Growing Up: Baby

“Disability is so unique from one person to the next in terms of how it impacts them outside of pregnancy and well as pregnancy.”  Dr. Anne Berndl (MD MSc FRCSC) is the director of the Accessible Care Pregnancy Clinic at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. The clinic provides holistic, individualized obstetrical care to patients living with physical disabi...

“Every pregnancy is different. There is something of a risk at every step of the way in every pregnancy.”  While there is no ‘perfect’ prenatal scenario, Dr. Dini Hui ensures an optimal outcome for her patients.  As a maternal fetal medicine specialist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, she cares for and advises those who have a ‘high risk’ or complicated pregnancy through consultation, frequen...

“This experience of loss really changes who you are in the world — and changes you for the rest of your life.”  Michelle La Fontaine is the manager of the Pregnancy & Infant Loss Network (PAIL) at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. As a bereaved mom herself, she guides grieving families with a full heart, connecting them with programs and resources.  PAIL joined Sunnybrook in 2017 and aims to...

“I would go to emergency with extreme blood loss, clots, completely drained out. I was white like a piece of paper and they would send me back home with Tylenol.” Flora Kestin suffered for years with undiagnosed endometriosis. Her hellish journey began at the age of 14. She was eventually treated by Dr Jamie Kroft, one of Canada’s leading experts in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis . D...

"We were absolutely terrified, and our biggest question was, 'is our baby going to die?' I didn't know anything about babies being born in the second trimester." Ten years ago, Karen Bong didn’t know if her daughter would make it home from Sunnybrook’s NICU. She is now the proud mother of two, and guides other new parents as the NICU’s Family Support Specialist.  Dr. Eugen...

This five-part Sunnybrook Series features the lived experience of those navigating motherhood, trauma and loss, and the specialists, doctors and directors dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable of patients.  Stream a new episode every Wednesday, beginning March 5. All guests on this podcast were provided by Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre .  Please download, subscribe, follow and share. 

1 in 3 women who give birth will experience birth trauma , according to Healthline. A 2019 study asked how traumatic experiences could have been prevented. Frequent responses included feeling a loss of control, fearing for their babies life, high levels of pain, lack of communication about what was happening — and imploring health care professionals to “listen to me.” For one mother still sufferin...

“When a woman’s pregnant, she’s much more connected to the spiritual world, because those babies aren’t quite here yet.”  Tabitha Curley’s twin boys will soon enter this world, much to the excitement of their big brother Mason. Tabitha is an intergenerational survivor from Six Nations, part of the Onondaga Nation Beaver Clan. Several of her family members were forced into residential schools, whic...

“Nothing prepares you for the exhaustion and joy of bringing a beautiful life into the world.” An experienced doula — and mom of six — shares learnings from decades of trials and tribulations. Katia Maxwell advocates for informed decision making and encourages new moms to lean into and trust their instincts. She says that while every birth she attends is different, there are two commonalities that...

How quickly they grow from curious crawlers to tearing-up-the-house toddlers. Between the age of 18-24 months, expect rapid brain growth and development leading to complex emotions, newfound independence and accelerated language and motor skills. This episode focuses on the importance of positive stimuli, key markers, and begs the question: are the terrible twos really that terrible? ~ Dr. Eugene...

It’s an expense that most parents can’t wait to do without: the cost of diapers. Of course, potty training is also a significant milestone for your little — and you too. Before embarking on this diaper-free journey, consider having a solid plan in place and asking yourself two key questions to determine readiness. In this episode, potty training consultant Lily Horbatiuk shares tips and tricks to...

Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa leads a life of purpose. Heavily pregnant with her second child, Chika continues to write her memoir, advocate for the marginalized and work to end systemic racism in healthcare. In this episode, she shares how becoming a mother allows her to more deeply connect and empathize with her patients. Despite her professional successes, of which there are many, she puts happiness a...

Our Internet searches say a lot about us! This episode breaks down the top 5 online searches for the first half of 2023. From ‘lightning crotch’ (if you know, you know), to creepy crawlers in unmentionable places, the data is clear: parents are overwhelmed and looking for answers. Share a few laughs as we unpack and analyze what’s on Canadian parents’ minds. ~ Colleen Fisher Tully, freelance conte...

