Benefits of a Birth Doula

For centuries, women have given birth with the support and care of other women in an experience that focused on the psychosocial and emotional aspect of this remarkable life event.

Modern day doulas have modified this age-old concept and integrated their unique, non-medical services into many healthcare settings to enhance childbirth services for expectant mothers and their families.

“We provide a woman and her partner with ongoing comfort, encouragement and respect,” says Rean Cross, Doula and Executive Director of the Doula Program at The Scarborough Hospital. “Family support is certainly important, but a third-party person with extensive knowledge and experience in the birthing process can improve the overall satisfaction families have with their childbirth experience.”

Stefanie Atunes, Doula and Chief Operating Officer of Discover Birth Inc., which has partnered with TSH to offer doula services, adds that a doula acts as a bridge between the medical aspect of childbirth and the emotional journey that families experience as they transition into parenthood.

Rean and Stefanie share some benefits of including a doula in your childbirth experience:

1. Doulas are present throughout the entire process. When a woman goes into labour, her family contacts the doula on-call who provides 24/7 support from beginning to end. There are 18 doulas currently enrolled in the program at TSH, and they work on-call rather than in shifts so they are able to remain with the family for the duration of the birth.

2. Doulas provide support to both woman and partner. There is a misconception that doulas should only be involved in the birthing process if a woman has no other supports. In reality, doulas can help a woman’s partner be more effective in their support strategies, which leads to a better experience for everyone.

3. Doulas are experienced childbirth professionals. Historically women gave birth with the help of an extended family member such as a grandmother, mother or older sister who gained experience by being involved in many births throughout their lives. In modern times, people don’t witness many births, and so doulas provide that same level of comfort and a reassuring presence to guide the mother through her labour and delivery.

4. Doulas provide care that helps to reduce complications. The non-medical care provided by doulas includes relaxation, positioning and other techniques to focus on the health and well-being of the mother, which allows the medical team to better administer clinical care and safely deliver the baby. This interprofessional team approach can lead to reduced complications, cesareans and interventions.

5. Doulas continue to provide care after the baby is born. Families who need or want comfort measures after the baby is born benefit from the expertise of a doula who can answer questions such as how to manage visitors, or help the family to understand and appreciate the amazing event they just experienced. They also offer breastfeeding and diaper changing tips. The additional care following a birth has been shown to decrease the incidence of post-partum depression.

6. Doulas are available last minute. There is always a doula on-call at TSH. Generally, doulas become involved in the birth process in the last trimester, but if a woman arrives at the Emergency Department in labour and asks for a doula, the nurses can refer to the on-call schedule and arrange for a doula to attend the birth.

7. Doulas at TSH are affordable. Cost to include a doula in your birth at TSH is determined on a sliding scale, based on your ability to pay. This is to ensure that everyone in our community has an equal opportunity to access this remarkable service.

Stefanie and Rean add that doulas will be volunteering their services and assisting with births at TSH throughout the month of May to recognize International Doula Month. Staff, physicians and the community are welcome to visit the hospital and learn more about the role of doulas in the childbirth process and how they can benefit from a doula’s unique expertise.

Tips to avoid Baby Bottle Syndrome

Comforting your baby with a bottle of warm milk at bedtime can actually lead to rampant tooth decay known as Baby Bottle Syndrome. The liquid from milk, formula, breast milk or juice pools in the baby’s mouth, and if overlooked, turns into acid by natural bacteria living in the mouth, and that causes decay.

Since children lose their first set of teeth, parents don’t always give much thought to oral health until a child’s permanent teeth begin to appear. However, to maintain excellent oral health throughout one’s life, it’s important to begin at birth.

“Many parents think of baby teeth or gums as temporary when they are actually ‘parking spaces’ for adult teeth,” says Dr. Aubey Banack, Dentist at The Scarborough Hospital. “Keeping those spaces healthy is critical to ensuring your child has good oral health in the future.”

Dr. Banack adds that if parents give their child a bottle before bed, it’s important to wipe their gums with a towel to remove the excess liquid. This can also introduce your child to an oral sensation which prepares them for toothbrushes and floss as they get older.

To avoid poor oral health or Baby Bottle Syndrome, Dr. Banack shares some tips to help ensure your baby grows strong and healthy teeth and gums:

• Clean your baby’s teeth and/or gums daily to remove any excess liquids

• Try to limit the amount of times your baby spends eating from a bottle i.e., do not use a bottle as a pacifier

• Do not allow your child to fall asleep with a bottle filled with milk, juice or formula

• If your baby is thirsty and has already eaten, water is a healthy alternative to juice or milk

• Avoid coating your baby’s pacifier with something sweet such as honey

• Visit your dentist even before your baby cuts his/her first teeth to ensure there are no developing issues

• Following your baby’s first tooth, schedule regular dental appointments for your child

Mothers who are nursing should remember to take the same precautions when their baby is finished eating. Breast milk can also collect in the baby’s mouth and cause decay. Be sure to wipe any liquids including breast milk with a towel before putting your baby down for a nap or to sleep.

