside
  • Pools should be fenced on four sides so that children do not have easy access to the pool. It is safest if the house is not used as one of the sides. Gates to the pool area should be self-closing and self-latching. Check with your municipality about regulations for pools, spas and hot tubs. In-ground and above-ground pools, hot tubs or spas that are 24 inches or deeper require a development and a building permit.  
  • If your hot tub or spa is not fenced in, it should have a locking hard cover or be in an area that can be closed and locked. Infants and toddlers should not use hot tubs because they overheat too quickly and cannot tell you if they feel dizzy or too hot. 
  • Slide or play equipment should be designed specifically for pool use. Teach children to slide in a sitting position. 

What about public pools and spray pads? 

It is important to supervise your children even if there are lifeguards on duty. 

Teach your children these important swimming pool rules and always follow them: 

  • no swimming without an adult
  • no running or pushing
  • young children and non-swimmers always wear a personal flotation device (PFD)

Getting training is important  

Get trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), first aid, water rescue and swimming skills. These forms of training can help you to safely help others who are in trouble. Every year, people die when they try to rescue others in the water because they weren’t trained in water rescue.  

Should I use a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) on my child? 

Yes, along with supervision, adding a lifejacket or a personal flotation device (PFD) makes your child safer. Here is the difference between a lifejacket and a PFD:  

  • A life jacket can turn the person over from face-down to face-up. 
  • A PFD will keep a person floating, but not necessarily face-up. 

PFDs or life jackets should be worn by all infants who weigh at least 9 kilograms (20 pounds) and by toddlers who are swimming or playing near or in the water. 

  • It should be the right size for your child’s weight. 
  • Make sure it stays buckled up. 
  • Keep all safety straps fastened, including the crotch strap. 
  • Check the label to be sure that your child’s PFD or life jacket meets current national safety standards. It should be approved by at least one of the following: Transport Canada, Canadian Coast Guard or Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 

Remember that water wings, neck rings, bathing suits with flotation devices in them and other swim toys are not safety devices. 

Did you know?

Manitoba Parks loans life jackets to visitors! See Life-jacket Loan Program for more information. 

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Stage 2: Forward-Facing Car Seat

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Car seats help keep your child safe in a motor vehicle. 

  • In Manitoba, all child passengers must ride in a child car seat or booster seat until they are at least:
    • 145 centimetres (four feet nine inches) tall, OR 
    • 36 kilograms (80 pounds) in weight OR 
    • nine years of age 

It is safest to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible – your child may be two years old or more. To keep your child rear-facing longer, get a convertible car seat that can eventually be used forward-facing. Look for one with a higher rear-facing limit. Some seats have rear-facing weight limits up to 22.7 kilograms (50 pounds). 

Move your child to a forward-facing seat once they have outgrown the height or weight limits of the rear-facing car seat.  Many rear-facing seats are outgrown when the top of the child’s head is 2.5 centimetres (one inch) below the top of the car seat. 

Which forward-facing car seat should I use? 

If you already have a convertible car seat that can be used rear- and forward-facing, you can install the seat forward-facing. Only do this once your child has outgrown the rear-facing height or weight limit. 

If you are buying a car seat, choose a forward-facing seat that will meet the weight and height of your child for as long as possible. Some seats are made for children up to 29.5 kilograms (65 pounds). 

  • You can buy a convertible car seat that can be used as forward-facing seat and then as a booster seat. 

Follow the car seat and vehicle’s manuals for instructions on installation. 

Important tips: 

  • Check Transport Canada’s Recall Database to make sure the car seat is safe to use. 
  • Car seat accessories (including head positioners, harness covers and seat protectors) that are sold separately from the car seat are not recommended, because they can affect how well the car seat protects your child in a cash. 
  • Check the expiry date on the car seat. 
  • Look for Transport Canada’s National Safety Mark on the car seat. Car seats sold in the United States will not have this seal and are not approved for use in Canada. 
Transport Canada’s National Safety Mark logo, a maple leaf inside a circle

Are second-hand (used) car seats safe?

They can be. Avoid a used car seat that: 

  • has been in a crash or you don’t know if it has been in a crash 
  • is past the expiry date 
  • is missing parts 
  • has visible damage or cracks 
  • has straps that are worn or frayed 

The Child Passenger Association of Canada has a Used Seat Checklist. 

