CityParent - Baby Guide - Spring 2020 by Media Classified

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SPRING 2020

COMPLETE GUIDE FOR PARENTS OF NEWBORNS & INFANTS

CONTENTS

Keep calm and parent on

To all the moms out there, you are doing enough

6 myths about colic

Change a diaper anywhere with Quick Caddy

Helping fussy babies expand their palates

Tips to help fathers’ bond with baby

Living with pets may improve the health of your baby

Baby stuff

Support groups directory Cover and contents photos by Paula Almeida, Bella Boutique Photography – instagram.com/ bellaboutiquephotography

SPRING 2020

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Leo Racioppo leo@mediaclassified.ca CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER John Racioppo john@mediaclassified.ca EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mary Racioppo EDITORS Amanda Pereira, Marlene Eisner ACCOUNT MANAGERS Gina Pappas gina.pappas@mediaclassified.ca Eleni Caravellos eleni.caravellos@mediaclassified.ca MANAGER CUSTOMER SALES & SERVICE Marilyn Watling marilyn@mediaclassified.ca DIRECTOR OF PRINT MEDIA Lauren Reid-Sachs GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ASSISTANT MANAGER Alicesa Pullan GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR Hannah Yarkony GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Sandra Hanak-Vujnovic, Johannah Lorenzo, Mike Terentiev, Kathleen Walker, Alice Wu ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES accountingteam@mediaclassified.ca CIRCULATION INQUIRIES distributionteam@mediaclassified.ca All submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the editor at editorial@mediaclassified.ca MediaClassified @MediaClassified

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Keep calm and parent on BY AMANDA PEREIRA

hen you think of babies, you might envision sweet, cherub-like faces. Chubby fingers that latch onto your hands with a vise grip, bright eyes and toothless grins that melt your insides. Is your heart aflutter? Is your uterus yearning to feel the miracle of life? Like millions of people globally, you’re not alone. After you’ve taken the plunge and are pregnant or decide to adopt, you may feel like the rest will be a cakewalk. So, what happens when those little angels become tiny tyrants? What about when you and your significant other are so at odds that you can barely stand the sight of one another? Debut author Shantelle Bisson explores the less glamourous parts of

BABY | SPRING 2020

child-rearing in her humorous book titled Raising Your Kids Without Losing Your Cool (Dundurn, April 4, 2020). The book explores everything from breastfeeding your infant, staying romantically connected with your significant other, helicopter parenting and more – all while remaining cool as an ice cube in an iced coffee. Being a mother was the last thing on the mind of Bisson, an actress, producer and writer, and mother to three adult daughters, who had zero intentions of being a parent in her youth. “I had always been the big mouth in the group who said ‘hell no, I will get an abortion [if I get pregnant]. I have aspirations!’” Bisson laughs. So, when she found her-

self unmarried and pregnant at 19 with boyfriend, CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries star Yannick Bisson, she had to make a decision and quick. The two married, and their lives were uprooted to Los Angeles, California where they welcomed their second child. Up until this point, Bisson had been working towards her budding acting career when she could, and was fulfilled in her role as a mother – but quickly found herself angry when husband Yannick’s career sent them back to Toronto before she could truly sink her teeth into her own ambition, culling what was left of her fraying Hollywood dream. “The real anger didn’t happen until it became evident that the acting thing wasn’t going to happen for me, when I was 29 and back in Toronto.” She confesses, growing wistful. “I didn’t get angry with the girls; they had always been innocent bystanders – it was more toward Yannick. I said, ‘this is not fair, you also got pregnant young and you got to have your career.’” When asked about the inspiration for the book, Bisson advised that the idea sparked after witnessing friends starting their parenting journeys, often at a loss of what to do. “The book has been on my mind since our youngest one was in school,

when the trend in parenting, in my humble my opinion, had changed and gone to a more permissive entitled task,” she says. With regards to the trajectory of parenting trends and artificial personas often paraded online, Bisson’s approach to storytelling lifts the veil on the unpleasant components of parenting in her choice of wording, which occasionally veered on the side of acerbic. “I think what’s happening is people are becoming airy fairy; ‘I’m just going to manifest my perfect life. I will think about it and it will happen,’” she jests. “The book is calling bullshit on that. Yes, we need aspirations, but the reality of life is that it [parenting] is hard. If you’re going to feel you suck more than you feel good, that’s okay. When you have those terrible days, when you have no patience, it’s all good and normal.” “I think the two most important takeaways from the book are to take it easy on yourself,” she begins. “Give yourself a lot of room to feel, to learn, give yourself space and don’t judge things. And the second thing is to be humble. Admit where you’re falling short and get help where you need.” Raising Your Kids Without Losing Your Cool will be available online and at specific retailers on Apr. 4, 2020. BG SPRING 2020 | BABY

