3rd trimester

Towards the end of the pregnancy, your doctor will explain to you when you will need to go to give birth ( hospital or birthing centre) . This depends on the distance you must travel, your previous deliveries, your state of health and the condition of your cervix.

However, you must go to a place to give birth if any of the following situations arise:

• For a first delivery, your contractions are regular, and they occur every 5 minutes or less for 1 hour.
• This is not your first delivery; your contractions are regular and occur every 5 minutes or less. If you live more than 30 minutes from the place of birth, go there when contractions occur every 10 minutes.
• Your water has broken (your membrane is ruptured).
• You are losing blood.
• You no longer feel your baby moving.
• It is always best to call the birthing unit nurses if you have any questions or before you show up so that we can prepare for your arrival.

Often women go to the place of birth because they think they are in active labor, when in fact they are still in the latency phase. If this is your case, we will simply advise you to go home and come back a little later. This will allow you to get used to contractions at home, while you are in a familiar environment.

Source : When should I go to the hospital or birthing centre? | From Tiny Tot to Toddler | INSPQ

In Canada, we spend a lot of time indoors. It is therefore important to ensure that our homes are healthy and safe places. This guide contains information on certain common risks that may be present in your home as well as their possible effects on health. It also suggests simple steps to reduce your exposure to these risks.

• Healthy home guide

The composition of breast milk varies during breastfeeding to adapt to the baby’s needs. It can also change depending on diet. The taste of the milk can thus change, allowing the baby to get used to different flavors.

Breast milk contains more than 200 components. It is composed of:

• Proteins that are non-allergenic, easy to absorb and easy to digest.
• Sugars and fats which provide the energy necessary for the baby’s cells.
• Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and iron.
• Enzymes that facilitate the baby’s digestion.
• Essential fatty acids which could influence brain and vision development.
• Antibodies and antimicrobial molecules which help the baby defend itself against bacteria and viruses.
• Hormones and growth factors that could stimulate the growth and development of the child’s digestive system and immune system.
• Living cells which protect the baby from infections, and which stimulate their immune system.

Here are some benefits related to breastfeeding:

Breastfed babies are less likely to get infections. Their risk of gastrointestinal infections (e.g. gastroenteritis and diarrhea) is considerably reduced compared to babies fed commercial formula.

• Breastfed babies also have a lower risk of upper respiratory infections (colds, flu). Breastfeeding also reduces the frequency of bronchiolitis, pneumonia and ear infections.
• Breastfeeding may be associated with a reduction in the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
• Breastfeeding can have a protective effect against certain inflammatory diseases, for example:
  • eczema
  • type 1 diabetes
  • inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease
  • for asthma, food allergies and hay fever, the protective effect is less clear
• The majority of studies have noted that breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests. This is an acceleration of cognitive development, and the beneficial effect seems to diminish over time.
• The act of breastfeeding allows skin-to-skin to contact. Breastfeeding therefore meets not only the baby’s nutritional needs, but also the need for warmth and security.

Source:  Naître et grandir

Other relevant document:

• Great Reasons to Breastfeed your Baby

Whether you offer breast milk or formula to your child, rigorous bottle hygiene is essential. This will prevent your baby from having gastroenteritis and fungus in the mouth, among other things.

For more information, consult Tiny Tots to Toddlers.

Source: Infant formula – Hygiene rules

It is important to respect the quantities when diluting infant formula, a mistake in dilution could have harmful effects for your baby.

For more information

Prepare before giving birth: You must make sure you have a suitable and safe car seat before giving birth. It is important to know how it works.

How to choose the car seat? How to install it correctly? When to switch to a forward-facing seat? When to switch to a booster seat?

You will find the answers to your questions by consulting this document: Secure them for life

The Safe Sleep for Your Baby brochure provides parents with information that will help babies sleep safely and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.