How do I install my car seat? 

  • All children under 13 years of age should ride in the back seat of the vehicle. 
  • The safest place in the vehicle to install the car seat is in the middle of the back seat. 
  • Follow the owner’s manuals for your vehicle and car seat for proper installation of your specific car seat. Some manufacturers have videos online to help you. 
  • The tether strap must always be used to secure the top of the car seat to the vehicle. Your vehicle manual will tell you where the anchors are in your car, truck or van. 
The Universal Anchorage System tether in a vehicle

  • You can use the UAS (Universal Anchorage System) in your car or the seatbelt to install the car seat, but use the UAS if at all possible. Check your car owner’s manual to see if UAS can be used to install the car seat in the center position. 
  • UAS systems have a weight limit which includes your child’s weight and the weight of the car seat. Once your child reaches 18 kilograms (40 pounds), check your vehicle’s and your car seat’s instructions for the maximum weight allowed for the UAS and how to safely secure the car seat.
    • If you cannot find your manuals, and your child weighs 18 kilograms (40 pounds) or more, Transport Canada recommends that you install the child car seat using both the UAS (if equipped) and vehicle seat belt.  
    • Always use the top tether anchor for a forward-facing car seat whether you’re using the UAS, the vehicle seat belt or both.

How do I know if my child is harnessed safely? 

  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for securing your child into the car seat.
  • Tighten the straps so that you can only fit one finger between your child’s collarbone and the harness straps. Adjust the straps as your child grows. 
  • Place the chest clip at armpit level. 
  • To find a certified car seat technician or a car seat clinic, visit Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada. 

Safety Tip 

In the winter, you can dress your child in a snowsuit. Choose snowsuits or jackets that are not puffy and are not made from slippery material. Make sure when you are tightening the harness straps that you squeeze the snowsuit so that you can only fit one finger between the snowsuit and the straps. 

When is my child ready for a booster seat?  

  • Do not be in a rush to move your child to a booster seat. 
  • Wait until your child has outgrown the height or weight limit of the forward-facing seat. This information is found on the labels on the side of your car seat and in the owner’s manual. 
  • Many forward-facing seats are outgrown when the harness straps are no longer at or above the child’s shoulders. 
  • If your child has outgrown the height or weight limits of the seat but is not ready for a booster, you will need to get a seat with a harness that has a higher height and weight limit. 

Make every ride a safe ride! 

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Strep Throat or Sore Throat?

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What is Strep?

Strep (Group A streptococcus) is a type of bacteria (germ) that can cause many illnesses. The most common illness is also called “strep throat” or tonsillitis. Strep throat is different from other sore throats; there can be serious complications if left untreated.

What is the difference between a sore throat and strep throat?

 Sore Throat

Strep Throat

  • Most often caused by viruses, (colds or flu)
  • Red throat
  • Usually no white spots (except with Mononucleosis)
  • Mild to moderate sore throat
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Hoarse voice
  • Red eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Antibiotics are not helpful or used for treatment
  • Caused by a bacteria
  • Starts very quickly
  • Red, swollen throat (tonsils) with white spots and tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth
  • Severe sore throat
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Fever and chills
  • Headache
  • Stomach ache
  • Nausea
  • May have a rash
  • Treatment with antibiotics improves symptoms

Complications of strep throat can include:   

  • Ear infections 
  • Sinus infections 
  • Abscesses (pockets of pus) in the tonsils 
  • Lung, blood, or skin infections 
  • Scarlet fever – Strep throat with a rash on the body 
  • Rheumatic fever – Pain and swelling in joints, may cause heart damage 

How do you get strep throat? 

Strep bacteria are spread from one person to another when the germ gets into the mouth, nose or eyes. This can happen when coughing, sneezing, kissing or spending a lot of time near someone with strep throat. 

What should I do if I think my child has strep throat?  

If you suspect your child has strep throat: 

How is strep throat diagnosed? 

To diagnose strep throat, your health-care provider will take a swab of your child’s throat and test it. 

How is strep throat treated? 

  • Your health-care provider will prescribe antibiotics. 
  • Your child should take all the medication, even if they seem better. 

Why is it important to treat strep throat? 