To all moms out there, you are doing enough

ay in and day out, moms never take a day off. They strive to put everything they have into loving and caring for their babies. Despite all this hard work, moms tend to question their parenting and whether they’re doing enough. In a recent survey, Pampers found that 9 out of 10 North American moms worry they aren’t doing a good enough job. On top of that, over two thirds of Canadian mothers say they doubt themselves or experience negative self-thoughts. While it’s easy to be hard on yourself, Pampers started the #ShareTheLove movement to empower moms to rethink internal dialogues and come together to celebrate their extraordinary role in their families’ lives. It’s important to foster a supportive online community for moms to build one another up and to

celebrate the meaningful work they do every day. Here are some easy ways to encourage and lift up the mothers in your life: Ý ,I \RXÖUH D PRP ORYH VWDUWV IURP ZLWK in. Try starting your day with a positive thought or intention, and remind yourself throughout your day that no matter how hard it gets, you got this! Ý 6KDUH SRVLWLYH DIILUPDWLRQV ZLWK \RXU mom friends to show them how amazing they are, day in and day out. Ý 5HPHPEHU \RX QHYHU NQRZ KRZ GLI ficult someone’s day has been. Even the simplest message of encouragement can mean the world. Not only does a strong support system matter but inspiring mothers to share their personal stories helps to create a community of encouragement online. BG

Want to join the movement and #ShareTheLove with all moms out there? Use #ShareTheLove and #LoveTheChange on Instagram and Facebook and share your own words of encouragement to moms across Canada. 8

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6 myths about

colic

hildren who are too young to communicate through language often relay their needs through crying. A piercing cry is designed to get Mom and Dad’s attention and is an effective way to convey hunger, soiled diapers and/ or illness. Many parents have become adept at reading the subtle differences between cries to better understand their children’s needs.

UNDERSTANDING COLIC AND LEARNING TO DISSEMINATE FACT FROM FICTION CAN HELP PARENTS AND THEIR BABIES GET THROUGH THIS. One cry that can often baffle caregivers is the cry that seemingly never stops: colic. Colic is an inconsolable cry that lasts for up to three hours a day, three days a week for longer than three weeks. Parents magazine states up to 25 per cent of all babies between the ages of two weeks and three months develop colic. A colic diagnosis might be given after med-

ical providers rule out a medical reason for the crying. In their attempts at getting some peace and quiet, parents may look to the internet to learn more about colic. Unfortunately, many myths prevail about colic, and that can make it even harder to understand this difficult condition. Myth: My baby is in pain. Truth: According to Barbara Prudhomme White, Ph.D., an assistant professor of health and human services at the University of New Hampshire, colicky babies experience no greater increase in the levels of the stress hormone cortisol than those without colic. Any grimacing or other faces that appear like pain are probably not. Myth: All babies will grow out of it. Truth: Although many children outgrow colic by the time they’re six months old, that’s not the case for everyone. If colic is resulting from tight clothing, allergy, intolerance, gas, or some other small discomfort, it will not magically resolve by a certain time. continued on page 20

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Introducing new Diaper Genie Quick Caddy

s the Diaper Genie your nursery’s MVP? Have you ever wished you could take it everywhere with you? The answer is here! The new Diaper Genie Quick Caddy is a mini portable pail and caddy that helps you effortlessly organize your changing essentials and dispose of dirty diapers. It provides the same odor protection you’ve come to expect from the #1 selling diaper pail in North America. Unlike traditional diaper bags, the caddy is made from durable, lightweight, easy-to-clean plastic with built-in an-

timicrobial that inhibits the growth of bacteria on the pail. The built-in carry handle makes it easy to take with you on the go. The two-in-one caddy organizes all of your diapering essentials, right where you need them with accessible compartments for diapers, wipes and lotions. The pail holds a day’s worth of diapers (8-10 newborn-sized diapers). And it features s an innovative clamp, which works alongside the Diaper Genie Refill Bags to help prevent odors from escaping. The built-in cutter makes changing the bag easy. BG

