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Growing Up: Baby
Growing Up: Baby
Author: Hayley Zimak
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© 2025 Growing Up: Baby
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They say it takes a village to raise a child — but what if you don’t have one? Hear directly from babycare experts, and other new parents, as new mom Hayley Zimak asks the questions on her mind — and likely yours too.
57 Episodes
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“Disability is so unique from one person to the next in terms of how it impacts them outside of pregnancy and well as pregnancy.” Dr. Anne Berndl (MD MSc FRCSC) is the director of the Accessible Care Pregnancy Clinic at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. The clinic provides holistic, individualized obstetrical care to patients living with physical disabilities. Care options are individualized to each patient and their family, with the goa...
“Every pregnancy is different. There is something of a risk at every step of the way in every pregnancy.” While there is no ‘perfect’ prenatal scenario, Dr. Dini Hui ensures an optimal outcome for her patients. As a maternal fetal medicine specialist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, she cares for and advises those who have a ‘high risk’ or complicated pregnancy through consultation, frequent visits and specialized testing. *This episode was recorded in 2024. Pleas...
“This experience of loss really changes who you are in the world — and changes you for the rest of your life.” Michelle La Fontaine is the manager of the Pregnancy & Infant Loss Network (PAIL) at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. As a bereaved mom herself, she guides grieving families with a full heart, connecting them with programs and resources. PAIL joined Sunnybrook in 2017 and aims to bring awareness to this uncomfortable topic while providing grief literacy and support ...
“I would go to emergency with extreme blood loss, clots, completely drained out. I was white like a piece of paper and they would send me back home with Tylenol.” Flora Kestin suffered for years with undiagnosed endometriosis. Her hellish journey began at the age of 14. She was eventually treated by Dr Jamie Kroft, one of Canada’s leading experts in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. Dr. Kroft, a gynecologist who specializes in minimally invasive surgery at Sunnybrook Health Scienc...
"We were absolutely terrified, and our biggest question was, 'is our baby going to die?' I didn't know anything about babies being born in the second trimester." Ten years ago, Karen Bong didn’t know if her daughter would make it home from Sunnybrook’s NICU. She is now the proud mother of two, and guides other new parents as the NICU’s Family Support Specialist. Dr. Eugene Ng is a neonatologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. He outlines the processes and protocols in place for NI...
This five-part Sunnybrook Series features the lived experience of those navigating motherhood, trauma and loss, and the specialists, doctors and directors dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable of patients. Stream a new episode every Wednesday, beginning March 5. All guests on this podcast were provided by Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Please download, subscribe, follow and share.
Our Internet searches say a lot about us! This episode breaks down the top 5 online searches for the first half of 2023. From ‘lightning crotch’ (if you know, you know), to creepy crawlers in unmentionable places, the data is clear: parents are overwhelmed and looking for answers. Share a few laughs as we unpack and analyze what’s on Canadian parents’ minds. ~ Colleen Fisher Tully, freelance content writer & editor. Please download, subscribe, follow and share.
It’s a gut wrenching feeling: Your toddler clinging to you while screaming and/or crying those big, real tears. If you’re struggling with dropping your little off at daycare, the babysitter, or with a loved one, you are not alone. In fact, separation anxiety is usually healthy and normal, and often shows a deep bond between parent and child. Explore attachment theory, and how a secure or insecure relationship may exacerbate these strong emotions. ~ Mirra Wicker, licensed clinical social...
In this bonus episode, Mirra Wicker walks me through a typical morning, before the dreaded daycare drop off. She shares coping mechanisms and strategies for alleviating some of the separation tension — because your child is likely sensing your anxiety, despite your best efforts to appear calm, cool, or collected. Please download, subscribe, follow and share.
It's a big responsibility, naming that brand new tiny human! To choose the name they will carry for life, without even knowing who they are yet. Do you go for trendy, vintage, classic or quirky? Maybe there’s a family name you have to incorporate — but it’s dated, gendered, or downright unpalatable — what can you do? Steph Coffield is a mom-of-three turned content creator and name consultant. She uses her imagination, creativity, and even historical data to help parents find the perfect nam...
