Growing Up: Baby

This Mom-to-be had everything one could hope for leading up to the birth of her first-born: a stable relationship, a thriving career, a beautiful home. So when postpartum depression struck out of nowhere — it struck hard. The inability and pressure to breastfeed, combined with lack of sleep, led to a downward spiral that culminated in a rock bottom moment. 

• Tracey, mom of two.

Please download, subscribe, follow and share. 

A new baby brings about a host of new feelings, for better or for worse. It’s not uncommon for a heightened sense of caution to lead to some pretty unsettling thoughts, imagery or compulsions. Know the difference between mama bear mode, baby blues, and the signs of a mood disorder. Your mind matters — don’t be afraid to seek advice, help, or treatment.

• Hiltrud Dawson, retired health promotion consultant, Best Start Resource Centre.
• Dr. Lucy Barker, psychiatrist, Women’s College Hospital.

Please download, subscribe, follow and share. 

What is sleep training; how does it work and when should you begin? How to navigate the dreaded, yet misunderstood, sleep regression. And, one third of bone tired Canadian parents report sleeping with baby in bed. This episode covers safe sleep, bed sharing, and mitigating risk.

• Bridget Jensen, sleep consultant, Better Bedtime.
• Sarah, mom of two.
• Dr. April Kam, associate professor and director of research in the department of pediatrics, division of emergency medicine at McMaster University.

Please download, subscribe, follow and share. 

If your baby started choking right now, would you know what to do? Airway obstructions are the most common emergencies in infants and young children. Get a refresher on the First Aid basics with a certified trainer. And, one mum shares her harrowing story; she almost lost her youngest son to an everyday item. 

• Chris Riley, lead instructor, SAJE Vital Signs.
• Claire, mom of three. 

Please download, subscribe, follow and share. 

Have you ever looked down at your new bundle of joy and thought: “what in the world am I supposed to do with you all day?” There are many cost effective (free!) ways to stimulate crucial brain development, and it can be as simple as running errands. Want to make sure baby’s milestones are on track? The LookSee Checklist is the perfect place to start.

• Amanda Young, registered ECE, EarlyON program coordinator.
• Tiffany, mom of newborn. 

Please download, subscribe, follow and share. 

Growing Up: Baby — new episodes posted weekly! 

Please download, subscribe, follow and share.