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Planning a family? Or perhaps you've made a decision not to have a baby right now?
Either way, it’s important for women and men of reproductive age to be healthy for their unborn children. Whether you are planning it or not, pregnancies do happen. In fact, a Lakehead University study found…
Having a baby can be tiring physically, mentally, and emotionally. It's important to make the time to rest and relax as your health is important to the whole family. Here are a few other things you can keep in mind:
Weight loss. Do not try to lose pregnancy weight immediately. Weight loss…
The environment affects our children more than it does adults for various reasons (read on below). The Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s role is to inform the public about these risks and provide information on how to reduce them. We want to help you ensure your children – and all children living…
The safest place for your baby to sleep is on his or her back, in a crib, cradle or bassinet. We recommend you place your baby to sleep next to the adult’s bed for the first 6 months of life. Below are some more tips to remember when placing your infant to sleep:
Quick Tips to Remember…
Raising children is ultimately rewarding, but at times it can be frustrating and difficult. As the saying goes, children do not come with a handbook. In fact, most (if not all) parents could use a bit of help from time to time. It’s important to realize that there isn’t any one right way to raise…
This page contains a curated list of both local and provincial/federal resources, as well as information on a local working group that provides a network for professionals and other interested parties. This list was updated on April 4, 2024.
Upcoming trainings and workshops, suggested by SAGE…
The Sexual Health Clinic at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit provides education on a variety of topics including:
Birth control
Pregnancy and options
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) testing and counselling
Pap testing
General questions about sexual health
Our clinic is open to…
This webpage has been adapted from five rack cards for accessibility. The page can be printed or you can request a copy of the rack card(s) by making a request through our contact page and we would be happy to provide it.
Baby Teeth are Important
Caregiver wiping baby's gums with a soft cloth…
Sharing Nudes
Sharing nudes can be a normal part of exploring body and sexuality for young people, but it comes with risks. Before sending a nude, it's important to consider whether you feel pressured, if the recipient can keep it private, and whether you can avoid showing your face or identifying…
Puberty
Puberty is the time when kids mature into young adults through physical, emotional and social changes. These changes usually happen between 8 and 18 years of age. Some kids go through puberty quickly, others more slowly. Overall, puberty can last for 2-5 years. Parents often wonder how to…
Touch helps people connect, but children need to understand the difference between ‘okay’ and ‘not okay’ touch.
Here are five key points:
Ownership of Their Body: Teach your child that their body belongs to them. No one can touch them without permission, and inappropriate touches are wrong and…
Teaching Kids About Safe Touch, Consent, Bodies and Sex
When it comes to learning about sex, children learn from several different sources including parents, peers, schools, the internet, media, and religious institutions. However, parents are a child’s most important role model.
Talking to your…
How does pornography affect children, teenagers and young people?
When talking to your kids about sexuality and relationships, it’s crucial to recognize the troubling messages found in online pornography. Much of this content ignores the importance of consent and safe sex, normalizes violence, and…
Can Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding be used as a Method of Contraception (birth control)?
Yes. Breastfeeding/chestfeeding can be used for birth control, but only if you answer “Yes” to ALL of the four statements below:
My baby is less than 6 months old.
I have not had a period since my baby…