Will you ever sleep again? Short answer: yes. When sleep is out of reach, thanks to miserable bedtimes, wakeful nights and early mornings, it can feel like a never ending cycle. While completely developmentally normal, the 18-month sleep regression is considered to be the toughest of the baby and toddler regressions. Rest easy, there are ways to manage — and survive — this trying time. ~ Bridget Jensen, consultant, Better Bedtime. Please download, subscribe, follow and share.
Vassy Kapelos is a well known and respected Canadian journalist. While her on-air persona never wavered during her pregnancy, it was a different story behind the scenes. Vassy suffered from Hyperemesis, a debilitating and persistent disorder that gravely impacted her mental and physical well being. When her son was born, the symptoms disappeared — leading to her own feelings of rebirth. Please download, subscribe, follow and share.
You know those absurd ‘mom moments’ that leave you shaking your head? Shawna Lander perfectly captures the good, the bad — and the funny — as her character, ‘Shawna the Mom.’ Beneath the humour is a loving mom of two, journeying back to herself after surviving breast cancer, with gratitude and a fresh perspective. ~ Shawna Lander, creator, actor, writer. Please download, subscribe, follow and share.
“Daniel isn't our adopted son. He's our son. Period.” Robyn and Mike adopted Daniel in 2011 after years of infertility, pregnancy loss, and heartache. They had just 10 days from when they were first told he existed until the day he came home for good. By fostering open communication, Robyn and Mike have created a safe space for Daniel to ask as many questions as he likes — which will be answered in due time. ~ Robyn Brady, mom of two: Daniel and Molly. ~ Daniel Regnier, Robyn's ...
Do you know the cost of raising a child in Canada? It may be higher than you think, which is why it’s so important to start planning. Learn budgeting, saving, and investing tips and explore what government benefits you may be eligible for. It’s never too early — or too late — to establish good spending habits to help secure your child’s financial future. ~ Sara Cook, Investment Advisor, Cook and Associate, BMO Nesbitt Burns. This episode is brought to you by Cook and Associates BMO Ne...
Navigating pre and postnatal care can be overwhelming for many first time moms. There are certain expectations that women face, including how to give birth and how to feed their child. Heading into her first pregnancy, Jessica was clear on her choices: she wanted a cesarean on maternal request — and wasn’t planning to breastfeed. ~ Jessica Pratezina, PhD student in Interdisciplinary Studies (Child and Youth Care and Sociology), University of Victoria, first time mom. Please download, ...
Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. Kimberly Amato turned her grief into action following the tragic and preventable death of her daughter Meghan. Her advocacy work — and tribute site — has informed, educated, and paved the way for higher safety standards for dressers and other clothing storage furniture. ~ Kimberly Amato, Vice Chair, Parents Against Tip-Overs. Please download, subscribe, follow and share.
If you’re struggling with the so-called “Mom Guilt” this episode is for you. There’s no ‘perfect parent’ who gets everything right all the time, despite what we see on social media. By adjusting our thought patterns and responses, we can learn to manage the little things — so we can appreciate the big picture moments. ~ Doctor Tanya Cotler, adult and child clinical psychologist, Toronto. Please download, subscribe, follow and share.
The stress of motherhood is real. Burnout exists. The juggling act can feel overwhelming. By recognizing the signs of fatigue, we can work toward the holy grail: balancing your kid(s) and your career. From setting firm boundaries and showing ourselves grace — to drilling down to what’s really important — it's time to take a deep breath and enjoy the ride. ~ Leigh Duncan, mom of three and executive director of public affairs and communications, Ontario-based hospital. ~ Madison Cox, mom...
It can be so difficult to establish a nap or bedtime routine with your little one. And it’s so frustrating when something happens to throw that schedule off. With Daylight Saving Time quickly approaching on Saturday, here are some tips on how to adjust and (hopefully) get back to normal — whatever your normal is! ~ Bridget Jensen, sleep consultant, Better Bedtime Please download, subscribe, follow and share.










Great episode! So much useful information. Can you post contact info for the dietician please?