It’s a gut wrenching feeling: Your toddler clinging to you while screaming and/or crying those big, real tears. If you’re struggling with dropping your little off at daycare, the babysitter, or with a loved one, you are not alone. In fact, separation anxiety is usually healthy and normal, and often shows a deep bond between parent and child. Explore attachment theory, and how a secure or insecure...

In this bonus episode, Mirra Wicker walks me through a typical morning , before the dreaded daycare drop off. She shares coping mechanisms and strategies for alleviating some of the separation tension — because your child is likely sensing your anxiety, despite your best efforts to appear calm, cool, or collected.  Please download, subscribe, follow and share. 

It's a big responsibility, naming that brand new tiny human! To choose the name they will carry for life, without even knowing who they are yet. Do you go for trendy, vintage, classic or quirky? Maybe there’s a family name you have to incorporate — but it’s dated, gendered, or downright unpalatable — what can you do? Steph Coffield is a mom-of-three turned content creator and name consultant....

Will you ever sleep again? Short answer: yes. When sleep is out of reach, thanks to miserable bedtimes, wakeful nights and early mornings, it can feel like a never ending cycle. While completely developmentally normal, the 18-month sleep regression is considered to be the toughest of the baby and toddler regressions. Rest easy, there are ways to manage — and survive — this trying time. ~ Bridget J...

Vassy Kapelos is a well known and respected Canadian journalist. While her on-air persona never wavered during her pregnancy, it was a different story behind the scenes. Vassy suffered from Hyperemesis, a debilitating and persistent disorder that gravely impacted her mental and physical well being. When her son was born, the symptoms disappeared — leading to her own feelings of rebirth.  Please do...

You know those absurd ‘mom moments’ that leave you shaking your head? Shawna Lander perfectly captures the good, the bad — and the funny — as her character, ‘Shawna the Mom.’ Beneath the humour is a loving mom of two, journeying back to herself after surviving breast cancer, with gratitude and a fresh perspective. ~ Shawna Lander , creator, actor, writer.  Please download, subscribe, follow and sh...

“Daniel isn't our adopted son. He's our son. Period.” Robyn and Mike adopted Daniel in 2011 after years of infertility, pregnancy loss, and heartache. They had just 10 days from when they were first told he existed until the day he came home for good. By fostering open communication, Robyn and Mike have created a safe space for Daniel to ask as many questions as he likes — which will be...

Do you know the cost of raising a child in Canada? It may be higher than you think, which is why it’s so important to start planning. Learn budgeting, saving, and investing tips and explore what government benefits you may be eligible for. It’s never too early — or too late — to establish good spending habits to help secure your child’s financial future. ~ Sara Cook , Investment Advisor, Cook and...

Navigating pre and postnatal care can be overwhelming for many first time moms. There are certain expectations that women face, including how to give birth and how to feed their child. Heading into her first pregnancy, Jessica was clear on her choices: she wanted a cesarean on maternal request — and wasn’t planning to breastfeed. ~ Jessica Pratezina , PhD student in Interdisciplinary Studies (Chil...

Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. Kimberly Amato turned her grief into action following the tragic and preventable death of her daughter Meghan. Her advocacy work — and tribute site   — has informed, educated, and paved the way for higher safety standards for dressers and other clothing storage furniture. ~ Kimberly Amato , Vice Chair, Parents Against Tip-Overs . Please download, s...

If you’re struggling with the so-called “Mom Guilt” this episode is for you. There’s no ‘perfect parent’ who gets everything right all the time, despite what we see on social media. By adjusting our thought patterns and responses, we can learn to manage the little things — so we can appreciate the big picture moments. ~ Doctor Tanya Cotler , adult and child clinical psychologist, Toronto.  Please...

The stress of motherhood is real. Burnout exists. The juggling act can feel overwhelming. By recognizing the signs of fatigue, we can work toward the holy grail: balancing your kid(s) and your career. From setting firm boundaries and showing ourselves grace — to drilling down to what’s really important — it's time to take a deep breath and enjoy the ride.  ~ Leigh Duncan , mom of three and ex...