When kids return to the playground, they can’t seem to help but bring home some kind of illness or injury, of which there’s a slew to choose from. Among the most common and contagious, we have colds and the flu, which can include stuffy noses, fevers, and body aches. Playground injuries can include cuts and bruises. And head lice, tiny hard-to-evacuate bugs on the scalp, cause severe itching and the heebie-jeebies for anyone in their vicinity.

Are you excited for back-to-school season yet? We have good news. A membership on Maple, available across Canada, provides on-demand access to primary care for parents during this event-packed back-to-school season. 

Balancing a busy family schedule is challenging enough without the added stress of unexpected health issues. With Maple, you have a trusted partner in your pocket, ready to connect you with a Canadian-licensed primary care provider — such as a doctor or nurse practitioner — 24/7/365, in minutes. And when it comes to the little ones, from sniffles to scrapes, our paediatric nurse practitioners are available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, ready to help when your kids need it most.

When back-to-school season is in full swing, there’s no time for health hiccups to slow you down. Here’s how Maple can help you navigate the busy back-to-school season.

Preventing your child from getting sick

Help prevent your child from getting sick or spreading a sickness at school by teaching them a few healthy habits, such as:

• Practicing regular handwashing with soap, lathering up for at least 20 seconds before rinsing
• Adopting proper coughing and sneezing etiquette — cough or sneeze into a clean tissue, or your upper arm if a tissue isn’t available
• Avoiding putting fingers in your mouth or eyes
• Eating a nutritious diet and taking multivitamins to help your immune system fight against illness

There are also a couple of things you can do: Keep kids home and away from others if they’re sick and follow routine immunization schedules, ensuring they get their annual influenza vaccine before the end of October and the COVID-19 vaccine when they’re clear to do so.

Depending on your province, a Maple membership could also give you access to a registered dietitian, without a referral, who can help you curate a healthy meal plan for your kids. Scientists have found that people who aren’t getting adequate vitamins and nutrients can be more susceptible to diseases, so a well-rounded diet can help keep your family’s immune system strong.

Diagnosing a sickness or injury

Has your little one come down with a cold or is it just allergies? Do they have impetigo or a harmless rash? Could it be head lice or just a dry, itchy scalp? What can you do about their sudden stomach flu?

Some diseases and conditions can be hard to diagnose — but a healthcare professional can help. Through our membership, you can speak to a primary care provider over secure text, audio, or video call in minutes. You can also schedule a virtual appointment with a hard-to-reach specialist, such as a dermatologist**, who can diagnose your kid’s health woe, stat.

Once you learn what your child has, primary care providers on Maple can help you decide your next steps, whether your little one is safe to return to school or if they need a prescription medication to get better. At a provider’s discretion, prescriptions can be sent to your home or your closest pharmacy.  

Treating common illnesses

Does your kid need a prescription to kick their illness, or will some good old-fashioned rest and chicken soup do the trick? You may need a doctor to make that call — but trekking to the doctor’s office (and securing a last-minute appointment, for that matter) isn’t always easy. That’s where virtual care comes in. With our membership, you can connect with a trusted primary care provider within minutes who can provide prescriptions at their discretion, suggest home remedies, and, whenever necessary, do more investigation into the issue to get your kid feeling good (and back in the classroom) as soon as possible.

To reap the benefits of our back-to-school program, all you need is a single membership. You can add your partner and kids under 18 years old to the plan so everyone can get daily access to care and access to a specialist such as a dermatologist or registered dietitian, no referral needed. 

Become a member today and speak to a primary care provider in a few minutes to get your back-to-school sickness prevention strategy all set for fall. Whether it’s a minor injury from the playground or a sudden bout of the flu, a membership on Maple can help you and your family through every twist and turn of the school year.

So, while your kids are busy making new friends and exploring fresh opportunities, let us handle the health hiccups. With Maple in your corner, you can focus on enjoying the joys of the season — new sneakers, freshly sharpened pencils, and all.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

**Dermatology is available in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, and Alberta

The post 3 Ways Virtual Health Care Can Help You Manage Back-to-School Sicknesses appeared first on Maple.

Let’s face it: School can be an intimidating, pressure-packed place. That’s because an array of factors can affect your child’s mental health. There are heaps of social woes (like difficulty making friends or trouble participating in groups), academic pressures (like acing tests and achieving university requirements), and transitional changes (like starting a new school and meeting new kids) weighing on your little ones. That’s a lot for them to handle.

The good news is there are a few ways you can help, including a membership with Maple. Maple gives you and your family daily access to Canadian licensed primary care providers, such as doctors and nurse practitioners, who can address health challenges over secure text, audio, or video call 24/7/365 within minutes.

All you need is one membership for your entire family to reap the benefits; you can add your kids under 18 years old to your Maple account as patients, so everyone can get daily access to primary care — or a path to specialized, personalized care if needed. Depending on your province, Maple provides access to specialists, mental health therapists, and registered dietitians who can help you solve most worries your child brings home from school.

For even more peace of mind for your kids, you can connect with a paediatric primary care nurse practitioner from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST seven days a week. 

Here are 10 ways you can manage your kid’s stress and anxiety and how a membership on Maple can help. 

Encourage open communication

To help your child feel safe coming to you with their problems, create a supportive space where they’ll feel comfortable opening up to you. Practice active listening, giving them your full attention when they’re speaking, and take time to consider your response and reactions, being careful to avoid criticism or shame. Concentrate on validating their emotions and empathize with what they’re going through. Ask open-ended questions to prompt your child to share more, and check in regularly with them.

Set realistic expectations

Does your child feel too much pressure from outside sources to get top marks, join the most teams, or say yes to every social event? Help them set achievable goals that’ll relieve them of unnecessary pressure.

Need help? A mental health physician* on Maple can talk to you to learn where these pressures stem from, how to manage them, and how to take control of any potential mental health disorders that could be prompting such feelings.

Teach time management skills

When kids learn how to organize their time efficiently, they become more organized, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. Encourage your child to use a planner to keep track of assignments and important dates. Also, show them how to break down their to-do list by dividing big projects into digestible tasks, and teach them how to prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency. 

Establish a consistent routine

Want to know the secret of any calm and collected student? A structured routine. Help your child create and stick to a daily schedule, and it can help eliminate stress and anxiety by:

• Providing a sense of predictability so they feel more in control
• Promoting healthy habits, offering them an opportunity to schedule good-for-them activities like eight hours of sleep and exercise into their everyday
• Increasing efficiency by eliminating the pressure of forgotten duties
• Creating a sense of normalcy, helping children feel more grounded

Make sleep a priority

When you have a mental health concern, any doctor will likely start their assessment by asking you one very important question: Are you getting enough sleep? That’s because sleep is crucial for helping the body regulate hormones such as cortisol, which rises when we’re stressed. School-age kids need much more sleep than we do — kids between the ages of six and 12 require nine to 12 hours of sleep per night, and teenagers require eight to 10. That’s why you notice a major shift in your child’s mood when they go to bed on time. A solid, deep sleep can regulate emotions and prevent anxious thoughts. 

Have a little one who’s having trouble getting their vitamin Z’s? You’ll be extra grateful you’re part of our membership — you can request to book a sleep therapist, and they can help you and your child establish a sleep hygiene routine and tips on how to sleep through the night.

Help them boost their physical activity

When people of any age move their bodies, their brain releases feel-good chemicals (also known as endorphins), which improve their mood, boost their energy levels, and help them have a good night’s sleep. This is certainly the case for kids, too. Engaging in physical activity, whether attending gym class or participating in after-school sports, can help them feel better about themselves, improve their health, and let go of stress and anxiety. 

Teach them healthy eating habits

A balanced diet — one that’s full of fresh vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and meats, such as the Mediterranean diet — can help improve mood and reduce stress. To establish a healthy meal plan for your family and teach your child healthy eating habits, consider talking to a registered dietitian on Maple. A dietitian can assess your current cooking and eating habits and develop a personalized meal plan that fits your family’s needs and lifestyle. They can also provide tips for kids on how to make food choices that are healthy, enjoyable, and free of any guilt or shame.

Use relaxation techniques

Deep breathing, meditation, and journaling can help reduce your little one’s stress and anxiety by lowering their heart rate and boosting their mood. A mental health therapist can walk you and your kids through the best ways to execute relaxation techniques so they’re most effective and can share hacks for on-the-go doses of calm that you can pepper throughout your day.

Be a model for stress management

You know this by now, but here’s a reminder: Kids learn by example. It helps if they see you practicing healthy stress management, such as eating well, moving your body, making time for laughter, getting enough sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques.

Need help managing your stress? Our mental health therapists aren’t just there for your kids’ problems during stressful back-to-school time — they’re there for you any time. Book an appointment with them to get your stress levels under control, and you can teach your kids how they can do the same. And if you’re taking the much-needed time off to help manage your stress, remember that Maple primary care providers can talk to you no matter where you are — whether you’re travelling within Canada or abroad.

Don’t have time to speak to a therapist? Self-guided cognitive behavioural therapy is available on the Maple app for members so that you can go at your own pace. 

Recognize when professional help is needed

If your child has persistent or severe stress or anxiety, consider seeking help from a mental health professional, such as a mental health physician. These physicians can help determine if your little one has challenges that require more intervention and whether medication or additional therapy could benefit them. Dependents can access mental health services through our membership as long as you or another caregiver is present.

As your child embarks on another school year, it’s important to keep their mental health at the forefront. School can be a wonderful place for growth and learning, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. By staying attuned to your child’s emotional needs and providing them with the tools and support they need, you can help them navigate these challenges with resilience.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

*Only available in Ontario, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec.

The post 10 Ways Parents Can Manage School Stress and Anxiety appeared first on Maple.