Should you vaccinate your baby?

Most new or soon-to-be parents have struggled, or are struggling with a common question. Are vaccinations safe for my baby? The answer is yes.

“There is a lot of misinformation floating around out there about the safety of vaccinations,” says Dr. Peter Azzopardi, Chief of Paediatric Medicine at TSH. “Vaccines have been said to cause a number of health problems including autism and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The reality is, these claims are just not true.”

Expert groups in Canada, and around the world, have researched and investigated these claims and have found no evidence of a link between vaccines and any of these health concerns.

“Vaccines are safe,” says Dr. Azzopardi. “Although some children may experience mild reactions from vaccinations, such as a sore arm or mild fever, the benefits of having your child vaccinated far outweigh the risks that come with the diseases the vaccinations prevent.”

In Ontario, when you vaccinate your child you protect them against a number of life-threatening diseases including:

• Whooping cough
• Polio
• Meningitis
• Measles
• Mumps
• German measles (rubella)
• Hepatitis
• Chickenpox
• Influenza

Many of these diseases are rare in Canada, and that’s because of our good vaccination rates. But they quickly reappear in Canadian populations who choose not to vaccinate – for example the measles outbreak in Quebec last year. As well, there is a risk if you travel to countries where the diseases are still common.

The flu vaccine is important for every member of the family. Many people don’t realize the flu can be much more debilitating than the common cold and has the potential for severe illness and even death. The flu shot will protect you. You may also choose to use the new nasal spray that’s available this year and is covered by most drug plans.

Talk to your doctor about when your child should be vaccinated.

Visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website to view a vaccination schedule and get more information about vaccinating your child.

Reducing the risk of SIDS in infants

Each year, thousands of parents experience the heartbreak of losing an infant to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).  And although there is still no known reason for SIDS, there are opportunities to reduce the risk of these sudden and unexpected deaths in otherwise healthy babies.

“While we’re still baffled by what causes SIDS, we have been able to identify certain common elements that are seen more frequently in babies who die of SIDS,” said Dr. Leah Tattum, a Pediatrician at The Scarborough Hospital.

This research has led healthcare professionals to recommend the following practices to create a safe sleep environment for babies:

• Provide a smoke free environment – before and after birth.
• Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep – during night time and nap time.
• Place your baby to sleep in a crib next to the adult’s bed for the first six months.
• Provide a safe crib environment that has no toys or loose bedding (use only a fitted sheet).

Dr. Tattum also stresses the following facts parents should keep in mind about SIDS:

• It’s not caused by neglect or child abuse.
• It’s not contagious or infectious.
• It’s not hereditary.
• It’s not caused by vaccinations or toxic gases.
• It does not appear to cause a baby suffering.
• It’s no one’s fault.

Eight reasons to have an annual check-up

Having an annual exam is a ritual for many, but others feel a trip to the doctor’s office is only necessary when something is wrong. But an annual check-up may help you stay healthy, longer. 

Why go to the doctor when you feel healthy?

“An annual check-up can provide your physician with valuable information should you become ill,” says Dr. Irene Polidoulis, a family medicine physician with The Scarborough Hospital. “It can also help diagnose disease early and allow your physician to provide advice on disease prevention. Everyone, regardless of age, should have an annual check-up.”

Dr. Polidoulis explains why an annual check-up is valuable:

1. Regular check-ups allow your physician to build a health history and gather baseline health information that is invaluable should you become ill.
2. Diagnostic tests, like blood tests, and routine screenings can diagnose disease before you show symptoms. Early detection of disease can result in better health outcomes.
3. Studying your family’s medical history and discussing lifestyle helps your doctor determine your risk factors and allows him to make recommendations about disease prevention.
4. An annual visit with your physician helps build a more comfortable doctor-patient relationship. When you feel comfortable with your physician, you are more likely to share pertinent health information.
5. An annual check-up isn’t just about your physical well-being; it is also about your mental health. This appointment is a good opportunity to receive counselling or advice about issues like depression, stress or anxiety.
6. Are you struggling with your weight or want to quit smoking? Advice about these kinds of issues can be provided during your check-up.
7. If you’ve been healthy all year and haven’t seen your doctor, the annual trip is a good time to ensure vaccinations are up to date.
8. Peace of mind. Any health worries you have may be alleviated with an annual check-up.

Ten benefits of breastfeeding your baby

“The research and evidence are compelling and overwhelming. Breastfeeding is far superior for mother and baby,” says RN Kelly Matijcio, Lead Lactation Consultant at The Scarborough Hospital.

Each day, Kelly shares her expertise with staff and new families at the hospital’s Family Maternity Centre and is working toward making the hospital more baby friendly.