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Helping fussy babies expand their palates

hen a baby isn’t introduced to a variety of solid foods at an early age, there’s a high chance they can become fussy toddlers who grow into children who only want to eat select favourites, such as chicken nuggets or hotdogs. To help keep your baby open and eager to experiment with new foods, Nanny Robina, one of Canada’s leading parenting experts, offers tips for raising an adventurous foodie: Introduce variety Remain consistent by introducing as many foods as possible, along with snacks that are colourful and visually appealing. Offering baby a variety of flavours and textures and even foods that easily melt in the mouth are great ways of ensuring they are open to a variety of options.

Eat with them Sit with your baby and eat alongside them. Children often mimic the actions they see, so eating together and showing them how you are enjoying the meal with a couple of exclamations of, “mmm that’s delicious!” can go a long way. Nanny Robina adds that giving them snacks that are easy to grasp, such as soft and chewy bars, is another way of encouraging them to try new things that enable them to feed themselves. Be patient Your baby’s palate may be sensitive and slow to adapt but keep at it and don’t give up. Itt’s helpful to always have some ready-made options in the cupboard, too. BG – News Canada

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Tips to help fathers’ bond with baby

he birth of a child is a momentous occasion in the lives of parents. First-time parents may be especially moved upon seeing the birth of their child, having never before witnessed something so profound. When the time comes for parents to leave the hospital and take their newborns home, new moms and dads take on different roles. Moms who are nursing or handling the bulk of the bottle-feeding while spending a few months on maternity leave may appear to have more opportunities than fathers to bond with their new babies. But there are many ways for new dads to bond with newborns as well. Hold your baby often Pediatrician David Hill, author of the book “Between Us Dads: A Father’s Guide to Child Health,” says bonding between father and newborn has as much to do with contact as involvement. Many first-time parents are understandably nervous about holding their newborns, who seem so fragile. But newborns benefit from being held, and Hill notes that a bond will develop between father and baby if there is physical contact. Find ways to spend time together Fathers might not be able to pitch in at feeding time if mothers are nursing. Because newborns spend so much time being nursed and sleeping, fathers may feel as though they don’t have much time to spend with their babies each day. But any time spent with a newborn can be a time for fathers to develop bonds with their

children. Time spent changing diapers can prove to be a great time for fathers to bond with their newborns. Make eye contact with babies while changing their diapers, as Psych Central, an independent mental health social network run by mental health professionals, notes that babies have a preference for eye contact. Spend alone time Fathers of newborns who are being nursed may feel like their is no ideal time to spend along with their children. But mothers, especially those who work and intend to keep breastfeeding after their maternity leave ends, can learn to use a breast milk pump so dads can bottle-feed. Learning to eat from a bottle will help babies in the long run, and dads can get some quality alone time with their newborns while bottle feeding. Fathers of babies who are bottle-fed can spend more time alone with their children, and give moms a much-needed break, without the fear of having nothing to feed them should they get hungry while mom is away. Help your baby fall back asleep Nursing mothers may feel inclined to wake up with their newborns in the middle of the night and let dad keep sleeping. But babies are not necessarily waking up in the middle of the night due to hunger. Some might simply need to be comforted, and dads can comfort their children just like moms can, all the while strengthening their developing bond. New fathers can strengthen the bonds they have with their newborns in various ways. BG – Metro Creative Connection

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COLIC continued from page 10 Myth: Manipulative therapies help relieve colic. Truth: Physical therapies like chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture or massage do not demonstrate consistent positive results for colicky babies, according to American Family Physician. Myth: Colic can’t be controlled. Fact: A study by Bradley Thach, M.D., a professor of pediatrics at the Washington University School of Medicine, found that wrapping colicky infants snugly in a blanket (swaddling) may soothe them. Other doctors suggest the five-S method. This includes side/ stomach positioning, shushing, swinging, and giving the baby something to suck on.