The good news is you’ve come to the right place to learn how to get help and what to expect throughout your pregnancy. Maple is a virtual care platform with Canadian-licensed doctors available online, 24/7. While you should always be in touch with your gynecologist or obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) throughout your pregnancy, you might be unable to reach them or your family doctor for symptoms like heartburn, constipation, and more. These can make an already challenging time even more difficult.

Whether you’re feeling unwell in the middle of the night or need to see a doctor on the weekend, you can rest easy knowing a general practitioner from our hand-picked network of doctors is available online in minutes, any time.

First trimester — week one to 13

While you may not be showing much yet, the first trimester is the most crucial part of your pregnancy. The embryo starts to form, and hormonal changes affect everything in your body. Here’s what you may experience during your first few months.

Mood changes

Pregnancy mood swings are very real. While hormones are elevated during your entire pregnancy, you’ll likely feel most of the effects of pregnancy moods and emotions during the first trimester due to increased estrogen and progesterone. Add to that pregnancy making you feel tired and emotional, and mood swings during pregnancy can be a recipe for happiness one moment and tears the next.

Worrying or feeling anxious during pregnancy isn’t uncommon, but it can hit the hardest during your first trimester. This is also the most common time for miscarriages, which may be stressful. You can always reach out to a mental health therapist for counselling to talk it out and help manage your feelings.

Morning sickness

Morning sickness is common in the early stages of pregnancy, often causing nausea and vomiting. It’s also not uncommon to experience a loss of appetite during early pregnancy because of this.

Morning sickness doesn’t cause harm to the baby, but it can be very uncomfortable. And don’t be fooled by the name — morning sickness can occur any time of day. While we don’t conclusively know what causes morning sickness, it’s believed hormonal changes are the cause.

You may also be more at risk if you are:

• Having a multiple birth
• Prone to motion sickness
• Experiencing stress
• Susceptible to migraines
• Obese
• Someone who felt sick taking contraceptive pills with estrogen
• Pregnant for the first time

Even if you feel nauseous with morning sickness, make sure you eat enough to support the baby’s development and maintain your hydration. If you aren’t keeping anything down, it’s best to check in with your healthcare provider to discuss your treatment options.

Decreased sex drive

If you’ve ever felt unsure if it’s safe to have sex during pregnancy, you’re not alone. Many women worry that sex will harm the baby or cause other symptoms. But the answer is, yes, it’s safe to have sex during pregnancy. However, it’s typical for your sex drive to decrease in the first trimester as you feel tired, nauseous, or your breasts feel tender. And, while your libido can increase in the second trimester, it may dip again in the third and continue after you give birth too.

Cravings

Between 50 and 90% of pregnant women experience cravings in their first trimester. Doctors still aren’t sure what causes cravings; like morning sickness, the most common theory is that cravings occur because of surging hormones.

From pickles and ice cream to sweets or fast food, there’s no one-size-fits-all for pregnancy cravings, and if you follow a healthy diet, indulging now and then is safe. Cravings can continue throughout your second trimester, but by the third, they usually disappear.

Metallic taste and dry mouth

It’s normal to experience a metallic taste in your mouth during pregnancy in the first trimester. Also called dysgeusia, that unpleasant sense of taste in your mouth is also attributed to changing hormone levels. Not to worry though — as your pregnancy continues, the metallic taste settles down.

You may also have dry mouth during pregnancy. This is because your body stores water to help support increased blood volume and hormonal changes. It’s a good reminder to keep hydrating to support your and the baby’s health, even though you’ll likely go to the washroom more often.

It’s also crucial to stay on top of your oral hygiene if your mouth feels dry since a lack of saliva can lead to dental problems like tooth decay and bleeding gums.

Increased urination

One of the tell-tale signs of pregnancy is more frequent urination than usual. While this can also happen in the third trimester as the baby pushes on your bladder, it starts as early as the first. This is because your body produces human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which increases blood flow to your kidneys. Your growing uterus also forces you to take more trips to the washroom as it takes up space.

However, there’s a difference between frequent urination and a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs are the most common bacterial infection in pregnancy, often due to hormonal changes. Symptoms include pain or difficulty during urination and feeling like you have to urinate constantly but only passing small amounts. You may also notice dark, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine.

UTIs can become serious if left untreated during pregnancy, so if you suspect you have one, it’s best to check in with a healthcare provider for antibiotics that are safe to use during pregnancy.

Heartburn

Heartburn often occurs during pregnancy, beginning in the first trimester. Even though it’s called “heartburn,” that acidic burn doesn’t actually come from the heart. Heartburn arises when acid in your stomach irritates your stomach lining or esophagus, which causes a burning and sometimes painful sensation. In your third trimester, heartburn is often caused by the uterus expanding to accommodate the growing baby, which can push stomach acid toward your esophagus.

Headaches

Headaches are common during pregnancy, specifically during the first trimester. Causes can include:

• Changes in pregnancy hormone levels
• Lack of quality sleep
• Change in blood circulation
• Dehydration
• Stress
• Caffeine withdrawal

To help the pain, try resting and drinking lots of fluids. If that doesn’t work, it’s safe to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed by your doctor.

However, if you have severe headaches in the second or third trimesters of pregnancy, it may be another issue, like high blood pressure, or preeclampsia. If this is the case, you should see a healthcare provider right away.

Second trimester — week 14 to 27

By the second trimester, your baby’s pancreas and kidneys start functioning. The baby also moves freely in the amniotic sac in your uterus. Around week 19, you may start feeling those magical movements.

The second trimester often marks a turning point for how you feel. Many women find that nausea and fatigue start to fade. Even though your breasts are growing, which can cause pain, you’re typically more comfortable than in the third trimester. But, there are a host of other symptoms that can appear, like congestion, swelling, and more.

Pregnancy weight gain

First, it’s natural to gain weight while pregnant, as long as you do it in a healthy way. So, what exactly does that mean? Gaining a healthy amount of weight is based on your body mass index (BMI) before getting pregnant.

For example, if your BMI is between 18.5 to 24.9 before getting pregnant, healthy weight gain in your second and third trimesters would be one pound per week. Eating well and being physically active can help you achieve this.

You may also notice pregnancy stretch marks appear in your second trimester and wonder how to prevent more from popping up. The reality is that millions of women have stretch marks, and there’s no proof using creams or oils can stop them from forming. However, you’re more likely to get stretch marks if you gain more weight than average during your pregnancy (more than 22 to 28 pounds) or gain it rapidly.

Constipation

Half of all pregnant women experience the joys of constipation. But just how early does constipation start in pregnancy?

For some, it may begin in the first trimester, but constipation is most common during the second. Progesterone causes your bowel muscles to relax so that food stays in the digestive tract longer. And your ever-expanding uterus continues to take up space, making it difficult for your bowels to function normally.

Here are some home remedies that may offer immediate constipation relief during pregnancy:

• Eating more fibre
• Going for a light walk
• Drinking plenty of water (especially if you’re supplementing with fibre)
• Eating small meals throughout the day rather than fewer large ones

If nothing’s working, speak to a healthcare provider. They may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medications that are safe during pregnancy.

Darkening of the skin

Many people talk about the “pregnancy glow” — that radiant quality pregnant women have. The truth is a beautiful glow happens because there’s an increase in blood circulation to your face, which can make your face and skin appear brighter. Not a bad little bonus!

But, skin changes like darkened nipples, areolas, freckles, moles, and more aren’t talked about as much. Caused by increased hormone levels, these skin pigmentation changes like melasma can seem alarming but are completely normal. The darkened areas may even stay the same shade after you give birth.

It’s also normal to see changes in moles during pregnancy. However, you should see a healthcare provider if you notice a mole or freckle is no longer symmetrical, has irregular edges, has gotten much darker than the rest of your moles, or is more than one colour to ensure there’s no risk of skin cancer.

You might also notice a dark line from your belly button to your pelvis. This is called the linea nigra, and it usually appears during the second trimester. It’s caused by a spike in hormones and unlike other darkened skin changes, it typically fades after the baby’s born.

Increased appetite

If you experience morning sickness, it’ll likely go away by your second trimester, and you may feel more energetic and hungry. And while you’re feeling peckish, your baby needs all the nourishment it can get.

In your second trimester, you only need to add about 340 extra calories to your regular diet each day. And, it’s best not to get these from ice cream or cookies. Use that hunger to fill up on nutritious foods like nuts, fruit, low-sugar yogurt, lean meats, or fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Pelvic pain

Chronic pelvic pain during pregnancy can happen in your first or second trimesters, but it’s most common in your third. It’s sometimes called pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP), a term for symptoms caused by one or more of the three pelvic joints moving unevenly, causing instability in the pelvic girdle.

If you have a history of lower back pain, PGP, or both before becoming pregnant, you’re at greater risk of experiencing it during pregnancy.

Third trimester — week 28 to delivery

You’re getting closer! By the third trimester, your baby’s lungs are maturing, and their head starts to sit lower in your pelvis to prepare for birth. Your skin and ligaments stretch to accommodate the growing baby, and your cervix softens. You may continue experiencing heartburn among these third-trimester symptoms.

Shortness of breath

Noticeable shortness of breath in pregnancy is common in the third trimester. Your body’s doing a lot of work, and your baby’s sheer size and position — pushing your uterus against your diaphragm — is the cause. On top of that, increased levels of progesterone can cause shortness of breath. Thankfully, you’re still getting enough oxygen for you and the baby.

There are some home remedies for shortness of breath during pregnancy, such as:

• If you’re feeling out of breath, take it easy and sit down for a while
• Keeping your back and shoulders straight when you sit to allow for more airflow in your lungs
• Propping yourself up with pillows when you sleep
• Exercising. This might sound counterproductive since exercising takes a lot of energy, but it can help improve your respiratory system.

