Blog & Updates on Vancouver Prenatal Classes

What is the effect of Covid isolation on my newborn?
postpartum Stephanie Ondrack postpartum Stephanie Ondrack

What is the effect of Covid isolation on my newborn?

Question:

Covid has been really isolating for us as new parents. I’m worried our baby isn’t getting the opportunity to get comfortable with anyone except us, since we’re not having visitors at this time. Shouldn’t babies be held by lots of people, to get them used to it?

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The Power (And Pleasure) Of Loving Touch In Labour And Birth

The Power (And Pleasure) Of Loving Touch In Labour And Birth

“Humans are wired to be touched. From birth until the day we die, our need for physical contact remains. There are studies showing that touch signals safety and trust, it soothes. Basic warm touch calms cardiovascular stress. It activates the body’s vagus nerve, which is intimately involved with our compassionate response, and a simple touch can trigger release of oxytocin, aka “the love hormone.”

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Easy Peasy Baby Squeezie

Easy Peasy Baby Squeezie

The first thing I want to write is ‘you’ve got this’. So many parents are nervous about doing the wrong thing or hurting their babies while giving them a massage, but you have dressed and undressed your baby, given them a bath, changed their diaper, rocked them, fed them, kissed and cuddled them all without hurting them. You’ve got this!

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Moms Helping Their Female Partners Through Pregnancy

Moms Helping Their Female Partners Through Pregnancy

All of the points discussed by Cameron Phillips directed at soon-to-be Dad’s on how to support your partner through pregnancy are true if you are a woman (or woman identified person). Though harder to admit as a lesbian, even the ‘embrace your inner cave man’ resonated with me. I remember many times feeling and behaving in a very protective way around my partner while she was pregnant.

So, all of you ladies who love ladies who are starting families, the advice to the Dad’s should be taken to heart as well.

I would like to add a few additional points of advice on how to support your pregnant partner, relevant to both men and women.

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10 Things Future Dads Should Know About Pregnancy

10 Things Future Dads Should Know About Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a HUGE deal for your wife.

While you may from time to time forget your wife is pregnant, your wife does not. She is changing physically, mentally and hormonally. Dads need to be involved as possible—go to medical appointments, rub cream on her belly, talk to the baby, ask her questions regularly about how she’s feeling. When you are exhausted, try to remember that she is probably even more so. And when the enthusiasm is waning, fake it.

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The Benefits of Yoga During Pregnancy

The Benefits of Yoga During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time when women can switch focus from the busy-ness of life to take more time to care for ourselves -- our bodies and our minds. Life will change significantly when the baby arrives and yoga can provide women with a solid foundation on which to nurture their bodies and minds, and create a pathway to a healthy pregnancy, delivery, and recovery.

Yoga provides many, many benefits, but central to pregnant women, its benefits include: increased muscle tone, improved flexibility, greater physical comfort, and enhanced mental and emotional stability – all helping to create an overall sense of wellness and peace.

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Pregnancy Nutrition – Easy Eating for a Healthy Infant

Pregnancy Nutrition – Easy Eating for a Healthy Infant

Congratulations! You’re pregnant and looking for ways to nourish yourself and your growing baby. Maternal nutrition is extremely important as nutrients are passed from the mom to the baby, therefor; moms must have an adequate supply for the health of her fetus. The best and easiest way for mom to ensure she is receiving adequate nutrition is through a varied diet consisting of whole foods including: Vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts and seeds, lean animal protein and/or dried beans, and plenty of fresh, clean water. My general rule is if it comes from the ground, eat it; if it comes in a box, read the ingredients carefully.

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Natural Remedies for Your Usual Pregnancy Symptoms

Natural Remedies for Your Usual Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy is a time of wonder and revel; it can also be a time where our body is presenting all sorts of new and unusual symptoms. While pregnant, a woman’s body goes through enormous changes. These changes are not only localized, but often affect all aspects of core functioning. Pregnancy is also a time when attention must be paid to the safety of over-the-counter and prescription medications. What a perfect gateway into the realm of natural remedies!

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