Your child will get better faster. Symptoms will usually get better within one to three days after starting treatment.  Treatment can prevent spreading strep throat to friends and family and can prevent serious complications. 

Tips for comforting your child (for a sore throat or strep throat): 

  • Keep your child hydrated by offering plenty of fluids or breastfeeding/chestfeeding on cue. 
  • Gargle with warm salt water 
  • Let your child rest 
  • If your child has a fever, dress them in light clothing and remove any extra blankets. 
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Tempra®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) are the medicines that can be used to reduce your child’s aches and pains from the fever and illness.
    • How much you give is based on your child’s age and weight. 
    • Follow the medicine’s directions for how much and how often you can give the medicine to your child. 

Safety Tips 

To avoid giving your child too much medication: 

  • Use only the measuring syringe or cup that comes with the medicine. Kitchen spoons are not all the same and can cause overdosing. 
  • Make a note of the time and amount you gave. Tip: your calendar or phone works great for this. 
  • Write clear instructions for other caregivers about your child’s medicine – what medicine, how much and when. 

To keep your kids safe

Put all medicine away after every use, even if you are going to be using it again soon. Store it out of sight and out of reach of children. 

Choose the right medication for your child: 

  • Do not give acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, Aspirin®) to children because it can cause a rare and dangerous disease called Reye’s Syndrome. 
  • Do not give ibuprofen if your child is dehydrated, vomiting or has diarrhea because it can harm the kidneys. 
  • Do not give over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to children under six. 
  • Check with your pharmacist if your child is taking two or more medications to make sure it’s safe. 

Do I need to keep my child home? 

  • If your child has strep throat, they are contagious. Keep them at home from daycare or school until they have taken the antibiotic for at least one full day. 
  • Keep your child home if they are still feeling sick after one day of treatment and cannot participate. 

How to prevent the spread of strep throat 

Do you still have questions?  

Call Health Links – Info Santé (204-788-8200, toll-free 1-888-315-9257). You can speak to a nurse 24/7, 365 days of the year in over 100 languages to answer any of your health questions and to help you find services in your community. 

References: 

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Caring for Your Child with an Ear Infection

Posted on by Lan

What is an ear infection? 

An ear infection occurs when bacteria or viruses (germs) get into the middle ear from the nose or throat. These germs can cause the inner ear to become red and irritated and allow fluid to build up. The ear’s reaction to the germs can cause pressure and pain for your child. 

What are the symptoms of ear infections? 

  • ear pain (often worse when your child lies down)
  • tugging or pulling at an ear 
  • difficulty sleeping 
  • fussier than usual 
  • loss of balance 
  • not responding to voices or noises 
  • fever of 38 C (100 F) or higher 
  • fluid leaking from the ear 
  • less appetite than usual 

How do you get ear infections? 

Ear infections are caused when viruses or bacteria (germs), often from a cold, travel from your child’s throat to their middle ear. Ear infections can also be caused when bottle-fed babies lie too flat, causing the milk to pool in the middle ear. 

Children are at higher risk for ear infections if they: 

  • are younger than five years old 
  • have multiple colds in a year 
  • have allergies 
  • are exposed to cigarette smoke 
  • have a cleft palate 
  • are bottle-fed 
  • use pacifiers (due to increased exposure to germs) 

Did you know

When bottle feeding your baby, holding your child upright at a 45° angle prevents:

  • milk from pooling in the ears
  • choking
  • drinking too fast (feeding too much)
formula feeding baby skin to skin

What should I do if I think my child has an ear infection?

Ear infections often get better without treatment. Doctors, nurse practitioners, walk-in/same day clinics, nursing stations and community health centers can provide care for ear infections.  

Call your doctor if you think your child has an ear infection AND they: 

  • are younger than six months old 
  • are older than six months and have had a fever for more than 48 hours 
  • have other serious medical conditions 
  • are vomiting repeatedly 
  • are not hearing well or at all 
  • cannot be comforted 
  • are unable to wake 
  • have not had a wet diaper for more than 6 hours 
  • have redness or swelling behind the ear 
  • have a skin rash 
  • continue to be in a lot of pain after taking pain medication 

Still unsure? Call Health Links – Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free 1-888-315-9257. You can speak to a nurse 24/7, 365 days of the year in over 100 languages. They can answer your health questions and help you find health services in your community. 

