Labour doesn’t always follow the script. Here’s what it actually feels like — and how to feel more ready for the unexpected moments.

By Heather Cresswell, NPMany premature babies who need care in the NICU will need help with breathing or oxygen levels during their stay. Although not all babies need oxygen, this can be a normal part of an NICU journey. Sometimes, home oxygen may be a good option if a baby is otherwise ready to go home but will need oxygen for some time (for weeks, months, or longer). Home oxygen is given through nasal cannula —very small, thin tubes that sit in the baby's nostrils. Some babies with medical com

For decades, many crib bedding sets were sold with bumpers, but there’s no evidence they prevent injuries. In fact, it’s just the opposite.

By Heather Cresswell, Neonatal Nurse PractitionerCanva ImagesRespiratory Syntactical Virus (RSV) is a hot topic this time of year, and with good reason. October usually marks the beginning of “RSV season” - that time of year when emergency rooms and pediatric units start filling up with babies and young children who are sick with RSV. The good news is that there is a lot we can do to protect babies most at risk for getting sick with RSV during the winter viral season. And the time to get started

By Heather Cresswell, NPFrom those first babbles and coos to the excitement of a baby's first words, every parent looks forward to their baby developing language. But did you know that language development starts much earlier than this?Language development starts before babies are born and continues for years to come. Research and experts can help us understand how we can help babies with language, even if they are born premature and are in the NICU. Let's talk about how you can help your preemi

You’ve likely heard of gripe water, but what exactly is it? Does it work? And more importantly, is it safe for your baby?

What is the 'two-week wait'? Women who are trying to get pregnant may be all too familiar with the two-week wait. You might have even seen the…

Sleep regression is a temporary period when your baby or toddler doesn't sleep as well as they used to. Find out why your little one's sleep may seem to take…

Discover essential tips to boost your child's immune system and keep them healthy. Explore practical strategies for stronger defenses—read the article now!

By Heather Cresswell, Neonatal Nurse PractitionerFiguring out how to dress your baby for cold Canadian winters can be tricky. Of course, you want your baby to be bundled up and warm when you step outside, but bulky winter clothing and blankets can make a car seat unsafe. Read on to learn more about keeping your baby warm and safe in a car seat this winter! Why winter coats and snowsuits are dangerous in car seatsOnce your baby is in your car seat and you’ve secured the buckles, the car seat stra

Wondering when your little one will take those precious first steps? This guide to walking will tell you everything you need to know.

By Heather Cresswell, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner In June’s blog post, we talked about a type of hernia (umbilical hernias) that rarely needs medical intervention. Inguinal hernias (in the groin) are a different story and something that many preemie parents – especially parents of premature baby boys – will learn about firsthand.What is an inguinal hernia?An inguinal hernia happens when a small part of the intestines moves from the abdomen into the groin area.During fetal development, babies hav

Discover the top toddler vitamins that support healthy growth and development. Ensure your child gets the nutrients they need. Enjoy the article.

By Heather Cresswell, NPBirthmarks are any marks on the skin that are present at birth or develop shortly after birth. Birthmarks can take many forms, shapes, and sizes and can be unexpected but are usually harmless.The cause of birthmarks is not well understood. However, one thing is certain: they are unrelated to anything a mother did or didn't do during pregnancy.Vascular birthmarksSome of the most common birthmarks are vascular (a medical word for anything involving blood vessels). When bloo

By Heather Cresswell, NPIt is normal for parents to feel nervous when that much-anticipated NICU discharge date finally approaches. Read on for some things to consider that may help you mentally prepare before bringing your premature baby home.Discharge Dates May Change“About the due date” is a common answer in those early NICU days when parents ask when their baby might go home. But discharge readiness is not about a specific date or age, but about when a baby is mature enough and medically rea

By Heather Cresswell, NPWith anticipation, joy, and probably some nerves, you’ve been looking forward to the day you will bring your baby home from the NICU. Maybe your preemie has been in the NICU for several days, weeks, or even months. Those NICU days can feel like they are inching by, but discharge day can sneak up on you!As NICU discharge gets closer, your nesting instinct may go into overdrive. Some parents have a long list of items they want to have on hand or thoughts of getting carpets

By Heather Cresswell, NPNothing could be more natural than a baby and parent having skin-to-skin contact. However, just because it is natural doesn’t mean it is easy if your baby is in the NICU.Kangaroo care — holding a baby wearing only a diaper against your bare chest — is an excellent way for parents and their preemie to enjoy skin-to-skin contact. Even with wires, IV tubing, breathing, and feeding tubes, kangaroo care is possible. But you’ll need some help from your baby’s team to decide whe

By Heather Cresswell, NPIf you are a parent, there is a good chance you spend a lot of time talking about poop. Changes in bowel patterns are normal as babies grow and are common after babies go home from the NICU. But what is normal, and when should you be concerned? Let’s talk about all things baby poop!There are many different words for poop. The proper medical words for poop are feces or stool. The act of passing poop is called a bowel movement. This blog will use poop to refer to feces or s

By Heather Cresswell, NPWhat is gastroesophageal reflux?The word reflux refers to any liquid in the body that is moving backward.Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is when liquid from the stomach moves into the esophagus (the tube that connects our mouth to the stomach). The liquid (often milk) may come out of the mouth as a spit-up or go right back into the stomach without anyone knowing it happened.Sometimes we use other words for GER:· Reflux (NICU teams will often use this shorter term to refer t