While shortness of breath during your third trimester’s normal, sudden onset of shortness of breath with chest pain, fast heartbeat, or intense chest pain could signal something more, like a blood clot. If this is the case, you’ll need medical care immediately.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are another unpleasant surprise in the third trimester. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around your lower anus and rectum, and they come in two forms:

• External hemorrhoids — these form under the skin around the anus. You may notice bleeding from the anus, pain or discomfort around the area, swelling, itching, or irritation.
• Internal hemorrhoids — these form inside the rectum. While there aren’t often signs of internal hemorrhoids, straining during a bowel movement can cause pain, irritation, or bleeding from the rectum.

In your third trimester, the pressure from your growing uterus increases blood flow to your pelvic region, which can cause larger veins. Constipation can be another factor. When you’re pushing to release a bowel movement, it can put pressure on your veins, causing them to swell. There are a few things you can do to help soothe hemorrhoids, such as:

• Applying a cold compress to the area
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing
• Eating high-fibre foods
• Staying hydrated
• Soaking panty liners in witch hazel and popping them in the freezer before applying to the area
• Using soothing hemorrhoid wipes

Pregnancy swelling

Swelling (edema) during pregnancy often happens in your third trimester. You might notice it in your ankles, feet, and even your fingers. This is because your body holds more fluids than usual while pregnant. By the end of the day, those fluids gather at the lowest parts of your body — especially if you’ve been standing a lot.

Your growing uterus can also affect blood flow to your legs, which can cause water to build up in your legs, ankles, and feet. While swelling can be uncomfortable, it’s not usually harmful to your baby. However, an increase in swelling can be a sign of preeclampsia. If this is the case, you should see a doctor immediately.

There are a few changes you can make to help with pregnancy swelling, including:

• Wearing comfortable footwear
• Putting your feet up as soon as you feel uncomfortable
• Doing regular light exercises, like walking or swimming
• Limiting salty foods
• Speaking to your healthcare provider about compression stockings

Leaky breasts

Your breasts begin to produce colostrum, the first form of milk that’s rich in protein, low in sugars, and contains essential antibodies to protect your baby’s health. Colostrum forms during pregnancy and lasts a few days after giving birth.

Because colostrum is forming, it’s not uncommon to leak from your breasts or to find dried-up colostrum on your nipples. However, if you’re not leaking colostrum, there’s no cause for panic since it has nothing to do with how much breast milk you’ll have when the baby arrives.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Braxton Hicks — contractions that begin before labour — can start as early as the second trimester but are most common in the third. You’ll likely feel Braxton Hicks in the afternoon or evening, especially if you’ve had an active day. While they’re your body’s way of preparing for labour, they don’t necessarily mean labour’s beginning. Think of it as “labour practice” mode.

One easy way to tell if you’re experiencing Braxton Hicks is if the contractions are irregular, intermittent, and uncomfortable rather than painful. They also tend to become more infrequent, then reappear later on. On the other hand, labour contractions occur consistently, feeling like they come in waves and have more pain that builds in intensity.

How Maple can help with pregnancy symptoms

While knowing what to expect during pregnancy won’t stop your symptoms, it can help ease your worries. So can having accessible medical care to treat pain and discomfort. Instead of waiting hours at the walk-in clinic or days for an appointment with a doctor for heartburn, hemorrhoids, constipation, and more, you can speak to a doctor in minutes on Maple. We connect you with Canadian-licensed doctors online, 24/7 for a diagnosis, health advice, prescriptions and more through secure text messaging, audio, or video chat.

And with 91% of medical issues being fully resolved within the first visit, you can feel confident turning to Maple for help. It’s easy to get started. — Simply sign up, click “Get care,” and start talking to a doctor from your phone, tablet, or computer.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post What expectant mothers need to know appeared first on Maple.

Over 350,000 people in Canada gave birth last year — and it wasn’t always an easy path to get there. While many birthing parents experience pregnancies and deliveries free from complications, others encounter complex obstacles. 

Analyzing data from more than 3.1 million pregnancies across Canada, a study by The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto (IHPME) found that mothers under the age of 19 or over 30 were at increased risk for severe maternal morbidity and mortality. The highest risk was for women over the age of 44, a very advanced maternal age, while mothers aged 20 to 24 had the lowest.

With birth demographics changing, the age of mothers giving birth has increased, leading to more pregnancies in those of advanced maternal age (over the age of 35). 

The resulting changes in pregnancy care and outcomes is forcing parents and businesses to evolve and adjust to today’s definition of parenthood. Simply put, supporting mainly young heterosexual couples with no mental or physical health issues doesn’t actually help today’s new parents.

What’s a high-risk pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy involves increased health risks for either the birthing person, the baby, or both. Pregnancies can begin as a high-risk pregnancy – when the birthing person has pre-existing medical conditions – or evolve gradually or suddenly into a high-risk pregnancy involving fetal, placental, or other complications.

Factors that may make a pregnancy high-risk include:

• Pre-existing health problems like depression, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or epilepsy
• Use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs
• Intimate partner or domestic violence
• Maternal age younger than 17 or older than 35
• Multiple pregnancies (e.g. carrying twins or triplets)
• History of three or more miscarriages
• Carrying a baby with a genetic condition such as Down syndrome or a heart, lung, or kidney problem
• History of previous pregnancy complications, such as preterm labour or birth, pre-eclampsia or seizures (eclampsia), or having a baby with a genetic disorder
• An infection such as HIV, Hepatitis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), chickenpox, rubella, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, or COVID-19

The reality is that growing a family — and doing so amidst a global pandemic over the last two years — is not easy for many. 

A study polling 2,000 U.S. families found that 58% of new parents are overwhelmed by the sea of impersonal options when it comes to family health. Moreover, 80% of new or expecting parents rely on online search or other forms of non-evidence-based resources for information that often leads them astray.

What you should do if your pregnancy is high-risk or particularly challenging

If you or your partner are currently experiencing a higher-risk pregnancy, here are some useful tips to consider:

• You may need additional medical care for the birth available in a hospital, as opposed to a birthing centre or at home. For rural parents, this may require travel.
• Your care provider may also recommend additional imaging and tests, including, but not limited to, ultrasounds, genetic screening, blood tests, and a consultation with an obstetrician.
• Make sure you’re taking a high-quality prenatal vitamin that provides at least 16 to 20 mg of iron and 0.4 mg of folic acid, calcium, and vitamin B12.
• Beyond your primary care provider, whether it’s a family doctor, OBGYN, or midwife, consider other people who could join your support team, including a doula or family members. A doula is an emotional support person who can help guide you through pregnancy, postpartum, or both.
• Keep in mind that one in five women will experience a mood disorder either during pregnancy or postpartum. The Cognitive Behavioural Therapy framework is one tool you can use to fight anxious thoughts. Ask yourself:
  1. What is the kernel of truth in my anxious thoughts?
  2. What evidence do I have to support or disprove this thought?
  3. What’s an alternative way for me to think about this?
  4. What would I tell a friend if they told me they were feeling the same way?
• Consider adding a pelvic floor physiotherapist (PT) to your care team. Preventatively working with a physiotherapist during pregnancy can help manage urinary incontinence, strengthen the pelvic floor, and prevent or treat pelvic organ prolapse and diastasis recti.
• If you have nutritional concerns, consider working with a registered dietitian or naturopathic doctor. Research shows that parents who introduce preventative measures in their pregnancy show fewer postpartum thyroid complications. A high-quality prenatal vitamin, which can also be taken after birth, may already include many micronutrients required to maintain your thyroid health.
• Know that one in four pregnancies end early in miscarriage. Factors that impact the risk of miscarriage are genetic abnormalities (which are out of a parent’s control), advanced maternal age (due to changes in egg quality over time), undiagnosed medical conditions like hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, or celiac disease, binge drinking, and infections.

Lastly, if you experience any of the following symptoms during pregnancy, speak to a medical professional immediately:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Noting a decrease in your baby’s movements
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Symptoms of prenatal anxiety or depression, such as thoughts of self-harm or harm to your baby
• Severe headaches
• Fever and/or chills

How your workplace can support new parents

Workplaces have an important role to play as an employee goes through the various stages of pregnancy and parenting — everything from implementing inclusive work policies to creating safe spaces amongst managers and staff. 

Here are some things your workplace can do to support employees who are growing their families:

• Make sure language surrounding parental benefits, as well as the benefits themselves, are inclusive of all types of families — whether they’re being formed through pregnancy, adoption, or surrogacy
• Plan a parental benefits strategy that covers all stages: conception and/or adoption navigation, fertility support and/or treatment, bereavement leave, termination support, prenatal education, care provider navigation, guidance on employment insurance or income top-ups, clear information on your company’s leave policies, postpartum education and/or support, and early childhood programs
• Remember that parental benefits programs should support parents (the birthing parent and co-parent) as well as the new baby — many programs mistakenly design solely for the latter
• Coach managers on how to support employees who disclose their family plans and/or intentions of pregnancy and parental leave
• Coach managers to have open conversations on how, if at all, the employee would like to be kept informed of business changes while on leave
• Build or provide a private and comforting space for pumping or nursing

There’s a lot to know about navigating challenging and high-risk pregnancies, but with the right kind of support, many families go on to have healthy deliveries and babies. 

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, it’s crucial to reach out for support from a healthcare provider so that you and your baby can get the care you need.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

* The term “birthing parent” was used in this article to refer to anyone who physically delivers a baby. We acknowledge this isn’t the only path to parenthood.

This blog was co-written by Maple and Koble, a health app for new and expecting parents. If you’re a Maple user, you can get preferential pricing for Koble.

The post Navigating challenging and high-risk pregnancies appeared first on Maple.

If your child is just entering kindergarten or preschool, this may be the first time they’ve had to manage their allergy without you, and it’s normal to feel anxiety. So, how can parents protect their children from food allergies? With the proper steps, you can make your child’s return as safe as possible.

What are food allergies?

Allergies are the body’s overreaction to an otherwise harmless substance. When you have a food allergy, your body misidentifies a certain food (or foods) as a threat. Eating or coming into contact with your food allergen triggers your body to release histamines, provoking an immune response.

