Maternity & Newborn Care

Valuable links for Maternity & Newborn Care we recommend to our patients.

Birth is the scariest and most exciting part of pregnancy for many parents. When it comes to maternity and newborn care, planning your delivery and learning about the labour stages can reduce stress. Click below for links to help you prepare for every stage of your labour and new parenting journey:

Planning a Pregnancy

If you plan to become pregnant, you’ll want to ensure you are as healthy as possible. Eating a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol, and taking specific vitamins and minerals contribute to a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. Planning a Pregnancy →

Four Stages of Labour and Birth

Learning the four stages of labour can help you prepare for what is to come. Watch this video about labour and birth for more information.

Babies’ best Chance

Baby’s Best Chance is a reference guide for parents and is available in eight languages. Topics covered include pregnancy, birth and parenting a baby up to six months. Guides are found here →

Toddlers’ best Chance

A guide to parenting your 6-to-36 Month-Old Child. Toddler’s First Steps provides trusted information on how to nurture your child’s healthy development. Get the Best Chance Guide here →

Babies and Children’s Health

Live 5-2-1-0 is a BC Children’s Hospital initiative that partners with communities across BC to promote and support healthy behaviours among children. Live 5-2-1-0 →

Healthy Habits for a Healthy Child

If healthy eating habits, physical exercise and getting enough sleep are established early, it becomes a lifetime routine. Healthy Habits for a Healthy Child →

Your Child’s Mental health

Parenting resources support your child’s mental health and general well-being through daily physical activities, sleep and nutrition. 

Choking Hazards

Follow these simple steps to prevent choking:

• Keep a careful eye on the child during meals and snacks
• Introduce new food textures slowly and carefully
• Check for small items of any type that a child may choke on
• Choose toys that are labelled appropriate for the age of your child
• Teach older siblings NOT to give small items or toys to younger children
• Know how to give first aid to a choking child

Please tell medical personnel immediately if a child is choking on an object. Bring an example of the object with you if possible. The Heimlich maneuver is necessary only if someone cannot speak clearly and is turning blue.  Common hazards to children’s safety

Nutrition for Babies and Children

With the right start, you can give your baby a lifetime of healthy eating habits.

• Our bodies need iron to make hemoglobin. Iron gives red blood cells their colour. 
• Babies need vitamin D for healthy growth and development. It helps them build strong bones and teeth.

Breastfeeding & Weaning

The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.

Weaning is the gradual process of giving your baby other foods while continuing to breastfeed. It is a natural stage in your baby’s development. 

Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance

Any food can trigger an allergic reaction. What is the difference, and can you prevent them? The most common are: