Best Links Newborn and Postpartum

All categories will have some overlap with each other. Links in this section include sites that address issues related to and that impact on pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and the newborn.

Breastfeeding

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
http://www.bfmed.org
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is an international organization of physicians dedicated to the promotion, protect and support of breastfeeding. The website features protocols developed by the ABM to manage common medical problems that impact breastfeeding success.

Depression During Breastfeeding
http://www.pregnancyanddepression.com/breastfeeding.html
This site is a collection of articles compiled from peer-reviewed journals, including the American Academy of Pediatrics on depression and pregnancy and the treatment of depression during breastfeeding.

Infant Feeding Action Committee (INFACT)
http://www.infactcanada.ca
INFACT Canada is a national organization that works to protect infant and young child health as well as maternal well-being through the promotion and support of breastfeeding and optimal infant feeding practices.

La Leche League Canada
http://www.lalecheleaguecanada.ca
La Leche League encourages and promotes breastfeeding through mother-to-mother support networks and educational opportunities. The site provides information for mothers and professionals.

La Leche League International
http://www.lalecheleague.org
The international site for La Leche League.

LINKAGES International Breastfeeding Project
http://www.linkagesproject.org/
LINKAGES offers technical information, assistance, and training to organizations internationally on the lactational amenorrhea method as a postpartum method of contraception for women who breastfeed.

Motherisk
http://www.motherisk.org/breastfeeding/index.php3
Motherisk provides authoritative information and guidance to pregnant or lactating patients and their health care providers regarding the risks associated with drug, chemical, infection, disease and radiation exposure(s) during pregnancy. This page offers information on street and prescription drug contra-indications for breastfeeding mothers.

Ontario Human Rights Commission
http://www.ohrc.on.ca/english/guides/pregnancy-breastfeeding.shtml
Breastfeeding rights for women in Ontario.

Pan American Health Organization
http://www.paho.org/Project.asp?SEL=TP&LNG=ENG&ID=188
The Pan American Health Organization is an office of the World Health Organization. The site offers a Bulletin from the Division of Health Promotion and Protection, Maternal and Child Nutrition.

Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dca-dea/prenatal/nutrition_e.html
The Public Health Agency of Canada page on breastfeeding resources. Includes key resources for mothers and for professionals including: Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants; A Multicultural Perspective of Breastfeeding in Canada; Ten Great Reasons to Breastfeed; Ten Valuable Tips for Successful Breastfeeding.

World Health Organization
http://www.unicef.org/nutrition/index_breastfeeding.html
The Infant and Young Child Feeding/Maternal Nutrition page of the World Health Organization. The website offers publications and resources for professionals.

Wellstart International
http://www.wellstart.org
Wellstart seeks to advance the knowledge, skills, and ability of health care providers regarding the promotion, protection, and support of optimal infant and maternal health and nutrition from conception through the completion of weaning.

Disabilities

Canadian Paraplegic Association
http://www.canparaplegic.org/national/level2.tpl?var1=story&var2=12.00
Information from the Canadian Paraplegic Association about some of the common problems that women with spinal cord injuries face during pregnancy.

DAWN Ontario (DisAbled Women's Network Ontario)
http://dawn.thot.net/index.html
DAWN Ontario is a progressive, volunteer-driven, feminist organization promoting social justice, human rights and the advancement of equality rights for women with disabilities through education, research, advocacy, coalition-building, resource development and information technology.

Disability Pregnancy & Parenthood international (DPPi)
http://www.dppi.org.uk/nationalcentre.html
The National Centre for Disabled Parents presents this information resource for women with disabilities who are or wish to become pregnant.

General

Mother and Child Glossary of Health on the Net Foundation
http://www.hon.ch/Dossier/MotherChild/
A page on the Health on the Net Foundation devoted to defining and explaining terminology used in maternal and newborn health. Useful for researchers and community-based practitioners.

National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition
http://www.hmhb.org
The National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition is a US based organization that provides resources in maternal and child health. The site includes information on breastfeeding, immunization, newborn screening.