The symptoms of a food allergy can include hives, rashes, wheezing, vomiting, and full-blown anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction that constricts your airway.

While it can feel natural to lump them into the same category, food allergies are very different from food intolerances. Food intolerance has to do with difficulties digesting or metabolizing certain foods and doesn’t involve the immune system. In contrast, allergic reactions are unpredictable and can cause a severe anaphylactic reaction after exposure even to trace amounts of the food.

Food allergies are serious, and if your child has one, they should receive medical support. If you’re looking for assistance with navigating your child’s allergies, Maple can help. Maple is an online virtual care platform that connects you to a Canadian-licensed doctor or specialist from your phone, tablet, or computer.

Most common food allergies in kids

While some children do grow out of their food allergies, many retain theirs for their entire lives. These are the foods that trigger allergies most commonly in children:

1. Peanuts

Peanut allergies are infamous and for good reason. According to Food Allergy Canada, two in 100 Canadian children have a peanut allergy, making peanuts the number one cause of allergic reaction in the under-18 group. As a result, many schools and child-centred facilities are now peanut-free, though you’ll want to double-check that your child’s school is.

2. Tree nuts

Tree nuts are a large category that includes almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts, pine nuts, and more. And although they’re grouped under the same allergy heading, being allergic to one tree nut doesn’t mean your child will be allergic to all of them. More confusingly, while peanuts aren’t even nuts — they’re legumes — about 40% of children with a tree nut allergy also have a peanut allergy.

3. Milk

Having a milk allergy isn’t the same as being lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is the result of your digestive system’s inability to process lactose, the sugar found in milk. Lactose intolerance can cause stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea but it’s not life-threatening, or an allergy.

A milk allergy, on the other hand, is triggered by your immune system’s response to cow milk protein. The proteins in cow’s milk look similar to those in sheep, goat, and buffalo milk and these can cause similar allergic reactions when consumed. This immune reaction can range from hives to an anaphylactic response and everything in between.

The good news is that many children with milk allergies outgrow them as they age. And, some people with this allergy can tolerate dairy when it’s fully baked as the baking process denatures, or changes, the protein. This doesn’t apply to everyone though so always work with your allergist before consuming baked dairy.

4. Eggs

Egg allergies are surprisingly common, but they’re also one of the allergies your child is most likely to outgrow, and about half do so by age six. Whether skin testing determines your child is allergic to egg whites or egg yolks, they shouldn’t eat either part of the egg as both contain minute amounts of the other.

While some children can tolerate baked or cooked eggs in food items, your child’s allergist should provide clarity on foods to avoid. Frittatas might be clear candidates for the do-not-eat list, but eggs are also present in less obvious places. Battered and fried foods and the yellow fever vaccine are more surprising sources of egg and its protein.

5. Shellfish

Shellfish can be a bit of a misnomer, as this category isn’t limited to just shellfish — it actually encompasses bivalves and mollusks. This usually means that those affected by this allergy react to not only shrimp, lobster, clams, crabs, oysters, and scallops, but also to things like octopus and snails.

While fish are fine to eat, anything without fins should be off-limits, especially because shellfish allergies aren’t just triggered by eating. Your child may also have a reaction from handling or even inhaling the cooking vapours of these seafoods. And, unlike milk and egg allergies, the majority who experience a shellfish allergy don’t outgrow it.

6. Soy

Soy is a tricky food to avoid. It can be found in everything from chewing gum to baby formula, and also makes an appearance in some cosmetics, seasonings, and even vitamins. Luckily, many children with a soy allergy do outgrow it.

7. Wheat

Having a wheat allergy is different from having Celiac disease or being gluten intolerant. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that affects your intestines’ ability to absorb nutrients from your food.

A wheat allergy by contrast, triggers an immune system response to wheat proteins. Wheat is found in a range of products making it difficult to avoid. Luckily, however, it also falls into the category of allergens many children outgrow.

8. Fish

Fish contain a different protein than shellfish meaning that a fish allergy and a shellfish — or bivalves and mollusks — allergy isn’t the same. Allergies to both are possible, as is cross-contamination, but many with a shellfish allergy can eat fish and vice versa.

Keep in mind that if your child has food allergies, management and treatment from an allergist is an option. And, you can get additional support online. There are tons of great online food allergy resources offering information for parents of kids with food allergies. Many even have recipes and ideas for allergy-friendly foods for kids, helping to make mealtimes a snap.

Back-to-school allergy checklist

You can’t go to school with your child but you can help to set them up for an allergy-safe school experience. Here’s how:

• Children with food allergies need a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector, often known as an EpiPen. If your child is old enough, make sure they know how to self administer it. Review and practice this regularly and check their EpiPen expiration dates each time you do.
• If your child hasn’t seen their allergist recently, make an appointment. Food allergies require annual follow-ups to ensure your child’s anaphylaxis action plan is current. This plan details what your child’s allergies are, what their symptoms look like, and what to do in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.
• Your child’s school must be aware of their allergy. To this end, meet with your child’s teachers, school administration, or both to discuss their action plan. Provide multiple copies of it along with current photos of your child.
• Your child needs two EpiPens at school — the second one as a backup in case the first doesn’t work, or in case they experience a second wave of symptoms after their first injection. Each should be labelled with their name, allergy, and photo. Demonstrate how to use the device and make sure their teacher feels comfortable doing it.
• Determine who’s responsible for carrying the EpiPen around. Some older children are responsible enough to take charge of it themselves. Teachers of younger children, however, will likely carry a bag containing it with them. Either way, every moment counts in an allergic reaction so one needs to be accessible within seconds.
• Ask about the school’s allergy procedures and their health and safety guidelines regarding mealtimes. The school should be able to share where the children eat, who wipes down the tables and how often, and whether there’s an allergy table and someone to supervise handwashing. All this info can help you guide your child through school mealtimes as seamlessly as possible.
• Review your child’s allergies with them regularly and remind them not to take food from other children. They should be aware of which foods are safe for them to eat and which they need to avoid.

Can food allergies develop at any age?

Weirdly, yes. While most allergies begin in childhood, you can develop an allergy at any point in your life, even to a food you’ve eaten many times. Luckily, you can also outgrow an allergy. Many children with milk and egg allergies, for example, grow out of them as they age.

Scientists don’t know why certain people develop allergies and others don’t. Genetics play a role as you’re more likely to have an allergy if an immediate family member has one. But they also think there’s an epigenetic component as well. This means that while you may have the gene for an allergy, if certain environmental factors don’t trigger that gene you won’t end up with one.

What happens if you ignore food allergies?

Food allergies should never be ignored. Not only can they make you sick, but allergic reactions aren’t static. This means that you can’t predict how your child will respond to a subsequent ingestion of the food. Your child could have an initial allergic reaction that involves only breaking out in hives. Their next reaction, however, could be much more severe and include vomiting, wheezing, and even anaphylaxis, which requires an immediate call to 911.

There’s so much possibility for change that allergists prefer not to qualify a food allergy as moderate or severe. Regardless of their symptoms, your child should see an allergist if they have an allergic reaction to a food. They’ll benefit from food allergy testing for kids and will also require a prescription for the right dose of epinephrine in their auto-injector to protect them in the event of a more severe future reaction.

When to start talking about food allergies with your child

Explaining your kid’s food allergies when they’re young but able to understand is also one of the most important things you can do to help keep your child safe. You can do this by:

• Telling your child that the food (or foods) they’re allergic to can make them sick. Try referring to the food allergen as an “unsafe food”, and tell them they only want to go for “safe foods”. Stay calm while you’re explaining all of this — you don’t want to invoke fear or anxiety.
• Teaching them the name of the unsafe food and showing what it looks like in pictures or pointing to it at the grocery store
• Explaining how they can recognize an allergic reaction in case they were to come into contact with their food allergen and what they should do
• Letting them know that they’re not alone — plenty of kids have food allergies and can stay safe by being unafraid but cautious

Treatment and preventing food allergies

Parenting a child with food allergies can come with certain stresses — and preventing allergies isn’t always possible. Research does suggest, however, that introducing common allergens to babies as early and often as possible may help keep your child from developing food allergies. If you’re concerned about starting certain foods with your baby, a conversation with their pediatrician can help you develop a realistic plan you feel comfortable with.

For managing and treating your allergies, seeing an allergist online is a great first step. An allergist can work with you to develop an appropriate treatment program. This may include prescription medications like antihistamines or epinephrine auto-injectors as needed.

An allergist can also refer you for additional testing or immunotherapy if necessary. Immunotherapy involves exposure to tiny amounts of your allergen, and gradually increasing the dose as your body adjusts to it. While it sounds straightforward, immunotherapy is incredibly precise and should never be attempted on your own.

If you’re looking to understand more about your child’s or your own allergy, consider seeing an allergist today. With the proper prevention and treatment, you can live a happy and healthy life with your allergies.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post Kids with food allergies: checklist for a safe school year appeared first on Maple.

From broadcasting their diets to alerting us to illness, our babies’ poop tells us what’s going on in their little bodies when they can’t, so it helps to have a newborn poop guide to know how to read the signs. What if your baby’s poop smells sour or like vinegar? What if your baby has smelly gas, but no poop? What if your breastfed baby’s poop suddenly smells bad, or there’s dark green baby poop?

We’ve put together a baby poop primer to help you figure out what your baby’s diaper is saying. If you need additional help, you can always use Maple to see a Canadian-licensed doctor online in minutes, 24/7.

How often should my baby poop?

If you’re a new parent, it’s normal to be worried your newborn poops too much or too little. So what’s the right poop schedule for a newborn?

Newborn poop frequency is a crucial predictor of overall health, especially in the first days after birth. Both breastfed and formula-fed babies should produce about six wet diapers, and one or more poops a day (once your milk comes in if you’re breastfeeding).