Myth: Dietary changes will not help. Fact: There is some evidence that breastfeeding mothers who change to low-allergen diets have babies with significantly less colic. Switching to hydrolyzed infant formulas also may help reduce colic episodes. Standard formulas can be restarted between three and six months of age. Myth: Medications can help. Truth: Do not try an over-the-counter product or something like gripe water without consulting with a pediatrician. Some solutions do not have any demonstrated effectiveness and may cause harm. Understanding colic and learning to disseminate fact from fiction can help parents and their babies get through this potentially difficult time in their lives. BG – Metro Creative Connection

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Living with pets may improve the health of your baby B Y S A N D I S C H WA R T Z

ets are often to blame for allergies, but a study conducted at the University of Alberta in Canada revealed that exposure to furry pets at a young age can actually safeguard children against both allergies and obesity. This is possible because immunity builds up naturally as infants are exposed to the dirt and bacteria from the pet’s fur and paws, even if parents only had the pet while the mother was pregnant. A team of epidemiologists analyzed the fecal matter of 746 Canadian children at age 3.3 months who were part of the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development Study (CHILD) study, which recruited expectant mothers during their pregnancies in between 2009 and 2012. Participating mothers were asked to report on household pet ownership during the second or third trimester, and three months after they gave birth. More than half of the infants in this group were exposed to at least one furry pet in their home while they were in the womb and/ or up to three months after they were born. About 70 per cent of the pets in the study were dogs. The results showed that babies from families who had pets in the house were more likely to have higher levels of Ruminococcus and Oscillospira bacteria in their gut. Both of these microbes are associated with lower body mass index and reduced childhood allergies because the microbes train the immune system to react to harmful entities like pathogens. In fact, the abundance of these two bacteria doubled when there was a pet in the house.

24 BABY | SPRING 2020

However, even children who have never lived with a pet can still have higher levels of these bacteria. While babies are in their mother’s womb, they can be indirectly exposed to the pet bacteria, with the microbes passing from pet to mother to baby. This means a child can receive the benefits of the microbes, even if the pet was taken out of the house before the baby was born. Additionally, the findings of the study indicate that pet exposure could cut down the risk by about 80 per cent of group B strep developing in newborns born vaginally. These bacteria can unfortunately lead to blood infection, pneumonia, or meningitis in newborns. Doctors typically treat against group B strep by giving mothers antibiotics during the delivery process, but this new option for preventing it from forming is quite promising. This finding is consistent with other research highlighting that exposure to small amounts of friendly bacteria when children are young can help make them less susceptible to developing later health problems like asthma. But what if you do not want to own and care for a pet? Your children may still be able to reap the benefits of this scientific link between exposure to pets and a reduction in childhood obesity and allergies. Scientists may be able to create a pill – cleverly being referred to as a “dog in a pill” – to capture and deliver the microbial benefits that pets naturally provide to children. Stay tuned for more information on this possible remedy. BG

Baby stuff

BY SARA DUCK

2 1 | Striped Romper from H&M We all know how expensive organic baby wear can be. We love this affordable and adorable striped romper in soft, organic cotton jersey from H&M – the perfect goto outfit for baby on those warmer days. $25. Hm.com

lounger is made with a removable cover for easy cleaning and comes with a nifty travel bag too. $210. Well.ca

2 | 3-piece Cutlery Set from H&M Encouraging your young child to skip the hand-feeding and switch to utensils will be easy-peasy with this small animal-shaped cutlery set. $18. Hm.com

4 | Mario Star Mobile by The Butter Flying Not only do hanging mobiles provide visual stimulation for babies, it can promote brain development too. We love this handmade version with its sweet and simple starry night design. Don’t forget to remove the mobile once the child can reach the objects. $76. Simons.ca

3 | Snuggle Me Organic Lounger with Cover in Skye Looking for a great multi-functional and portable rest spot for your babe? Snuggle Me’s exclusive design ensures your baby doesn’t roll or turn while lying in the lounger. It gives the feeling they are being hugged which in turn soothes them. The

