Posts Tagged ‘local resources’

Momstown is for neighbourhood moms wanting to connect for support, conversation and fun!  They are a resource whose main focus is to get moms off the computer & out of the house!

With over 50 events monthly to keep everyone busy, happy & connected. The need to connect – in person - with other moms is a relevant need everywhere. Momstown provides a busy online forum to facilitate our public and private events to guide those connections & provide a framework for relationships to grow. 

Check out Momtown Markham and connect with moms in your area.   

Mark SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 27th on your calendar for the Markham momstown.ca Launch Party from 10-11:30 at Kids on the Loose!  Admission will be FREE and there will prizes and refreshments for kids and parents.  You don’t need to be a momstown member to attend this great event, so spread the word!

Please note that for sanitary reasons, socks MUST be worn! Visit www.kidsontheloose.ca for directions.

Breastfeeding Resources in York Region

When you are the mother of a newborn baby, ensuring that your baby is being properly fed is a top priority.  A lot of people tell you that breastfeeding is one of the most natural things a woman can do.  And, it can be.  However, it can also be very challenging in the beginning.  If you have a sleepy newborn, one that is not interested in feeding, you are exhausted, had a tough delivery or are just overwhelmed by everything, latching you baby can be difficult when you are a new mom.

It is normal to feel awkward and clumsy; so don’t be discouraged! The good news is that there are resources available in our area to help.  It is important for you to know if breastfeeding is going well and where to go for help if you have concerns. 

If you need assistance the following resources are available in our area:

Health Connections (run by York Regional Public Health)

1-800-361-5653 (MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:30am-4:30pm) 

Breastfeeding Markham-Stouffville Hospital - Breastfeeding Clinic

(905) 472-7374 

Breastfeeding Clinic at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket

905-895-4521 ext2665 

York Central - Inpatient Breastfeeding Clinic 

Note: Prenatal Breastfeeding classes are also available at: York Central and Markham Stouffville Hospitals.

What to expect when you go to a Breastfeeding Clinic:

You will need to pre-book your appointment before going. The breastfeeding clinics are staffed by Lactation Consultants who will review any issues you are having.  In a private setting, they will ask you to latch your baby. They will then work with you to establish and maintain a proper latch with your infant as well as review the various breastfeeding positions you can use.  

There are also some great breastfeeding resources available on the web that explain typical breastfeeding issues, review latching techniques, positions and offer general support including:

~

http://www.lalecheleague.org/

http://www.drjacknewman.com

~~

La Leche League Canada Meetings - Newmarket Group 

All women interested in breastfeeding are welcome to attend monthly Group meetings. Anytime is a good time to come to a La Leche League meeting: when pregnant, with a new baby or when considering weaning.

Monthly Meeting Information: Newmarket  Group

Meeting Day: 2nd Thursday of the month   Meeting Location: Ontario Early Years Centre, Aurora Start time: 7:30 pm   Approximate Duration: 1.5 hours  

While a series of four meetings with the following topics is rotated throughout the year, the specific content varies significantly depending on the current focus and the needs of those present. 

Meeting 1: The Advantages of Breastfeeding to Mother and Baby

Meeting 2: Baby Arrives: The Family and the Breastfed Baby

Meeting 3: The Art of Breastfeeding and Avoiding Difficulties

Meeting 4: Nutrition and Weaning  

 

According to York Health Connections, breastfeeding is going well if: 

You are not experiencing nipple pain during or after feeding. 

Your baby’s mouth covers lots of the dark area around the nipple. 

Your nipple is not pinched, white, or ridged when it comes out of your baby’s mouth. 

Your baby feeds whenever he shows feeding cues (8 – 12 times in 24 hours). 

Baby clusters some feeds together, but appears satisfied after feeds. 

Feeds more during growth spurts. 

Baby is alert and active. 

Once your milk increases on the third day, you can hear the baby swallowing every time he/she sucks the breast. It sounds like “caa” 

Your baby starts with short, quick sucks to stimulate the milk letdown reflex and then changes to slow, deep sucks when your milk lets down. 

Your baby gains 4 – 7 ounces per week and is back to birth weight by 2 to 3 weeks of age. 

Your baby experiences the following: 

Day 1: 1 wet diaper, and 1 black stool 

Day 2: 2 wet diapers, 1-2 brown stools 

Day 3: 3 wet diapers, 2-3 lighter stools 

Day 4: 4 heavy wet diapers, at least 2-3 yellow stools 

Day 5: 5 heavy wet diapers, at least 2-3 yellow stools 

Day 6: 6 heavy wet diapers, at least 2-3 yellow stools 

          which may be runny and seedy 

 

Note: The assistance that you receive on this website is not meant as a substitute for professional guidance from your local health care professional. Please seek help from your local health care professional if you are experiencing problems with breastfeeding or if you have continuing concerns.

Toddler Information & Support

Children’s Health - Healthy Ontario
Children’s health services including the Autism Program, Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program and the Preschool Speech and Language Program.

Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential telephone service you can call to get health advice or general health information from a registered nurse.

Canadian Health Network
Search for information on children’s developmental health from birth to age 12 on a host of topics including play, learning, behaviour, parenting, nutrition, safety, immunization, illness and special needs.

York Region Preschool Speech and Language
(Beyond Words)
1 888 703-5437

Zero to Three
This US based organization’s mission is to support the healthy development and well-being of infants, toddlers and their families. Great handouts include, Pointers for Parents: Play to Learn, Little Listeners in an Uncertain World: Coping strategies for you and your child

Helping your Child with Language
An ages and stages guide from 0 -24 months.