For breastfed babies, this pattern typically continues until about the six week mark when colostrum disappears from your breastmilk entirely. At this stage, the rate of what’s “normal” begins to vary widely; one poop a week can actually be normal for a breastfed baby at this point. As long as your baby is gaining weight and producing enough wet diapers, infrequent poops aren’t usually something you need to worry about.

You may also be wondering how babies produce poop at all if they only drink liquids. While newborns mainly ingest liquids, the digestive system can still turn them into waste. That being said, you shouldn’t expect your newborn’s poop to resemble an adult’s poop.

After your little one starts solids, you’ll likely see a much higher number of pooping diapers. So how often should a baby poop after starting solids? A formula-fed infant will generally produce one or two stools per day while a breastfed baby will usually pass more stool as much more of what they eat will be going undigested. Their bowel movements will also be much smellier, and are likely to change colour and consistency depending on which foods they’ve eaten.

What are the different types of baby poop?

There are five main types of baby poop: newborn, breastfed, formula-fed, solid-fed, and partially digested. Here’s an overview of each type:

• Newborn poop: For the first few days, the poop tends to be tar-like and greenish-black. Some parents describe it as resembling motor oil. The poop then turns a more normal yellow-brown.
• Breastfed poop: Healthy breastfed baby poop is yellow and appears seedy, but can also appear slightly green. It should have more of a creamy, mushy consistency.
• Formula-fed poop: Compared to poop for a breastfed baby, poop for a formula-fed infant tends to be browner in color and denser in texture. Some parents compare it to peanut butter.
• Solid-fed poop: As you introduce solid food into your baby’s diet, you’ll notice a change in their poop. The colour will become darker or browner and the consistency will become thicker.
• Partially-digested poop: As your baby starts eating more solid food, you may notice chunks in their diaper. These are normal, as your baby’s stomach is still getting used to digestion. Your child may also be swallowing food without chewing it properly, which is also normal.

What does healthy baby poop look and smell like?

Healthy baby poop can vary in appearance. Again there’s a wide range of “normal” here. For formula-fed infants, baby poop consistency tends to be about the same as toothpaste, with a tan colour. But it’s also normal for a formula-fed baby to have green poop.

Breastfed babies typically produce mustard-yellow stool, about the same consistency as actual mustard. Breastfed babies often have white curds in their poop as well, making it look seedy. But depending on what else you give your baby, healthy poop can also be orange, red, green, brown, or even black — more on this below.

As for smell, when babies are still in the infant stage, their stool shouldn’t smell too bad. Once you begin incorporating solid foods into your baby’s diet, you may notice a change with regard to odour.

A colour guide to baby poop

Black poop sounds like it would be cause for an instant trip to the hospital. But actually, this tarry, sticky substance is called “meconium,” and all healthy babies produce it for the first few days after birth.

Likewise, dark green baby poop also isn’t as scary as it sounds. Often it just means your little one has been eating a lot of green things. Even if your baby hasn’t been chowing down on chard and spinach recently, there’s no need to panic.

Iron supplements can also cause your little one to have green poop. Or, the dark green poop might appear as the in-between phase between meconium and “normal” breast milk or formula poop.

Even red poop isn’t always a cause for concern. It’s likely the result of something baby has eaten (hello beets). Breastfeeding issues might also cause your baby to ingest blood from cracked nipples, which would show up as blood in the baby’s poop. There are times, however, when black or red poop can signal something more serious — we’ll cover that in a bit.

Frothy baby poop

Your baby will likely have frothy, foamy poop from time to time, but contrary to what the internet says, it usually doesn’t denote an allergy or intolerance. So don’t cut out dairy, wheat, or caffeine just yet.

In a breastfed baby, frothy poop likely means that your letdown — the way the milk comes out of your breast — is quite forceful in one or both of your breasts. The first milk your breasts produce is called foremilk, and it’s usually more watery and higher in lactose than the fattier and thicker hind milk which follows.

If you have an oversupply or a strong letdown, your baby often ends up with more of the foremilk and less of the fattier hind milk, especially in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. This can be hard on your little one’s digestion and result in frothy poop. Chances are your body will figure out what your baby needs after the first few weeks of nursing. In the meantime, you can try expressing milk into a towel before nursing.

Draining each breast before switching your baby to the other side will also help by limiting future oversupply.

Rarely, green, frothy baby poop does signal an allergy — likely to cow’s milk in your diet. It might also mean, however, that your baby is sick. A milk allergy can affect baby poop, usually with blood streaks or specks that can signal an allergy, so if you’re seeing green, frothy baby poop on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to speak to a doctor.

What causes mucus in baby poop?

Finding poop with mucus in your baby’s diaper can be alarming. Luckily this isn’t always a cause for concern. It’s common for infants and newborns to be congested in the winter months when the air is drier, or if they have a cold. Because young babies don’t know how to blow their nose, they often end up swallowing a lot of mucus.

Using saline and a mucus aspirator will help unblock their nose and get rid of much of the mucus in their poop. If your baby isn’t congested, however, and mucus in their stool persists, alert your child’s doctor and bring a sample dirty diaper to the appointment. Sometimes mucus is a sign of intestinal issues.

Frequently asked questions about baby poop

• How do I clean my baby’s first poop? Some parents find that baby wipes and warm cloths tend to smear their newborn’s poop. To gently remove the mess, one trick you can try is applying olive oil on a clean cloth.
• Is it ok to let a baby sleep in a poopy diaper? If you see or smell baby poop, you’ll need to change the diaper. If there’s a little bit of wetness but no poop, you might be able to leave the wet diaper alone and wait until morning to change it, unless the diaper is soaked through.
• How long should I wait before changing a dirty diaper? It depends on whether it’s solid or liquid waste. For a poopy diaper, it’s best to change your baby as soon as you see or smell waste. If it’s a wet diaper, there isn’t too much wetness, and your baby doesn’t seem upset, you might be able to wait a minute. Keep in mind that in general, newborn babies need to be changed every two to three hours.
• Why is my baby’s poop so smelly? If your baby’s poop is particularly foul-smelling, it could mean they’re allergic to something they’ve eaten. If a strong odor persists for several days, it could be a good idea to check in with a pediatrician or health professional.

When to take your baby to the doctor

While it’s true that a wide range of baby poop colours are normal, there are some notable exceptions. White, grey, or very anemic, pale-looking clay-coloured poops might signal a serious issue with your child’s liver. And while black poop is expected for the first few days of the baby’s life, if it comes back, see a pediatrician immediately.

In an older child, black poop can mean a serious internal stomach bleed. Similarly, if your baby’s poop contains streaks of blood, you should contact their pediatrician. If their stool is hard and your little one frequently strains while pooping, it’s likely due to constipation, so you may want to learn more about foods causing and relieving constipation in babies. Sometimes, however, it can also be the result of an allergy.

Diarrhea in newborns can also be quite serious. If your little one has had diarrhea for more than 24 hours, it’s crucial to take them to a doctor. Newborns with diarrhea are at high risk of dehydration. If your baby has diarrhea and has fewer than six wet diapers a day, a sunken fontanelle (the soft spot on their head), a fever, or vomiting, seek emergency care immediately.

Paying attention to your child’s diaper is a great way to monitor their health. Know the signs that can signal trouble, but also keep in mind that food is the most likely culprit of funny-coloured baby poop. So always make sure to check and if you don’t know, don’t be afraid to ask.

If you’re wondering if you should take your baby to the doctor or if you need medical advice, you can see a Canadian-licensed doctor on Maple in minutes, 24/7. Health professionals are always available on Maple to help give you peace of mind.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post Baby poop: a guide for parents appeared first on Maple.

Here’s what you should know about postpartum care and all of the ways your body changes after giving birth. If you need additional medical advice, you can always use Maple to talk to a Canadian-licensed doctor online in minutes.

What changes can happen after a c-section and vaginal delivery?

Whether you go the caesarian section (C-section) or vaginal birth route, there are many changes that can happen with both. A C-section may seem like the “easier” option since it’s usually around 45 minutes long compared to the typical 12 to 14 hours of vaginal birth, but the recovery certainly isn’t. Changes that happen specifically after a C-section include:

• Postpartum afterpains, also known as contractions
• Pain in your lower belly and around your incision
• Difficulty moving around

A vaginal delivery comes with its own set of challenges from vaginal tears during the delivery. This includes:

• Vaginal soreness
• Vaginal swelling
• Vaginal pressure

There are many more changes that occur after you give birth to your baby vaginally or via C-section. The list is long and might seem scary, but there are ways to relieve your symptoms. Here’s what happens to your body after giving birth.

Your uterus after pregnancy

During pregnancy, your uterus grows to accommodate your baby. So it follows that after your baby is born, your uterus will be larger than normal. This is part of the reason you’ll still look pregnant for a while after you give birth. For the first few days postpartum, you’ll feel small contractions or cramping, especially while breastfeeding (if you are). These cramps are actually your uterus shrinking back to its pre-pregnancy size. The uterus starts shrinking within minutes of giving birth, but it takes about six weeks to fully return to its previous size.

If you’re concerned that your uterus is not shrinking after pregnancy or you still look pregnant after the two-month mark, speak to your doctor or your local pelvic floor physiotherapist. You may have diastasis recti — a common post-pregnancy condition in which a gap appears between the two sides of the abdominal muscles.

Bleeding and perineum care

Whether you deliver vaginally or have a C-section, you’ll experience vaginal bleeding and discharge after giving birth, otherwise known as lochia. This bleeding is how your body gets rid of any extra tissue and blood left over from pregnancy. Lochia is bright red but turns brown and eventually yellow after a few days or weeks.

You may also pass clots during the initial phase — this is completely normal as long as they’re smaller than a golf ball. But if you find that clots are larger than that or that you soak through a pad in under an hour, contact your doctor — this might mean there’s another issue. Also, you shouldn’t use tampons or menstrual cups for lochia — vaginal postpartum care is important and using tampons or menstrual cups can introduce harmful bacteria as well as irritate the area.