5 | The Perfect Gift Set by Bulle Get ahead of the teething game with this adorable and practical teething accessory set. The wood and silicone beads help relieve teething pain and develop fine motor skills while the fabric bib absorbs drool and features a silicone triangle soft enough for gums. $78. Simons.ca SPRING 2020 | BABY 25

10 10

8 7 6 6 | Strand Tote Sprout in Buckthorn Brown by Herschel This versatile tote comes with all the options parents want in a diaper bag including an easy-wipe changing mat, internal organizer pockets, straps for stroller attachment and removable shoulder strap but it’s also a bag you’ll love, long after the baby days are over. $110. Herschel.ca 7 | Hedgehog by Elou Young children 18-months and up will enjoy using a soft hammer to pound cork batons into the slots on the toys shell, this stimulates hand-eye coordination and motor skills. $50. Indigo.ca 8 | Lolo Bedtime Medley Set by La Belle Excuse Create an enticing bed and bath routine with this soothing set of natural products from La Belle Excuse. From a gentle hair and body wash to olive oil lotion, massage oil and pillow mist, your baby will get a head start on what it means to self-care! $75. Simons.ca 26 BABY | SPRING 2020

9 | Sleep Tracking Video Baby Monitor N211CA by Nanit This smart nursery monitor will let you know everything that happens in your baby’s crib and deliver personalized guidance to help your baby sleep better. The overhead camera allows you to learn all about your baby’s days and nights and tracks all the info so you can understand sleep pattern, room conditions and more. You can even get a Sleep Score so that you can tell how well your baby slept. Now that’s parent-friendly technology! $400. Thebay.com 10 | This is Baby by Jimmy Fallon Funny man Jimmy Fallon has written his third baby book, sure to be another bestseller! In this colourfully illustrated book, babies are encouraged to learn about their different body parts from baby’s head to baby’s toes. $23. Indigo.ca 11 | Baby’s First Word Ring Flash Cards by Mudpuppy Stimulate your child’s brain development by using flash cards like this fun set from Mudpuppy. Featuring 26-double sided

16 12 cards with simple words and bright illustrations, your baby will love discovering the language around her. $19. Kolkid.ca 12 | Sophie Touch Musical by Vulli Your baby will love cuddling with soft stuffie and discovering its musical sounds. When baby touches a sensor, a musical note is played activating their sense of touch and hearing. $50. Kolkid.ca 13 | Multi-use Nursing Cover Poncho by Life Tree A nursing poncho is a brilliant way for moms to keep covered in the front and back while nursing their baby. Using breathable, soft material this compact poncho can also be used as a canopy over a car seat or stroller and also an infinity scarf. $20. Amazon.ca 14 | Üvi 4-in-1 UV Sterilizer by BBLUV This portable gadget uses ultralight sterilization (UV-C) to safely kill germs and bacteria found on pacifiers, baby bottles,

bottle nipples and sippy spouts in three minutes. It’s small enough to fit in your diaper bag for emergency disinfecting situations… and you know they always happen! $46. Bedbathandbeyond.ca 15 | Busy Making a Life Hospital Gown Make this gown part of your birth plan! Instead of relying on awkward fitting hospital gowns, this adaptation will keep you covered and feeling comfortable through the birthing experience. The snap buttons down the back make for easy access for epidurals. While the snap buttons on the shoulders allow easy access for examination, breastfeeding and skin-to-skin time. The gown fits true to size, so order your normal pre-pregnancy size. $50. Giftgownsmaternity.com 16 | Elephant Grey Bookcase from Crate & Barrel Kids Create a bibliophile by encouraging book collecting and storing from a young age. This whimsical, elephant bookcase is sure to be a hit in any kid’s room. $799. Crateandbarrel.ca SPRING 2020 | BABY 27

