Growing Up: Baby – Details, episodes & analysis

“Disability is so unique from one person to the next in terms of how it impacts them outside of pregnancy and well as pregnancy.” 

Dr. Anne Berndl (MD MSc FRCSC) is the director of the Accessible Care Pregnancy Clinic at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. The clinic provides holistic, individualized obstetrical care to patients living with physical disabilities. 

Care options are individualized to each patient and their family, with the goal of providing seamless and holistic care throughout planning, pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period.

The Accessible Care Pregnancy Clinic opened in March 2017 and is the first of its kind in North America. It strives to improve obstetrical care for pregnant people living with physical disabilities. 

*This episode was recorded in 2024. 

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“Every pregnancy is different. There is something of a risk at every step of the way in every pregnancy.” 

While there is no ‘perfect’ prenatal scenario, Dr. Dini Hui ensures an optimal outcome for her patients. 

As a maternal fetal medicine specialist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, she cares for and advises those who have a ‘high risk’ or complicated pregnancy through consultation, frequent visits and specialized testing. 

*This episode was recorded in 2024. 

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It’s an expense that most parents can’t wait to do without: the cost of diapers. Of course, potty training is also a significant milestone for your little — and you too. Before embarking on this diaper-free journey, consider having a solid plan in place and asking yourself two key questions to determine readiness. In this episode, potty training consultant Lily Horbatiuk shares tips and tricks to a successful transition. 

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Dr. Chika Stacy Oriuwa leads a life of purpose. Heavily pregnant with her second child, Chika continues to write her memoir, advocate for the marginalized and work to end systemic racism in healthcare. In this episode, she shares how becoming a mother allows her to more deeply connect and empathize with her patients. Despite her professional successes, of which there are many, she puts happiness above all else — and wishes the same for her children. 

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Our Internet searches say a lot about us! This episode breaks down the top 5 online searches for the first half of 2023. From ‘lightning crotch’ (if you know, you know), to creepy crawlers in unmentionable places, the data is clear: parents are overwhelmed and looking for answers. Share a few laughs as we unpack and analyze what’s on Canadian parents’ minds.
~ Colleen Fisher Tully, freelance content writer & editor.

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It’s a gut wrenching feeling: Your toddler clinging to you while screaming and/or crying those big, real tears. If you’re struggling with dropping your little off at daycare, the babysitter, or with a loved one, you are not alone. In fact, separation anxiety is usually healthy and normal, and often shows a deep bond between parent and child. Explore attachment theory, and how a secure or insecure relationship may exacerbate these strong emotions. 

~ Mirra Wicker, licensed clinical social worker, founder of Ohana Therapy. Host of the Connected Beginnings Facebook page. 

Bonus Episode: Listen to Part 2 now!

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In this bonus episode, Mirra Wicker walks me through a typical morning, before the dreaded daycare drop off. She shares coping mechanisms and strategies for alleviating some of the separation tension — because your child is likely sensing your anxiety, despite your best efforts to appear calm, cool, or collected. 

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It's a big responsibility, naming that brand new tiny human! To choose the name they will carry for life, without even knowing who they are yet. Do you go for trendy, vintage, classic or quirky? Maybe there’s a family name you have to incorporate — but it’s dated, gendered, or downright unpalatable — what can you do?

Steph Coffield is a mom-of-three turned content creator and name consultant. She uses her imagination, creativity, and even historical data to help parents find the perfect name for their little one.

 

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Will you ever sleep again? Short answer: yes. When sleep is out of reach, thanks to miserable bedtimes, wakeful nights and early mornings, it can feel like a never ending cycle. While completely developmentally normal, the 18-month sleep regression is considered to be the toughest of the baby and toddler regressions. Rest easy, there are ways to manage — and survive — this trying time.

~ Bridget Jensen, consultant, Better Bedtime.

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Vassy Kapelos is a well known and respected Canadian journalist. While her on-air persona never wavered during her pregnancy, it was a different story behind the scenes. Vassy suffered from Hyperemesis, a debilitating and persistent disorder that gravely impacted her mental and physical well being. When her son was born, the symptoms disappeared — leading to her own feelings of rebirth. 

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