How are ear infections diagnosed? 

To diagnose an ear infection, your health care provider can use a tool called an otoscope to look inside your child’s ear. The otoscope shines a light so the doctor can see the middle ear’s colour and fluid. 

How are ear infections treated? 

  • Most ear infections get better with no treatment. Pain medicine can be used to help your child feel better. 
  • Your doctor will decide whether the infection needs to be treated with an antibiotic and may talk to you about waiting a day or two before starting antibiotics. 
  • If your child has an antibiotic prescription, take the medication as prescribed. Your child may start to feel better within a couple days, but make sure you complete the prescription. 
  • If your child is not improving or gets worse, you should take them back to the doctor. 
  • Repeat ear infections may cause damage to the ear that affects hearing. If this happens, your health-care provider may suggest that your child have ear tubes put in. This is a minor day surgery that helps drain fluid out of your child’s ears. 

Tips for comforting your child: 

  • Keep your child hydrated by offering plenty of fluids or breastfeeding/chestfeeding on cue. 
  • Let your child rest. 
  • If your child has a fever, dress your child in light clothing and remove any extra blankets. 
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Tempra®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) are the medicines that can be used for earaches and to reduce your child’s aches and pains from the fever and illness.
    • How much you give is based on your child’s age and weight. 
    • Follow the medicine’s directions for how much and how often you can give the medicine to your child 

Safety Tips: 

To avoid giving your child too much medication: 

  • Use only the measuring syringe or cup that comes with the medicine. Kitchen spoons are not all the same and can cause overdosing. 
  • Make a note of the time and amount you gave. Tip – your calendar or phone works great for this. 
  • Write clear instructions for other caregivers about your child’s medicine. (What medicine, how much and when). 

To keep your kids safe: 

Put all medicine away after every use, even if you are going to be using it again soon. Store it out of sight and out of reach of children. 

Choose the right medication for your child: 

  • Do not give acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, Aspirin®)to children because it can cause a rare and dangerous disease called Reye’s Syndrome. 
  • Do not give ibuprofen if your child is dehydrated, vomiting or has diarrhea because it can harm the kidneys. 
  • Do not give over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to children under six. 
  • Check with your pharmacist if your child is taking two or more medications to make sure it is safe.
  • Call your local pharmacist or Health Links-Info Santé (Winnipeg 204-788-8200, toll-free 1-888-315-9257) for information. 

Do I need to keep my child home? 

For an ear infection, your child may continue attending a child-care facility or school if they feel well enough to take part in the activities. 

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Community Public Health Resources for Families

Posted on by Lan

The following programs and resources can offer support to you and your family during and after your pregnancy.  These programs do not replace the care provided by your doctor or midwife. 

Healthy Baby Programs

Healthy Baby Community Support Programs help pregnant people and new parents connect with other parents, families and health professionals. Healthy Baby group sessions offer information, support and resources on prenatal and postnatal nutrition and health, breastfeeding/chestfeeding, parenting tips and lifestyle choices.

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding Support

If you have questions about breastfeeding/chestfeeding see our section on breastfeeding/chestfeeding, call your local public health nurse (PHN), or contact:

Breastfeeding Hotline:

Winnipeg La Leche League

  • Offers support and education by phone and through groups.Call: 204-272-0238

Nutrition

Dial-a-Dietitian

If you have a nutrition or food question, call Dial-a-Dietitian Manitoba at 204-788-8248 in Winnipeg or 1-877-830-2892.

Health

Health Links-Info Santé

  • Call Health Links-Info Santé 204-788-8209 (in Winnipeg); toll free 1-888-315-9257. You can speak to a nurse 24/7, 365 days of the year in over 100 languages. They can answer your health questions and help you find health services in your community.

Family Doctor Finder

If you are looking for a health care provider in Manitoba, Family Doctor Finder can help you find one.

Medical Navigator is an online booking system that allows you to book an appointment with participating clinics in Manitoba. 

Manitoba Poison Centre

  • Provides information and treatment recommendations on poisoning and suspected poisoning.
  • Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
  • Toll-free line: 1-855-776-4766.