Support groups directory Drop-in and Resource Centres Aurora/Ontario Early Years: Share the challenges and opportunities in parenting while experiencing a quality program with your children. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.m Tuesday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 40 Engelhard Dr. Unit 1, Aurora; 1-866-404-2077 ext. 217 Brampton Neighbourhood Resource Centre: Support groups for parents/ caregivers with preschool children such as You and Your Baby, Young Moms and drop-in programs. Brampton Square Mall, 50 Kennedy Rd. S., Brampton and other locations. Call 905-452-1262. BridgeWay Family Centre: Operating various drop-in centres, free of charge, in Mississauga and Brampton for children ages 6 and under with their parent or caregivers. Including summer programs called Play in the Park! Programs for infants, toddlers and preschoolers can be seen at www.bridgewaycentre.ca or call the main site Turtlecreek EarlyON at 905-822-1114. Reach Out Centre for Kids/Ontario Early Years: Offers many programs for children, parents and childcare providers. Drop in program. Call 905-634-2347. Central Eglinton Community Centre: Parent/caregiver and infant drop-ins. 160 Eglinton Ave. E., Toronto; 416-392-0511. Gerrard Resource Centre: Drop-in Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 525 Bloor St. E and Thursdays 6 to 8 p.m. at 40 Gould St., Toronto; 416-972-1319 ext. 54. La Leche League Canada: Mothers/ expectant mothers interested in breastfeeding their babies meet each month. Provides free information and encouragement through telephone support and monthly group meetings. Check www. lllc.ca for leaders in your local area or call the National Ofﬁce 289-660-5900. 28 BABY | SPRING 2020

Markham First Time Moms: Six-week support session for new moms and infants under six months. Discussions, borrow books and videos. 40 Washington St., Markham; 905-471-1620. Milton Community Resource Centre: Offers a variety of programs and services to parents and caregivers for children from newborns to 5 years. Play group, drop-in, toy library, workshops, guest speakers and discussions, as well as a Nursery School Program. 410 Bronte St. S., Milton; 905-876-1244. Mississauga Parent Child Centres: Dropin for adults and kids all year long, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. 1801 Lakeshore Road W., Mississauga; 905-822-1114. Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre: The centre offers after school, language and support programs for preschool ages, children and youth and adults. Call 905-257-6029 or visit www.opnc.ca. Oakville Parent-Child Centre: A wide variety of programs for children are offered at four locations in Oakville. Visit the website at www.op-cc.ca to obtain a program schedule and see the other resources such as Rescource Centre, Parenting Education and Post-Partum Support, Nursery School, Toy and Parenting Library and other resources. Call 905-849-6366 or register online at www.op-cc.ca. 360Kids: Offering counselling, after school programs, drop-in programs and housing to youth in the Toronto area. 80 Centurian Drive St. Suite 200, Markham; 905-475-6694. Pathways York Region: Crafts, songs, stories, book-lending library and child care information. 135 Main St., Markham 905471-7877; pathwaysyorkregion.org.

Vaughan-King-Aurora /Ontario Early Years Centre: Share the challenges and opportunities in child raising while experiencing a quality structured program with your children. Monday to Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 140 Woodbridge Ave., Woodbridge; 905-856-5511. Child Development Institute: An accredited children’s mental health agency, providing a range of programs and services for children, youth and their families. Offers Early Intervention Services, Family Violence Services, the Integra Program and Healthy Child Development programs. 197 Euclid Avenue, 416-603-1827.

Parenting Education Early Years Centre: Parents and caregivers take part with their children in programs and activities, get information about programs and services, talk to Early Years professionals and other parents and caregivers. Call 1-866-821-7770. Family Services York Region: Offers individual, family and marital counselling. Parenting groups deal with Parenting the Strong-Willed Child and Good Parenting. 4261 Highway 7, Suite 203, Unionville. Call 905-415-9719. Growing Up Healthy Downtown: Partnership of eight community-based, multi-service agencies working with families with young children in downtown Toronto. Learn parenting skills, develop networks of support and access community resources. 355 Church Street, Toronto; 416-595-9618. Help for Parents: Halton Parent Support Group meets weekly during the evenings. This self-support group has trained leaders, helps parents of children who are in trouble at home, at school or with the law, abuse or taking drugs. Member of Association of

