Growing Up: Baby

Whether your baby is two months old, or a year-and-a-half, embarking on the childcare journey can be overwhelming. There are a number of important decisions to make, like when and where, but you’re also preparing yourself (and them) for this massive change. A mom and freelance journalist shares advice and learnings from her own experience.

~ Jenn Sinrich, freelance journalist and content strategist who writes for a myriad of publications including WhatToExpect.com, Well+Good, Oxygen Magazine, Women's Health, SELF and more. She is also the proud mom of a 3-year-old, Mila and a baby boy due in November.

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Got Milk? If you find yourself with an oversupply of breast milk, The Rogers Hixon Ontario Milk Bank may be a viable option for you. This passion project was started nearly two decades ago and is still the only milk bank in Ontario to collect, pasteurize and provide donated breast milk to hospitalized babies.

~ Sarah Petrick, beneficiary, mom of premature twin boys.
~ Debbie Stone, director, The Rogers Hixon Ontario Milk Bank. 

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Do you and your partner adhere to traditional gender roles? If so, what impact does that have on your parenting style — and your relationship? If you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out by societal pressures and expectations, you’re not alone! Unpack the invisible ties that bind, and discover how you and your family can work toward meaningful change.

~ Jessica Pratezina, MA, PhD student, child and youth care, Sociology, University of Victoria.
Listen to It's About Time: How Moms and Dads Can Share the Care here. 

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Like so many new moms, 24-year-old Lauren Davis struggled to breastfeed her infant  son. She was prescribed domperidone, which is often used off-label to induce lactation. When she tragically died in her sleep, her parents suspected a link between her death and the medication. Seven years later, they graciously share Lauren’s story so other women may proceed with caution.

~ Erin Davis and Rob Whitehead, Lauren’s parents 

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Thanks for listening! Here's what you heard during Season 1 (and, what you didn't hear). Until next time...

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Community building (or finding) is so important during this exciting yet challenging time. How connecting with like minded people benefits your mental, emotional and physical well-being. And, veteran parents share words of wisdom for new moms and dads.  

• Gillian Kuriyan, director of Mommy Connections, Midtown Toronto.
• Hayley, new mom, teacher & program facilitator.
• Special thanks to: Sara, Rosie, Daryl, Josh, Alana, Paul, Harmony, Catherine. 

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Going through pregnancy and delivery is a lot. It's tough on your emotional, mental and physical well-being. Forget the number on the scale or fitting into your pre-baby jeans. This episode focuses on building strength and confidence, so you can feel good, wherever you're at. 

• Jessica Sennet, certified personal trainer CPT and Prenatal and Postpartum Fitness Specialist. Founder and CEO of Mighty Mom.

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Are your stairs gated? Is your furniture anchored? Are sharp objects within reach? There’s so much to consider when babyproofing your home and surroundings. Prevention truly is at the heart of child safety; learn what steps you can take to ensure peace of mind. 

• Lucy, mom of two, shares a traumatic story involving a buggy (stroller).
• Nancy Reynolds, owner, BabySecure & Advanced Certified Professional Childproofer.
• David Drutz, owner, Kiddie Proofers. 

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Music truly is the universal language; connecting all ages, backgrounds and cultures. Making music with your little one is fun and engaging, but did you know it’s also educational? Learn how the components of sound act as early building blocks of language and communication. Making Music Together’s Risa Waldman shares her emotional adoption journey with music — and a baby girl — at its heart.

*PROMO* Use promo code BABYPODCAST to receive $20.00 off a summer OR fall Making Music Together session! Click here for more information. 

• Risa Waldman, director, Making Music Together 
• Katie, 10 year old daughter of Risa
• Natalie, mom, 10 month old son

Music © 1987-2022 Music Together LLC used by permission. All Rights Reserved.

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These short sleep stories are for you, tired parent. A reminder that if you’re exhausted and don’t have bed or naptime figured out, you’re not alone. Three Moms and a Dad share their challenges — from restless sleepers and regressions — to trial and error successes. A sleep consultant explains what’s behind those 2 a.m. wake up calls. 

• Liz, Mom of 18 month old 
• Rich, Dad of 4 month old 
• Bex, Mom of 16 month old 
• Kelsey, Mom of two; 10.5 month old and 4 year old 
• Bridget Jensen, sleep consultant, Better Bedtime. Bridget also appeared in episode 3, Sleep like a baby.

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