LGBT2SQ+

Rainbow Resource Centre (RRC) offers support to the LGBT2SQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Two Spirit, and Queer+ Communities) community in the form of counselling, education, and programming for individuals ranging from children through to 55±. It also supports families, friends, and employers of LGBT2SQ+ individuals.Phone: (204) 474-0212Toll-Free: 1 (855) 437-8523

Dad Central Canada

“Dad Central Canada is a network focused on promoting Father Involvement in Canada. Dad Central Canada works to help men understand what an invaluable and irreplaceable role they play in the development and lives of their children”. Click here to see all their great resources.

Financial Support

Get Your Benefits!

This booklet lists federal, provincial and regional benefits and programs individuals and families living in Manitoba may be eligible for. Includes information on income tax filing, employment, income assistance, financial counseling and more.

Manitoba Prenatal Benefit

If you are pregnant, live in Manitoba and have a net family income of less than $32,000 a year, the Manitoba Prenatal Benefit can provide you with a monthly cheque to help you buy healthy foods during pregnancy.

Canada Child Benefit

This is a tax-free money from the government to help support your child under age 18. To get the Canada Child Benefit, you have to file your income tax return every year, even if you did not have income in that year. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, they also have to file a tax return every year.

Canada Education Savings Programs

The Government of Canada can help you save for your children’s education after high school by putting money into a Registered Educations Savings Plan (RESP). RESPs can be used to pay for expenses for trade school, college, university, or apprenticeship programs. If your child is born after 2004, they may be eligible to receive the Canada Learning Bond (CLB). The CLB provides an RESP of up to $2,000 to children from low- and modest-income families and no personal contributions are required.

General Information

211 Manitoba

A searchable online database of government, health, and social services that are available across the province. Services are grouped together into categories that include food and clothing, housing and homelessness, health, mental health, employment, newcomers, children and parenting, and youth.

 

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Physical Activity During Pregnancy- What the Experts Say

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Staying active during your pregnancy is good for you for so many reasons. If you’re healthy and exercised before you became pregnant, it is usually safe to continue your activities. Check with your health care provider during your first prenatal visit to make sure. You may be asked to fill out Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy. 

Recommendations for physical activity in pregnancy: 

  • All pregnant people should be physically active throughout pregnancy unless they have specific health concerns or pregnancy complications. 
  • Each week, try to do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise to get health benefits. It is best to be active every day. But try for at least three days per week to get your 150 minutes in. 
  • For more health benefits, do:
    • Aerobic exercise to get your heart pumping 
    • Strength training to prevent lower back pain and build stamina for labour and delivery. 
    • Yoga and gentle stretching help you breathe and relax which can help you adjust to the demands of pregnancy, labour, birth and parenthood. 
    • Kegel exercises help to strengthen your muscles that support your bladder, uterus and bowels. When you strengthen these muscles, you learn how to relax and tighten them. This helps with pushing during labour and delivery. Talk to your health care provider or a physical therapist for information on how to do Kegels. 

Safety tips

  • Avoid lying on your back while exercising. This can cause shortness of breath, low blood pressure and decreased blood flow to your heart and your baby. This happens because your abdomen is resting on your intestines and major blood vessels (the aorta and vena cava). 
  • If you are training for a competition or exercising at a level high above the recommended guidelines, discuss your plans with your health care provider. 
  • Stay hydrated. Drink water before, during and after being active. 
  • Include a warm-up and cool down. 

Stop physical activity immediately and talk to your healthcare provider if you have:  

  • excessive shortness of breath that does not go away with rest 
  • regular and painful uterine contractions 
  • vaginal bleeding 
  • persistent loss of fluid from the vagina 
  • dizziness or faintness that does not go away with rest 
  • severe chest pain 

Activities to avoid during pregnancy 

Some activities are not recommended or require extra consideration during pregnancy as they may put you and your baby at risk of injury. These include: 

  • activities that require quick stops or changes in direction 
  • physical contact sports 
  • exercising when it is very hot, especially if the humidity is high 
  • scuba diving 
  • physical activity at high elevation  

Did you know? 

As your baby grows, your center of balance will shift. This can lead to a greater risk of falls. 

Is exercise safe for everyone? 

If you were active before your pregnancy, there is no reason you cannot remain active. Every pregnant person should still consult with their healthcare provider before beginning an exercise program.   