Vaginal deliveries can cause tearing (in some cases you may have had an episiotomy). Either of these will make your perineum — the area between your vagina and your anus — quite tender as it heals.

Perineal care after birth is important to help give you relief. For a sore, swollen perineal after giving birth, you can use ice packs or frozen pads in your underwear to soothe the area. You can also upgrade your pads with witch hazel and aloe to help speed up the process of healing the perineum.

Postpartum body

While you may be anxious to lose your pregnancy weight, you’ll want to wait for your doctor or midwife’s go-ahead before you start exercising. Pregnancy causes significant changes in your body and beginning an exercise regime too soon after delivery can cause more problems than it solves. Counter-intuitively, abdominal exercises like crunches are the most damaging exercise after giving birth and can actually worsen conditions like diastasis recti.

Try not to focus on post-pregnancy weight loss. It took nine months to put the weight on, so give yourself at least that much time to lose it and don’t let questions like “why is postpartum weight loss so hard” or “why can’t I get rid of stretch marks” cloud your mind. And, stay away from restrictive dieting if you’re breastfeeding — not only can it affect your energy levels and contribute to mood swings, but you need all the nutrients you can get to stay healthy and feed your baby, too.

In fact, if you’re a fan of coconut water, feel free to drink it up! Drinking coconut water postpartum is good for you because it’s low in sugar and full of electrolytes which can promote the production of antimicrobial protection for your baby. If you feel like you need extra guidance in navigating a postpartum diet, a registered dietitian can create a customized meal plan for you that’s suited to your postpartum needs.

Giving birth is physically strenuous. You’ll want to avoid doing certain things until you’re cleared by your doctor or midwife at your six-week appointment, such as:

• Lifting anything heavier than your baby
• Crunches, sit-ups, or other abdominal exercises
• Strenuous exercise
• Restrictive dieting (even after your check-up)
• Having sex
• Inserting anything into the vagina, including tampons and menstrual cups

You can do a less strenuous exercise like walking. The benefits of walking postpartum are plenty, like helping to strengthen muscles, raising energy levels, and even improving your mood. This should only be done when you feel up to it, however, so don’t feel pressured to jump up right away and go for a stroll around your neighbourhood.

In the case of exercising after C-section delivery, you’ll want to walk within 24 hours of your procedure. This can be uncomfortable, but it’s beneficial to get your blood flowing and your bowels moving. After that, see how you feel. You don’t need to walk for hours on end — a healthy, satisfying walk can be as little as 20 minutes.

Kegel exercises after giving birth are also an excellent way to improve circulation and stimulation. To do a Kegel, start with emptying your bladder. Then, squeeze your pelvic floor muscles and hold for three to five seconds, release, and repeat.

You don’t want to overdo the amount of Kegels either. A good number would be roughly ten Kegels three times a day but check with your healthcare provider first to see if this number is safe for you. You should also consider seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist to help rehabilitate the pelvic floor muscles. This will help you get the most out of your Kegels.

In the case of vaginal birth, you might still feel numb down below so if you don’t feel anything, don’t worry — do your Kegels anyway! And even though there’s no vaginal delivery with a C-section, pregnancy affects the pelvic floor so it’s also a good idea to do kegel exercises after giving birth too.

Breast changes

Your body begins producing colostrum (the first thick, nutrient-dense milk newborns eat) before your baby is even born. Colostrum becomes milk three to five days after delivery, and your breasts will feel more full as your milk comes in. You may sometimes feel engorged, experiencing breast and nipple pain as your body figures out how much milk your baby actually needs.

While engorgement usually gets better on its own after a day or two, it can be quite painful while it lasts. Ice packs and ibuprofen can help, as can applying heat and hand expressing some milk to relieve the pressure.

But be warned — your body will replace any expressed milk. So pumping or expressing milk can ultimately prolong engorgement. And prolonged engorgement can lead to clogs and mastitis, which can be extremely painful.

Mood changes and postpartum depression

Your hormones will fluctuate in the days after you give birth. These fluctuations kick off a number of physical changes from getting your uterus to contract and shrink to producing breast milk for your baby. These hormones can affect your mood, and so can the effects of sleep deprivation.

Many new moms experience “the baby blues,” a period of emotional intensity in the weeks following the birth of their child. This is totally normal and can include feeling more sad, teary, angry, irritable, or sensitive than usual. But the baby blues usually resolves within a few weeks.

It’s also normal to have worries as a parent, but sometimes worrying takes over and negatively impacts new mothers — this can include losing sleep or not wanting to leave home. Not all mothers who are anxious are depressed, but identifying postpartum anxiety can help with treatment.

How to know if you have postpartum depression, however, is if the feelings don’t go away within a few months. Without intervention, symptoms of postpartum depression can become more severe and recur chronically.

There isn’t one single cause of postpartum depression, but the physical and hormonal changes along with sleep deprivation and the intense feelings that come with having a baby can trigger it. Postpartum depression is similar to regular depression, but the feelings tend to center around being a parent and concern for your newborn. Postpartum depression can strike anytime within the first year after your baby is born. Symptoms of postpartum depression can include:

• Severe anger and irritability
• Bouts of crying, feelings of extreme sadness, or both
• Difficulty or lack of bonding with child
• Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or thinking clearly
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Feelings of inadequacy as a parent
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Thoughts of harming your baby

Getting help for postpartum depression includes counselling, medication, and support from family and friends. Left untreated, postpartum depression has negative effects on both mom and baby. The cycle of being sad, angry, and unsure of competence trickles down into the overall health and wellbeing of the baby. So you’re doing yourself and your baby a favour by taking care of your mental health if you’re experiencing postpartum depression.

In the long run, getting treatment and being healthy, happy, and a confident mom will all be worth it. A mental health therapist can provide you with comfort and guidance through talk therapy as you navigate postpartum depression. If you feel you may need a bit more than talk therapy, there are also medications that are safe to take while breastfeeding. A mental health physician can provide you with this as necessary, so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.

Bowel movement problems after birth

While uncomfortable, bowel movement problems after giving birth are extremely common. Postpartum constipation, diarrhea, or pain during bowel movements after giving birth could be caused by many things, including hormones, stress, and even hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids can appear because your uterus puts pressure on the veins in your anus. You don’t typically feel internal hemorrhoids, but external ones can make you feel painful and itchy. You may also see blood in your stool from the hemorrhoids’ bleeding, whether they’re internal or external.

For prevention, eat a high fibre diet postpartum that includes fruits, nuts and seeds, legumes, and whole grains. Fibre and good hydration can help soften your stools so that they pass easier — a good reason to start eating more fibre along with it being really good for your overall health.

Caring for postpartum hemorrhoids if you do have them is doable, however, and they’ll usually resolve in days or weeks. You can treat hemorrhoids at home by using witch hazel, soaking in a warm bath, taking ibuprofen, and applying an ice pack to your backside to help ease the pain. If you can’t get any relief on your own and need to get in touch with a doctor, they may prescribe stool softeners or other treatments for hemorrhoids.

When is it safe to have sex again?

There’s no required amount of time you have to wait, but doctors advise against anything being inserted into the vagina for at least four to six weeks to give your body time to heal. It’s not uncommon to have a yeast infection postpartum either as a result of antibiotics during or after delivery. Yeast also thrives in a moist environment, so it’s important to stay on top of changing pads each time you use the bathroom to help stay dry.

Also, if your libido isn’t back soon, it’s nothing to worry about. Your body has undergone a major physical change, your hormones are imbalanced, and you’re seriously lacking sleep, so don’t be too hard on yourself.

When do you get your period after giving birth?

So you’ve given birth, now do you get more time off from having your period? Not exactly. If you’re not breastfeeding, your period can come back roughly around six weeks, although it may take more than that for some women.

If you are breastfeeding, you may get an even longer break from your period. It could take as little as six weeks to return, or as long as 24. This is because the hormone that helps you make milk stops you from ovulating and having your period. And, if you breastfeed only some of the time, your period may return sooner — within six to twelve weeks.

How long does it take to recover after giving birth?

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to recovering after giving birth. Just know that it’ll be an ongoing process and patience is key. With that being said, here’s a handy list of some of the items mentioned above as well as some others that you may want to keep on hand:

• Ibuprofen — for vaginal soreness, postpartum headaches, and more, ibuprofen is great to have on hand when taken as directed
• Maternity pads — for bleeding and discharge. You can also get incontinence pads for postpartum since bladder incontinence postpartum is common. This can also be treated with pelvic physiotherapy.
• Cotton underwear — purely for comfort. Sexy underwear can wait.
• Witch hazel — to help ease the pain of hemorrhoids, vaginal tears, and swelling
• Ice packs — also to ease the pain of hemorrhoids, vagina tears, and swelling
• Peri bottle (squirt bottle) — to clean keep your perineal area clean after going to the washroom
• Fibre-rich foods and stool softeners — to allow stool to pass through your rectum easily and help prevent hemorrhoids
• Nursing bras and pads — for easy access to breastfeeding and to prevent leakage
• Heating pad — for cramps, joint, or muscle pain
• Lanolin-based creams — for cracked nipples from breastfeeding
• Compression socks and leggings — to help provide relief from postpartum swelling

The long-term outlook

The long-term effects of pregnancy on the body are varied and might even seem odd. Everything from bigger feet to hair loss and skin changes (which is temporary — hair growth returns and skin issues tend to sort themselves out, thank goodness). If you delivered your baby preterm (before 37 weeks), long-term effects also mean you’re at greater risk of heart problems. Your pelvic floor can also suffer long-term consequences, which can lead to urinary incontinence and pelvic pain during sex.

But the long-term effects of pregnancy aren’t all bad. If you breastfeed, for every 12 months you nurse your baby, you cut your risk of developing breast cancer by four percent. And each full-term pregnancy that a woman carries reduces her risk of developing ovarian and endometrial cancer.

