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Pregnancy

The time before your baby is born is very important for their healthy growth and development. The HKPR District Health Unit stands ready to assist you in aligning your lifestyle with the well-being of your growing family.

Health Canada’s Supplemented Foods Labelling

When shopping make sure to read the label.

As someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, you want the best for your baby, which starts with informed food choices. Many supplemented foods are not recommended for at-risk populations, like pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, due to the type or amount of added ingredients.

A Healthy Pregnancy

Welcoming a new baby into your life can be truly delightful, yet it's also a phase that often comes with uncertainties. As pregnancy starts many parents find themselves with questions and worries. The HKPR District Health Unit is here to help with programs, services and supports for your growing family.

Your nutritional health, before and during pregnancy, influences the health of your developing baby.

  1. Balanced Nutrient Intake: Prioritize a well-rounded diet rich in a variety of nutrients. Incorporate lean proteins, whole grains, plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables, and sources of healthy fats to provide essential vitamins and minerals for both you and your developing baby.

  2. Folic Acid Focus: Ensure adequate folic acid intake by consuming foods like leafy greens, fortified cereals, and legumes. Folic acid plays a crucial role in preventing birth defects of the baby's brain and spine.

  3. Hydration Matters: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Proper hydration supports healthy amniotic fluid levels and helps your body manage increased blood volume.

  4. Mindful Eating: Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues. Opt for frequent, small meals to maintain steady energy levels and mitigate common pregnancy discomforts like nausea and heartburn.

  5. Limit Caffeine and Harmful Substances: Monitor caffeine intake, opting for moderate amounts, and avoiding high-caffeine drinks. Also, steer clear of alcohol, tobacco, and any other harmful substances that could negatively impact your baby's development.

For more information on these topics, please visit: https://www.odph.ca/prenatal-infant-nutrition

Remember, consulting with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique nutritional needs during pregnancy. Contact the Healthy Families Information and Support Line 1-866-888-4577 ext. 5003 to connect with a Registered Dietitian.

When you or the people around you smoke or vape, your baby smokes too. A smoke- and vape free environment is best for both you and your developing baby.

Smoking tobacco during pregnancy results in serious risks for both you and your baby. It has been shown that smoking cigarettes during pregnancy increases the risk of complications, such as low birth weight, stillbirths, miscarriage, decreased fetal growth, premature births, placental abruption and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

More information on Quitting Smoking and Vaping. 

Breastfeeding fosters a unique bond promoting emotional and psychological growth. Beyond the immediate benefits, breastfeeding also contributes to long-term health outcomes, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Recognizing its significance, public health initiatives advocate for and support breastfeeding as a fundamental pillar of optimal child and maternal health.

Breast milk is so complete it is the only food or drink your baby needs for the first 6 months. For more information check out our Breastfeeding Supports information.

The HKPR District Health Unit provides various supports and programs for you and your growing family for full program listings check out our Pregnancy and Feeding Supports page.

Crisis Helpline

You deserve to be heard.

A safe space to talk, 24 hours a day.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital immediately.

Mental Health & Wellness: During Pregnancy, Post-Birth, and Parenting

Expecting or new parents often experience various emotions and mood changes during pregnancy, after birth, and throughout parenting. Perinatal mood disorders (PMD) include anxiety and depression during pregnancy or the first year after birth.

If you have PMD symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider and supportive people in your life. For emotional support and crisis intervention, call or text the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline 24/7. You are not alone, you are not to blame, and PMD can be effectively treated with help.

After birth, our body continues to go through many changes, and it is common for your mood to change too. These can include emotions of feeling sad, tearful, irritable, exhausted, and overwhelmed. After birth, changes in mood come and go throughout the day and often go away on their own within 2 weeks. If the symptoms don't go away after 2 weeks, or they persist throughout the day and affect your day-to-day life, it is important to talk to a health care provider.

 

Perinatal mood disorders are real. 1 in 5 new mothers will develop a mood disorder in the first year after birth. 

 Symptoms can be different for everyone, and might include:

 

·    Not feeling like yourself

·       Sad and tearful  

·    Have no interest in activities you normally enjoy 

·       Shameful or hopeless

·    Guilty and ashamed, thinking you are not a good parent

·       Restless, angry, or irritable

·       Not bonding with your baby

·    Constant worry or racing thoughts

·    Inability to sleep or sleeping a lot

·    No appetite or drastically increased appetite

·    Have thoughts about harming yourself or your baby

 

All parents, including non-childbearing, can develop mood disorders, particularly if their partner is experiencing one. Mood disorders can happen to anyone! Often, family members may be the first to notice symptoms.

Key risk factors for perinatal mood disorders include a history of mental health issues, substance use disorder, multiple births, preterm births, high stress levels, and lack of social support.

 

Early recognition and support can help you manage these conditions effectively.

Self-care supports your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.

 

The “NESTS” approach to self-care stands for: Nutrition, Exercise, Sleep and rest, Time for yourself, and Support.

 

·    Nutrition. Nourish your body by drinking water and eating nutritious foods throughout the day. 

·    Exercise. Even a small amount of exercise can help boost your mood, increase energy levels, decrease stress and anxiety, and promote sleep.

·       Sleep and Rest. Give yourself permission to sleep or rest. Allow others to assist with household tasks and baby care so you can give yourself a break.

·    Time for yourself. Time for yourself is important. Try to do something you enjoy, even a few minutes a day may help. 

·    Support. Ask for help, all new parents need support from others. Share your feelings with your partner, family, friends, and a health care provider. Participate in on-on-one counselling sessions or join a support group with other parents. Seeking help right away can help support your recovery.

Mental Health Support: For Parents

Our community offers a wide range of resources, counseling, and support services to assist with your mental wellbeing.

Healthy Families Department

Chat with someone from our Healthy Families Department for more information.

Email: healthyfamilies@hkpr.on.ca 
Phone: 1-866-888-4577 x 5003

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