“New moms know that breastfeeding is good for their baby but they don’t know the immense difference between breast and formula feeding and how artificial and inferior formula is to mother’s own milk.  Breastfeeding is normal,” she says. “Breastfeeding should be called ‘breast-nurturing’ as many of the benefits of breastfeeding have nothing to do with the milk.”

Here are some of the breastfeeding benefits Kelly shares with her patients:

1. Research shows children who were breastfed have stronger academic performance and score higher on I.Q. tests.  Breast milk builds a baby’s brain with special ingredients that formula does not have.
2. Breastfed babies communicate with their mother’s stronger immune system and as a result, breast milk contains standard and tailored antibodies that help prevent and cure illness.
3. Breast milk is all natural and species specific which means it works best because it is made by a human mother for a human baby.
4. Breastfed babies have normal oral facial development and smile sooner.
5. Breastfed babies cry less than babies who are not breastfed and experience far less colic because breast milk is easier to digest.
6. Breastfeeding is environmentally friendly. Breastfed babies have less output and dirty fewer diapers.
7. Breastfeeding is free and breastfed babies are not dependent on a clean water supply.  In an emergency, clean, nourishing, protective milk will always be available.
8. Breastfeeding is more than just feeding, it is a baby’s first relationship of love and trust. Breastfeeding builds a strong bond between a mother and her child.  That bond enables the baby to build strong bonds with others throughout life.
9. Some of the immune properties that a mother gives to her baby by breastfeeding can last and protect the baby over his or her entire lifespan, long after breastfeeding ends.
10. Mothering is enhanced by breastfeeding and the hormones that drive the breastfeeding relationship, promoting the mother’s desire to love, touch, hold and feed her baby.  Mothers who breastfeed, according to research, are also less likely to develop breast cancer, ovarian cancer and weak bones.

Six reasons to consider umbilical cord blood banking

Banking umbilical cord blood is simple and painless, and it could save your child’s life.

“The Scarborough Hospital delivers more than 5,200 babies each year. We want our expectant families to know the value of umbilical cord blood banking,” says Barbara Milana Scott, Patient Care Director of the Maternal Newborn and Child Care Program at The Scarborough Hospital.

Canada’s stem cell registry is predominantly Caucasian. In fact, 82.7 per cent of registered stem cell donors are Caucasian.

“Our hospital serves an ethnically diverse community. Two-thirds of the Scarborough population are visible minorities and we feel it is important that our expectant parents know their options,” says Barbara. “We have a large Chinese and South Asian population and those groups are severely under-represented in the national registry, meaning finding a stem cell match in those communities is very difficult.”

The Scarborough Hospital has partnered with Insception Cord Blood Program to provide education, information and umbilical cord blood banking for families delivering at the General and Birchmount campuses of The Scarborough Hospital.

Barbara shares some reasons why parents should consider banking umbilical cord blood:

1. Banking umbilical cord blood is a gift that could save your child’s life.
2. If your child becomes ill and requires a stem cell transplant, his or her own banked cord blood provides the best match, with no risk of rejection.
3. If a related family member becomes ill and requires a stem cell transplant, a related donor is more likely to be a match.
4. Unlike harvesting bone marrow, harvesting umbilical cord blood is not painful.
5. Banked umbilical cord blood has been used in the treatment of over 75 life-threatening diseases, including a wide range of cancers, genetic diseases, immune system deficiencies and blood disorders. Stem cell transplants are also being used to treat conditions such as Type 1 diabetes and cerebral palsy.
6. International stem cell registries are predominately Caucasian, meaning non-Caucasians have more difficulty finding a match.

Eight tips for enjoying a healthy pregnancy

Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life and there are many things you can do to enjoy a healthy pregnancy.

“Take the time to enjoy the life growing inside you. It is a wonderful and fascinating experience,” says Dr. Nina Venka, an obstetrician/gynaecologist at The Scarborough Hospital. “Appreciate the joy of being pregnant.”

Dr. Venka shares some tips on how you can enjoy a healthy pregnancy:

1. Make sure to take time for yourself. Sometimes second pregnancies seem more tiring and difficult because you are already caring for one child. It is important to plan time for yourself.
2. Try to avoid being around people who share negative stories about their own childbirth. They can cause unnecessary stress.
3. Remember that not everyone is an expert. Friends and family are excited for you and may want to help by providing advice. If you have questions or concerns, it is best to raise those with your healthcare provider.
4. Make sure you have a healthcare provider you feel comfortable with. It is important that you are able to ask questions and share your concerns.
5. Take prenatal classes so you know what to expect and are prepared for delivery.
6. Prenatal yoga and pregnancy massage can be great for the body and mind.
7. Exercise, eat healthy and take prenatal vitamins as advised by your healthcare provider.
8. When it comes to weight, don’t get caught up on numbers. How much weight you should gain is dependent on your pre-pregnancy weight. This should be discussed with your healthcare provider.