If you have or had any of the below, talk to your health care provider about the risks and benefits of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity. 

  • Previous pregnancy losses (miscarriages) 
  • High blood pressure in pregnancy 
  • Premature delivery 
  • Mild/moderate heart or respiratory disease 
  • Symptoms from anemia 
  • Undernourished  
  • Eating disorders 
  • Are expecting twins and are more than 28 weeks pregnant 

When exercise is unsafe 

During your regular prenatal appointments, your health care provider will do regular testing and screening. If one of these conditions develop, your health care provider will discuss your plan of care. 

If you have one of the below, do not exercise. 

  • Your water breaks early and/or you go into labour before 37 weeks of pregnancy 
  • Vaginal bleeding 
  • Placenta previa (when the placenta completely or partially covers the cervix) after 28 weeks of pregnancy 
  • Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure 
  • Weak cervix 
  • Fetus is measuring small  
  • Expecting three or more babies
  • Uncontrolled type I diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid disease 
  • Other serious cardiovascular, respiratory, or systemic disorder 
  • Other significant medical conditions 

Reference: 

Canadian Guidelines for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy (2019) 

Resource:  

Publications – Western University  

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Your Baby’s First Year: Growth and Development

Posted on by Lan

Babies grow and learn so much in their first year. Every month brings new and exciting changes. You may be wondering what to expect next and how to encourage your baby to develop new skills. The links at the bottom of the page take you to information on specific ages in baby’s first year.

Ways babies grow and develop

There are four main ways that we look at babies’ development.

Understanding where your baby is at will help you know how best to play and connect with your baby and encourage development. It also can help you identify if your baby may need to be assessed.

Social Emotional

In their first year, babies quickly learn to interact and trust other people. Talking to your baby, soothing them when they are upset and responding to their cues and cries helps your baby learn to trust you. You can’t spoil a baby so give plenty of snuggles. As you build trust, you also build attachment. Secure attachment provides your baby with the best foundations for life — eagerness to learn, healthy self-awareness, trust and consideration for others.

Language and Communication

Newborns start off communicating by crying to let you know if they are hungry, cold or uncomfortable. Soon, your baby will understand your sounds and, eventually, your words. And they will begin making sounds and motions to tell you things as well. Talking, reading and singing to your baby help them understand language.

Learning, thinking and problem solving (cognitive) 

Every step along the way, babies are constantly problem solving, finding a way to get what they need and learning about their world. For example, once a baby finds their hands, they can soothe themselves; once they can roll or shuffle along on their bottom, they can move to get something they want. You can help your baby every step of the way.

Movement and physical development

A baby’s physical abilities change so quickly in the first year — from needing someone to turn them over and position them to crawling, standing and getting ready to walk. Their small movements (fine motor skills) develop fast too as they learn to use their fingers to pick up small items and do more complex tasks.  Play is a great way to help your baby’s strength and abilities.

Find out more

Use the links below to learn more about the milestones that are appropriate for your babies age, ways you can help your baby learn and grow, safety information, and when you should seek help.

Disclaimer This page will be updated in the near future to reflect current guidelines.
In the meantime, please see the CDC’s Developmental Milestones for the most current information and download the CDC Milestone Tracker App.

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The Many Benefits of Being Active when Pregnant

Posted on by Lan

Being pregnant does not have to stop you from being active. Unless your health care provider has told you to limit your activity, physical activity is encouraged and has many benefits for you and your baby. 

Physical activity during pregnancy helps you: 

  • Manage stress and depression 
  • Sleep better 
  • Improve your heart and lung health 
  • Build your strength and stamina for labour 
  • Cope with common discomforts of pregnancy such as: lower back pain, swelling in legs, ankles and feet 
  • Gain a healthy amount of weight 
  • Control your blood sugar which reduces your risk of gestational diabetes 
  • Control your blood pressure 
  • Reduce constipation (have regular bowel movements) and urinary leakage (help with bladder control) 

Your baby benefits when you are physically active during pregnancy, as you’ll have a lower risk of:

  • Developing diabetes 
  • Becoming obese 
  • Developing heart disease 

Safety Tip 

Every pregnant person should consult with their healthcare provider before beginning an exercise program. 

References: 

2019 Canadian Guidelines for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy 

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