Frequently Asked Questions
Planning an Pregnancy
What do I need to think about first, if I want to become pregnant?
How do I know when I am most fertile?
When do I have to stop drinking alcohol?
Do I need to get rid of my cat?
I have a family history of babies born with abnormalities and I’m very concerned about this happening to me. What should I do?
Pregnancy - General Information
What are my choices for a primary health care provider during pregnancy?
I’m spotting! What should I do?
What if I had a few drinks before I realized that I was pregnant?
Do I really need to take a prenatal vitamin supplement if I’m eating a balanced diet?
Why do I feel so short of breath?
I’m not feeling excited about my pregnancy. Is this normal?
Pregnancy - 1st Trimester
When should I tell people (my boss, my parents, my friends) that I am pregnant?
Does my nausea and vomiting harm the fetus?
Can I sleep on my back or my stomach?
Why do some couples have prenatal screening and some don’t?
I’m feeling uncertain and fearful about being a parent. Is this normal?
Is it important for me to attend prenatal classes?
Pregnancy - 2nd Trimester
When will I start to show?
How can I prevent stretch marks?
When will I be able to feel the baby move?
Is ultrasound safe for my baby?
I’ve been feeling like the pregnancy is not “real.” Is this normal?
Pregnancy - 3rd Trimester
When should I plan to take maternity leave from work?
I am having difficulty sleeping. What can I do to help this?
What can I do to help plan for birth?
I have experienced some prenatal depression during this pregnancy. Will this go away after the birth?
Birth
How long will my labour be?
What does a contraction feel like?
I am afraid of having a long and painful labour. Should I have a caesarean birth?
What options do I have for pain relief during labour?
How do I know when I am in true labour?
Can I have a shower or bath while I am in labour?
What is fetal monitoring?
Breastfeeding Your Baby
Should I give my baby vitamin D?
What about soothers?
What about spitting up?
What about hiccups?
How do I burp my baby?
Can I drink alcohol when I am breastfeeding?
Should I breastfeed if I am sick?
When should I give my baby solid foods?
What about formula feeding?
Can I continue to breastfeed when I return to work?
Baby Care
How can I tell if my baby is too warm or too cold?
What can I do to help my baby sleep better at night?
What is jaundice?
What should my baby’s stool look like?
When and how much should my baby pee?
How do I know if my baby is constipated?
Baby Health
What is thrush?
What is circumcision?
How do I know if my baby has food allergies?
What should I do if my baby has diarrhea?
What should I do if my baby is vomiting?
What should I do if my baby is coughing or sneezing?
Caring for Yourself After Pregnancy
Do I need to eat extra food for breastfeeding?
Can I drink alcohol while I am breastfeeding?
How soon after the baby is born can I start physical activity?
How soon after the baby is born can we have sex?
I am feeling sad, exhausted, and moody a lot. Is that normal?
Baby Development
What is emotional attachment?
How can I build a healthy emotional attachment with my baby?
What is tummy time?
How can I help my baby enjoy tummy time?
When should I start reading books to my baby?
What should I do if I have concerns about my baby’s development?
What should I do if I don’t feel connected to my baby?
Healthy Eating for your Toddler
Does my toddler need vitamins and mineral supplements?
Can my toddler be a vegetarian?
What should I do if my toddler says “No!” to a meal or snack?
How do I safely cook and reheat foods in the microwave?
Toddler Care
How can I help my toddler settle at sleep time?
How can I help my toddler break the habit of night waking?
What should I do if I can’t afford to take my toddler to the dentist?
How can I help my toddler stop or reduce the use of a soother?
Toddler Safety
What steps can I take to prevent fires and burns?
What steps can I take to prevent falls and fall‑related injuries?
What steps can I take to prevent poisoning?
How can I keep my toddler safe at the playground?
Toddler Health
What should I do if my toddler has a cough or cold?
Does my toddler need antibiotics for a cold?
How do I know if my toddler has a fever?
Caring for Yourself with a Toddler
How can I return to my pre‑pregnancy weight?
I have extreme mood swings and I often find I can’t stop crying. What should I do?
Do I need to eat extra food for breastfeeding?
Can I drink alcohol while I am breastfeeding?
Is it okay to smoke while I am breastfeeding?
Toddler Development
How can I help my toddler develop independence?
Is it normal for my toddler to touch his genitals?
Should my toddler watch TV or play computer games?
Parenting your Toddler
How can I minimize slowness or dawdling?
How can I prepare my toddler for a new baby?
What should I know about challenging behaviours?
How do I stop my toddler from biting?
Are tantrums normal?
How can I avoid or cut down on tantrums?
What should I do during a tantrum?
What should I do to help my toddler stop whining?