If you find you’re in need of extra care, you can always get in touch with a Canadian-licensed doctor on Maple. Whether it’s in the middle of the day or at 1am when you can’t sleep because of pain or discomfort, our doctors are available 24/7 and can help you from your phone, tablet, or computer

Having a baby puts your body through a lot. You grow another human being inside of your body, deliver it, and make food for it. And you do most of that on little to no sleep. Your body works overtime to do this, and your after-pregnancy care should reflect that.

So let those dishes pile up and feel free to leave those emails unanswered for a while. Having a baby is hard work, your first priority is taking care of them and yourself.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post Postpartum care: your body after birth appeared first on Maple.

What to do if your newborn baby or infant isn’t eating

There are a few reasons that a newborn baby may not be eating enough — a tongue tie, illness, or being born prematurely. But regardless of the reason, if your newborn isn’t feeding normally, you should call their healthcare provider, especially if your baby’s sleepy and has a loss of appetite.

This can be a sign of illness, infection, or low blood sugar. Infants dehydrate easily and not eating can quickly turn into a medical issue. Generally, they shouldn’t go without feeding for longer than five hours for their first 12 weeks.

How to increase a newborn or infant’s appetite

Newborns have tiny stomachs. They can only take in a little bit of food at each feed and need to eat every two to three hours, or a minimum of eight times a day. For the first few weeks of their life, it might seem like your newborn is constantly at your breast or wanting their bottle. It’s a lot of work but as they grow, their stomachs will too, and the amount of food they take at each feeding increases.

As much as you may want to boost your newborn’s appetite, the only safe way to do it is to wait. There are no vitamins for babies to increase their appetite, for example. And you should never force-feed them or add cereal to their bottle.

An infant’s digestive system isn’t ready for anything other than breastmilk or formula until around four to six months. Introducing it sooner in place of breastmilk or formula can put them at risk for nutritional deficiencies.

What causes loss of appetite in babies?

There’s a lot that can cause loss of appetite in a baby’s first year. Your baby will likely double their birth weight in the first four months. By the time they hit one, they’ll probably have tripled it. You’ve no doubt heard about growth spurts — periods of time where babies grow more rapidly and noticeably than other times.

To facilitate all that growth, they’ve got to drink a lot of milk or take in a lot of formula. But when that growth spurt ends, their appetite often falls off for a little while. We often see this temporary loss of appetite in three to four-month-old babies because they’ve just come off of a growth spurt.

Loss of appetite in your baby at two months might also be because of a lull in growth, but it’s more likely due to a change in the composition of your breastmilk. Until about six weeks, your breast milk contains colostrum, which has a laxative effect on the baby. As the amount of colostrum diminishes, your baby’s food goes through them less rapidly, which can trigger a decrease in appetite — as well as the number of poopy diapers you deal with.

Other causes for loss of appetite in babies include:

• Teething – a baby’s appetite may be affected by this when their teeth start to come in at about six months and the last of their baby teeth, the molars, appear around age two. Unfortunately, teething can affect a baby’s appetite — and a toddler’s too — which can strike pretty much any time within their first two years. Luckily, teething symptoms like loss of appetite, sore gums, irritability, and drooling don’t typically last longer than a few days per tooth.
• Feeling overheated – Overheating can cause your baby to sweat and become cranky, which can make them not want to eat. Try cooling them down with a wet cloth, dressing them in cotton clothing, and staying under shaded locations.
• Certain types of food – Since some foods take longer to digest — like whole grains — they may make your baby not want to eat. If your baby is starting on solid foods, it may also make them want to eat less since digestion takes longer than the milk they’ve had for the last six months. Try introducing solid foods in smaller quantities to avoid sudden loss of appetite in your baby.
• Vaccinations– a loss of appetite after vaccination in babies is also common. This is because babies can get a fever from the vaccination or feel pain around the injected area. However, if your baby isn’t eating for more than 24 hours after being vaccinated, you should speak to a doctor.
• Too many fluids – Giving your baby too many fluids before or with a meal can make them feel full pretty easily. With a tiny stomach full of liquid, your baby may not want to eat. If they’ve recently had breastmilk or formula, there’s no need for excess water and juice.
• Infections – Viral and bacterial infections in babies could also bring on loss of appetite symptoms — anything from the flu to an ear infection. This discomfort can make it hard for your baby to eat. On top of that, certain antibiotics can cause a lack of appetite in babies. It’s important to speak with a doctor if you notice your baby’s symptoms from the infection are getting worse.
• Growth – your baby’s growth cycle can affect their appetite too. Since babies grow the quickest during their first six months, they’ll take in a lot of breastmilk or formula. From there, your baby’s growth cycle slows down between six and 12 months and again from 12 to 19 months. This means they don’t need as much food as they did when they were first born.

Symptoms of loss of appetite in babies

It’s important to monitor if your baby has a sudden loss of appetite since it could mean they’re sick. Symptoms that often accompany a loss of appetite in babies include:

• Drooling – this could be because of your baby’s teething affecting their appetite, a cold, or even allergies.
• Coughing, vomiting, or both – this might occur in a sick baby with no appetite because of a viral illness like a cold or the flu
• Irritability – this can occur whether the cause is teething or an infection
• Not eating their usual favourite foods – this can be caused by an upset stomach, teething, a cold, the flu, and more.

Tips for how to increase my baby’s appetite

There are many things you can do to increase your baby’s appetite — not only to gain weight but to improve your baby’s nutritional intake as well, such as:

• Giving them a variety of textures and flavours like bananas, sweet potatoes, eggs, meat (introduced after six months), and cheese (introduced after eight months).
• Encouraging tummy time, rolling on the floor, and any other physical activity your baby is able to do.
• Offering new food along with foods you know your baby likes — don’t be afraid to try giving the new food more than once either.
• Preparing the same food in different ways. Maybe your baby isn’t a fan of whole bananas but will drink them in a smoothie with other fruit, for example.
• Limiting mealtime to 20 minutes max and making sure there are no distractions, such as a TV or iPad.

Does a baby get more full with baby food or formula?

Formula is filled with a protein that keeps your baby fuller longer. However, introducing baby food — a form of solid food — at six months of age isn’t meant as a way to fill your baby up more than formula. A goal to starting them on solid foods is to introduce them to different flavours and textures.

When you start introducing solid food to your baby at this age, it’ll only be in little amounts. This means they’ll need the formula for nutrition and to help fill up their tummy. This combination should continue until they reach about 12 months of age when they no longer need formula and can just rely on solid foods.

When should I worry about my baby not eating?

Worrying yourself sick if your baby doesn’t finish every meal isn’t always necessary since they may simply be going through a growth spurt. But, if you notice a big change in your baby’s eating habits, it’s important to keep a close watch over the next few days. However, weight loss, excessive tiredness, appearing dehydrated, vomiting (more than just typical spit-up), and diarrhea can be a medical emergency in a young baby, so you should seek medical attention right away.

Loss of appetite in toddlers

Your three-year-old might eat as much as a full-grown adult sometimes, but a cookie is still big enough to take the edge off their hunger. While the end of a growth spurt could be the culprit, if your toddler is suddenly eating less at mealtimes, find out if they’re snacking throughout the day.

A granola bar or a handful of veggie chips likely won’t fill you up, but your toddler’s stomach is much smaller. Keep food to mealtime as much as possible or get used to trotting out dinner again just before bedtime.

While loss of appetite is usually nothing to worry about, it can sometimes mean your toddler is sick — especially if they have other symptoms. If your toddler has both diarrhea and loss of appetite, for example, it’s possible that they’ve come down with stomach flu — whether they have a fever or not. And a vomiting toddler with loss of appetite and diarrhea likely has gastroenteritis or the stomach flu. You can usually treat these conditions at home provided you monitor your child for signs of dehydration.

As upsetting as it can be, loss of appetite in babies is common and you can usually trust that your baby’s body knows what it needs. It’s important to note though that newborns and infants can become dehydrated if they don’t have breastmilk or formula every four to six hours.

If your newborn or infant appears to be lethargic, has weak muscles, or is crying inconsolably, this should be treated as a medical emergency. If your baby isn’t eating or showing any signs of being sick, however, it’s a good time to check in with a doctor.

With Maple, you can speak to a doctor about your baby not eating without having to leave home. Simply connect from your phone, tablet, or computer 24/7 for an online visit — you can even choose free prescription delivery to your home. Feel at ease about your baby’s health knowing that care from a Canadian-licensed doctor is just a few taps away.

The post Loss of appetite in babies appeared first on Maple.

Signs of mental health problems in children

Childhood is marked by constant change. That can make it difficult to distinguish between markers of mental health issues and normal pediatric behaviours and stages. Teenagers, for example, tend to be sleepier in the daytime and need more hours of sleep than pre-teens. While this may signal depressive symptoms, it’s often normal for many teens. In adults, however, this behaviour is more likely to be a sign of depression.

When it comes to younger children, they might not have the vocabulary or emotional maturity to be able to express what they’re feeling. They’re much more likely to exhibit distress through changes in behaviour.

Regardless of your child’s life stage, however, there are certain markers that you can look out for. The following signs and symptoms may indicate a mental health issue in a child:

• Avoiding school, family, or friends
• Difficulty making friends
• A decline in academic performance or low grades
• Acting out, getting into trouble
• Significant changes in mood or behaviour
• Frequent mood swings
• Complaining of frequent headaches or stomach aches without an underlying medical issue
• Persistent sadness lasting two weeks or more
• Not caring about their appearance (in older children)
• Putting an extreme focus on their weight 
• Significant changes to eating, sleeping patterns, or both
• Drinking, taking drugs, or both
• Excessive worrying

What can affect a child’s mental health?