Ontario Newborn Screening Program
http://www.newbornscreening.on.ca/bins/index.asp
The Ontario Newborn Screening program currently screens every baby born in Ontario for at least 27 diseases, with more planned for the future, to ensure that every baby has the best start in life. The website includes information for health care providers, parents, and the public.

Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) promotes optimal women's health through leadership, collaboration, education, research and advocacy in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology. The website provides publications, information sheets, lists activities and events and delivers online courses for professionals and also provides a page of information for the general public.

The Family-Centred Maternal and Newborn Care National Guidelines
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dca-dea/prenatal/fcmc1_e.html
Developed by a coalition of health care providers and professional groups, the National Guidelines share best practices in maternal and newborn care. Issues covered include preconception, pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum issues and beyond.

World Health Organization, Department of Reproductive Health and Research
http://www.who.int/reproductive-health/MNBH/index.htm
The WHO website provides current research, statistics and information about the state of reproductive, maternal and newborn health around the world. The website includes current studies, guidelines and other publications.

 

Low Birth Weight

Low Birth Weight Fact Sheet
http://www.cfc-efc.ca/docs/cich/00000011.htm
A fact sheet by the Canadian Child Care Federation providing a basic overview of the issues of low birth weight. Dated 1996.

Ottawa Coalition for the Prevention of Low Birth Weight
http://www.successby6ottawa.ca/lbwfpn/english/
This Ottawa based group is a coalition of agencies, health care providers, and organizations whose goal is to promote healthy births through awareness of the impact of low birth weight on babies, their families and communities. The website provides information, resources, publications and referrals for further information.

Multiple Births

Multiple Births / Naissances multiples Canada
http://www.multiplebirthscanada.org/english/index.php
Multiple Births / Naissances multiples Canada is a cross- Canada initiative that strives to improve the quality of life for multiple-birth individuals and their families. The website includes links to an extensive network of local chapters, health care professionals and organizations, statistics, tips and a link to an electronic newsletter.

Toronto Parents of Multiple Births Association
http://www.tpomba.org/
The Toronto Parents of Multiple Births Association has been providing support and information to the multiple birth community for over 25 years. The website is directed at parents and families and provides information, resources, and referrals for further support.

Physical Activity

Mothers in Motion, Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport
http://www.caaws.ca/mothersinmotion/home_e.html
"A website for women who want to lead healthier lifestyles and mentor their children to do the same". The website offers helpful tips and advice for mothers, and those working with them, on how to incorporate healthy activity into the daily routine, including information on nutrition.

Post-Partum Mood Disorders

Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca/
The Canadian Health Network Sexuality and Reproductive Health page, accessible from their home page, provides good general information, publications and websites related to postpartum depression.


Centre for Addiction and Mental Health - Postpartum Depression: A Guide for Front-line Health and Social Service Providers
http://www.camh.net/Publications/CAMH_Publications/postpartum_depression_guide.html
A comprehensive guide that includes the best and most current studies to date on postpartum depression as well as practical experience from the field. The Guide was a collaboration between The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Journey Support Services, the University Health Network, Toronto Public Health and the Best Start Resource Centre.

Depression During Breastfeeding
http://www.pregnancyanddepression.com/breastfeeding.html
This site is a collection of articles compiled from peer-reviewed journals, including the American Academy of Pediatrics on depression and pregnancy and the treatment of depression during breastfeeding.

Our Sister's Place
http://www.oursistersplace.ca
Our Sister's Place is a Toronto-based organization that provides peer support, public education and professional resources on the topic of mood disorders associated with hormonal change. The website offers an online postpartum depression support group.

The Pacific Post Partum Support Society
http://www.postpartum.org
A website for mothers experiencing post partum related mood disorders. The site offers information and suggestions for assistance.

Postpartum Support International
http://www.postpartum.net
A website for mothers and fathers experiencing post partum related mood disorders. The site offers information and suggestions for assistance.

Women's Health Matters - Baby Blues or Postpartum Depression?
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/facts/quick_show_d.cfm?number=480
This page on the Women's Health Matters website describes the signs and symptoms of postpartum mood disorders and provides information on actions that can be taken.