Parent Support Groups in Ontario (APSGO). Call 1-800-488-5666 or visit apsgo.ca. McMaster Women’s Health Centre: The Women’s Health program at McMaster University Medical Centre offers specialty obstetrics and gynecology services. About 3,000 babies are born here each year, in a baby- and parent-centred approach. Obstetricians, midwives and family physicians deliver babies in our modern facilities. As well, we are the regional centre for high-risk births with specialists in high risk pregnancies and a critical care area dedicated to obstetrics and gynecology. www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca Nobody’s Perfect Parenting: There is no perfect parent or perfect children. This seven-week parenting class is designed for parents and caregivers with children 1-6 years old. Delivered in partnership with Halton Region, it will help you understand your own parenting needs and have conﬁdence in your ability to be a good parent. Offered at Clearview Church, 2300 Sheridan Garden Dr., Oakville. Ontario Parenting Education Centre: A not-for-proﬁt organization that helps parents become more skillful at raising their children. Learn how to effectively discipline, communicate, develop a positive family atmosphere, solve problems at home and build your children’s selfesteem. 94 Westbury Ct., Richmond Hill. Call 905-508-5240 or 416-909-0664, or visit practicalparenting.ca. Oakville Parent-Child Centre offers a variety of parenting workshops during the day, evening and weekend. Workshops provide a chance to get information and to meet others, as well as, a break from the kids! Childcare may be available. As well, parenting information and support is available by phone or in person, please call 905 849-6366. Register for a program online at www.op-cc.ca. SPRING 2020 | BABY 29

Support groups directory Parent Education Network: Committed to helping parents develop the tools needed to meet the challenges of parenting through a series of programs that emphasize encouragement, empowerment and mutual respect. Parenting courses are held at a variety of accessible locations and include Positive Discipline, How to Talk So Kids Will Listen, Siblings Without Rivalry and Parenting the LD Child. Call 647-403-7885; or visit parenteducationnetwork.ca. Parenting Programs Ofﬁce of the Toronto Board of Education: Offers free programs for parents and caregivers with children from birth to age six. The centres provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating program where children can play and parents can connect. Call 416-394-2104 or visit tdsb.on.ca. Toronto Public Health: A series for new parents with infants six weeks to six months. Parents can bring their baby and join other parents for discussions about adjusting to parenthood, infant nutrition, growth and development, baby care, safety and community resources led by a public health care nurse. Free programs. Call 211. Life With a Baby: The Life With A Baby program is a peer support system, with a goal to provide ongoing practical and emotional peer-based support for new and expecting parents and parents of children up to the age of six. 1136 Centre Street Suite 409, Thornhill; 416-833-3860.

Postpartum Support Peel Postpartum Mood Disorder Program: Mothers and families receive free, conﬁdential support during pregnancy and after the birth or adoption of their child. Highly trained staff and volunteers answer calls in English, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin and Cantonese. Calls are conﬁdential. An outbound check-in call service is also available to those who 30 BABY | SPRING 2020

register or who are referred by their health care provider. Call 905-799-7700. Postpartum Support Group, Richmond Hill: Available for new mothers experiencing postpartum depression, mood disorders, anxiety or stress. Facilitated by experienced nurse psychotherapist, referrals based on assessment and home visit. Call York Region Health Connection. 1-800-361-5653 or 905-762-2090. Postpartum Peer Support Group: Do you have a child newborn to two years old? Are you feeling sad, lonely, angry, depressed, or overwhelmed? Are you having trouble coping? If so, you may be experiencing postpartum mood disorder (PMD). You are not alone, and help is available. Come meet moms who are having similar experiences, learn about PMD and what you can do to help yourself and your family. Light refreshments and childcare are available. This free program is offered at Oakville Parent-Child Centre, 461 North Service Rd W, #17. Call 905-849-6366 x 22.

Single Parent Support One Parent Families Association of Canada, York Region: Provides one-parent families with a sense of belonging in a two-parent society. www. oneparentfamilies.net. Parents without Partners: A non-proﬁt organization offering special events to support single parents and their kids. Visit parentswithoutpartners.org. Single Moms, Fresh Start: Providing support and resources for single moms in Halton and Peel region. Call 647-403-3997 or visit singlemomsfreshstart.org. One Parent Foundation: Offering resources, counselling and ﬁnancial services to Toronto and GTA residents. Open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 155 Commerce Valley Dr., Markham. Call 416-990-3655 or visit oneparent.ca.

Ellesmere Montessori School Montessori for your child 18 months to 12 years

ellesmeremontessori.ca