Both nature and nurture affect a child’s mental health. Genes can predispose certain children towards certain conditions, and some are especially heritable. If you have a parent with ADHD, for example, you’re more likely to have it too. And, no matter which one they have, if you have a parent who has a mental illness, you’re much more likely to suffer from depression as an adult.

Luckily, genetics aren’t absolute. While your mother or father may pass down a gene that predisposes you towards depression, for example, if environmental factors don’t “turn on” that gene, you may never develop that condition. This is why environment is such a critical part of a child’s development.

Children who experience extreme deprivation, parental substance abuse, homelessness, or domestic abuse are all particularly vulnerable to mental health issues. Trauma, such as sexual or physical abuse, neglect, or witnessing the death of a loved one also makes a young person more vulnerable to mental health issues.

For a child’s mental health, however, nothing is more important than stability and a strong bond with a loving and responsible parental figure. If that bond is disrupted or dysfunctional, it can have major repercussions. Children as young as one-and-a-half have been found to suffer from mental health issues due to disruptions in the normal parent-child relationship.

How the COVID-19 pandemic has affected mental health in children

The COVID-19 pandemic has been awful for everyone, but some of the hardest hit have been children. Children are resilient, however, their youth and immaturity also make them vulnerable, and the uncertainty, instability, and reduction in social connections of the past two years had a huge effect. 

Pre-pandemic, about 1.2 million Canadian children and youth had some form of mental illness. Research shows, however, that closing schools and increasing the amount of time spent learning online caused rates of anxiety and depression to spike among children. This was especially true for those whose parents lost their jobs, or whose families became food insecure during the pandemic.

What are some examples of mental illness in children?

While mental illness is often thought of as something that only adults deal with, half of all mental health challenges begin by age 14. Some of the most common examples of mental illness in children include:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — characterized by consistent fears and hypervigilance, PTSD develops after a traumatic event such as a car accident or experiencing sexual abuse. Children may have flashbacks, nightmares, and experience intrusive thoughts.
• Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — while technically categorized as a psychiatric disorder, ADHD is much more commonly referred to as a neurological one. Classic symptoms include hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Diagnosis is more common in boys than girls, likely because symptoms in girls present differently.
• Anxiety disorder – anxiety disorders can manifest in children in a few different ways. They may experience generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), characterized by persistent worrying about different issues that don’t merit that amount of distress. Alternatively, their anxiety might be more specific, focusing on social settings, or surrounding separation from a parent.
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) — ASD is a developmental disorder and doesn’t fall under the umbrella of mental health. Despite this, it may be diagnosed by a psychiatrist or pediatrician. Individuals with ASD are also more likely to be diagnosed with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• Depression — researchers estimate that about 2% of children and between 4 and 8% of youth deal with depression, also known as major depressive disorder. This may manifest as persistent feelings of sadness. It may also show up, however, as recurring stomach or headaches, or as fatigue and low energy.
• Eating disorders — eating disorders tend to begin between the ages of 10 to 20, although children as young as five have been diagnosed as well. Disordered eating may involve restrictive eating, overeating, or binging and purging.
• Psychosis — although it’s a symptom of mental illness and not one itself, first-episode psychosis often develops in the late teens or early twenties. During an episode of psychosis, a child or youth may experience hallucinations and delusions. While psychosis may be the result of a chronic mental illness like schizophrenia, it can also be stress or drug-induced. Many people experience only a single episode of psychosis in their lives and never go on to have another episode.

How are mental disorders diagnosed in young children?

If you think something’s going on with your child, you should begin by making an appointment with their healthcare provider. Children are complicated, and not all of their behaviours are straightforward. Certain symptoms like persistent tummy aches may seem like they’re an indication of constipation, for example, while they might actually be a sign of depression or anxiety instead.

Your child’s healthcare provider can help to figure out what’s actually going on. In order to diagnose a mental illness, they’ll take a patient and family history. This usually involves going over a timeline of behavioural and academic changes with primary caregivers. 

Finally, they’ll likely administer specific standardized assessments and questionnaires to the child and interview and observe them. If necessary, they can refer them to a therapist or a psychiatrist, or help you to access other resources in your community.

What does good mental health in children look like?

Experiencing good mental health isn’t the same as being happy all the time. It’ll look different for each child and each family. That being said, there are some general signs that can give you insight into your child’s state of mind.

Children — even teenagers — are naturally curious. If your child is asking questions, engaging and exploring different topics, this is a good sign. This applies to their social life as well. 

Introverted children might not be as social, but even they want to be around others occasionally. Whether they have one or many close friends, if your child is socializing and interacting with others it’s likely a positive. Feeling connected is a key component of maintaining good mental health.

Another great indicator of how things are going with your child is how they’re functioning in their day-to-day life. Do they wake up and get to school on time, groom and dress themselves, and complete their schoolwork? Younger children will need help with many of these things, but if they’re happily sticking to the routine it’s also a positive.

Even the happiest child has bad moods sometimes, but if your child’s moods seem mostly stable, they’re maintaining their routine, and being social, it’s a good sign.

How to support a child with mental health issues

The mental health of a child is directly tied to their relationship with their caregiver, and to their caregiver’s stability. A strong relationship with a caring and supportive caregiver can diminish any harmful effects a child experiences.

Foster an open and caring relationship with your child. Knowing they can trust and confide in someone is crucial for stemming feelings of isolation that mental health issues can bring on.

If you feel comfortable, it may also be helpful to speak to your child’s teacher. Filling them in on the situation gives them the opportunity to provide additional support at school. Your child’s teacher may be able to help foster feelings of belonging in their school community. They can also offer extra support with academics if needed.

How can parents help their children’s mental health?

Maintaining an open and caring relationship with your child is crucial, but there’s more to it than that. Help your child to develop a positive sense of self by encouraging them to have healthy relationships with others. You should also help them to set attainable goals, making sure to celebrate their accomplishments and achievements.

Model healthy behaviours and attachment. You can do this by normalizing things like having dinner together as a family and resolving conflicts respectfully. While boundaries are important to impose and stick to, avoid criticizing or shaming your child for things. It’s okay to label your child’s behaviour as bad or unacceptable, but not them.

Ask questions about your child’s life. Depending on their age, this may be difficult, but try to engage your child in conversation. Actively listen to your child in a supportive and non-judgmental way. This lets them know that they’re important to you and that what they do and say has meaning.

Finally, try to put yourself in your child’s place. It might not seem like a big deal if one of your eight-year-old’s friends doesn’t invite them somewhere, but try to remember how important social acceptance was for you in third grade. 

How a mental health physician can help

While focusing on your child’s physical health might seem like the number one priority as they grow up, their mental health is just as important. And the only constant with children is change, which can make it hard to pinpoint certain behaviours as concerning. But you know your child best, and if you feel that something’s wrong, you’re probably right. Seeing a mental health professional may be an important first step in figuring out what’s going on with your child psychologically and socially. 

With Maple, you can book an appointment to see a mental health physician whenever and wherever it’s most convenient for you. Taking into account your child’s individual needs, they may be able to recommend a treatment plan including medication, counselling, or both. And, if you live in Quebec, a mental health physician can also diagnose and treat ADHD. 

If you’re concerned that your child is wrestling with a mental health issue, reach out today and take the first step towards helping them get professional support and peace of mind.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post How do I know if my child has a mental health problem? appeared first on Maple.

What does caregiving look like?

Caregiving tasks can be straightforward such as driving someone to medical appointments or picking up or dropping off groceries or medication, which could translate into an hour or so a week. They can also be more intensive, such as helping with daily living tasks like bathing, getting dressed, and eating. Caregiving almost always includes providing emotional support. When caregiving is intensive, it’s equivalent to a part-time – or even full-time – job in addition to your other responsibilities, such as work or your own family.

These factors contribute to making the experience of caregiving more challenging than it was for previous generations. That being said, helping someone who has care needs can feel like the most natural thing in the world. If your partner or spouse has an illness or disease, you of course do your part in caring for them. Similarly, if aging parents need help with different tasks, many adult children “naturally” step up to provide care. 

Why you need caregiver support, and when it’s time to reach out for help

• There is a diagnosis of a serious illness or disease, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, kidney disease, or dementia. You want to plan for what lies ahead, but don’t know where to start.
• Your parent(s) are in physical decline and you believe they need more help to manage, but they refuse to accept it. You don’t know what to do.
• Your mom or dad is exhausted from caring for their partner or spouse and you want to lighten their load.
• There is a diagnosis of dementia. You don’t know what to expect or how to respond to certain behaviours. 
• You are feeling overwhelmed trying to juggle the care you are providing with your other responsibilities. You want to know how to better manage everything that’s on your plate.
• You are stuck in cycles of negative emotions, like guilt, resentment, or anger. You want to get “unstuck”.
• It’s a time of transition, from needing home care to downsizing to a move to a retirement home or long-term care home. You want to understand all the different options and attendant costs, plus how to have a conversation about this transition.
• There is conflict and tension between siblings regarding the care needs of an aging parent. You could use some strategies on how to best resolve this tension.
• You can’t stop worrying about the person you’re caring for. You want to know how you can reduce this worrying.
• You want to understand all the financial support and funding that’s available for you and the person you’re caring for.
• You need more support and outside help with caregiving so that you can focus on your paid work.
• You want your parent to be able to live safely and independently as possible at home. You need help to set this up.
• You struggle with finding balance while also providing support to someone with mental health struggles.
• The person you’re caring for is no longer able to make their own decisions about personal care or their finances. 
• There’s a palliative diagnosis and you want to know more about end-of -life care.
• You’re a planner. You want to make sure you’re doing everything you can now and plan for future care needs.

You don’t have to do it alone

The comments you hear most often from people who have reached out to receive caregiver support are “I wish I had known about this sooner”, “I had no idea what support was out there for me and my family”, or “It feels so good to talk to someone about this”. There is no value in going at it alone, and no need to.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post Why you need caregiver support appeared first on Maple.