Hello!
Today we want to share many things with you. First, we’ll tell you about a tool to track your baby’s milestones. Then we’ll talk about eating while breastfeeding or chestfeeding. Then we’ll give you some ideas on how to listen and respond to your baby. Finally, we’ll talk about the 6-week postpartum appointment and what to expect! |
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Looksee Checklist
Today we want to share a tool that many parents love. The Looksee Checklist can help you track your baby’s development by just answering a few questions.
By one month of age, does your child:
- Look at you?
- Startle to loud or sudden noises?
- Calm down when comforted?
- Suck well on the nipple?
Follow up with your health care provider if you answered ‘no’ to any of these questions or if you have concerns about your child’s development. The sooner a delay is addressed, the sooner you can help your baby.
If your child was premature, check the website for guidance about which checklist to use.
For a small fee, you can sign up to have the checklists emailed to you when your child reaches certain ages, or you can call the Parenting in KFL&A Phoneline at 613-549-1154 to have a Public Health Nurse review the checklists with you for free. |
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Healthy eating and breastfeeding or chestfeeding
There are lots of myths about what you can and can’t eat while breastfeeding or chestfeeding. The truth is, you can eat just about anything! Here are a few healthy eating tips:
- Aim to eat three meals a day with healthy snacks between. Meeting your energy and nutrient needs will help you feel your best when feeding your baby.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods and take a multivitamin with 0.4 mg folic acid everyday.
- Choose water to quench your thirst. Limit or avoid sugary drinks. These include pop, juice, fruit drinks, sports drinks, and sweetened teas and coffees.
- Limit caffeine to 300 mg per day (about 2 cups of coffee). Too much caffeine can make you feel jittery. It also passes into breastmilk and can make your baby wakeful and irritable.
- Know the risks of other substances before using them. Alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco pass into breastmilk and can harm your baby.
For more information about healthy eating:
- Call Health 811 Ontario to speak to a Registered Dietitian by dialing 811.
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Listen, respond and connect with your baby
Your baby's relationship with you is key to their health, development, and well-being.
Listen:
- Spend time face-to-face with your baby. Smile at your baby.
- Put your screen aside as much as possible. Phones, tablets, and televisions can distract you connecting with your baby.
Respond:
- Comfort your baby when they are sick, hurt, or upset. You cannot spoil a baby with love and comfort.
- Talk to your baby. Speak in a soft and gentle voice. Repeat the sounds your baby makes.
Connect:
- Read and sing to your baby. Your baby loves to listen to your voice.
- Get to know your baby. Discover what makes them happy or sad.
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Appointment alert: postpartum check-up
Most health care providers will offer a 6-week postpartum check up.
Birth control
This is a great time to discuss birth control. You can get pregnant before your period returns! It is usually suggested to wait at least 18 months to 2 years after birth before becoming pregnant. Talk to your doctor or check out itsaplan.ca to decide what is right for you.
Mental health
Your appointment is also a great time to discuss your mental health. About 1 in 5 new moms and 1 in 10 dads will develop a mood disorder in the first year after their baby is born.
Remember: you are not alone, you are not to blame, and with help, you will get better. |
Libraries
Libraries have programs for every age, at locations across KFL&A.
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Happy one-month old birthday wishes to your baby from all of us at KFL&A Public Health! We’ll connect with you in two weeks when your little one is 6 weeks old. |
KFL&A Public Health, 221 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, Ontario K7M 1V5
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