This week I had the pleasure of attending the Grande Conference of the Association of Lactation of Quebec. Going to conferences is always so stimulating and fun. You not only get to meet colleagues but you get to listen to great speakers!!

The first day monday was on postpartum depression and the new paradigm. We had the pleasure of listening to an amazing speaker, Kathleen-Kendall Tackett. I learned so much on the subject. I thought it would be interesting to share with you some of the key elements.

Post-partum depression is sometimes not always talked about because of the stigma attached to it. Many mothers go untreated just because they do not get the appropriate help and first of all diagnoses. Breastfeeding also gets blamed easily with postpartum depression. Certain cultures say that 10-20% of mothers get postpartum depression but some people think that the numbers can actually be as high as 40-50%.

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I had a patient who came to the clinic today with her 9 month old baby. She came because she injured herself trying to put the baby car seat in her car. These baby car seat are very difficult on mom’s backs. The reason is quite simple because even without a baby they are heavy and then when you add a baby they are heavier. Some parents are not all aware as to when they need to change car seats. So this is what happened today. The little guy was 9 months old and his feet were almost past the car seat. When I asked how what was the babies weight she could not answer ? She did not know if her car seat was good until 20lbs or more. This is little guy must have been very close to the limit! So do you know when to change the car seat? It is very important to read the instructions of the car seat you purchase! Some of the baby car seats usually have a maximum weight of 20lbs so check the weight of your child. Also kids should be rear facing as long as possible. I always refer to the web site of the SAAQ for information. Look for some clinics that are offered by your local police to make sure your car seats are well installed in your car.

Do you ever trouble parenting your kids. Do you feel like you just get frustrated because nobody seems to listen to each other and understand what is happening. Well last winter I attended this great workshop given by a friend of mine based on the book “talk so your kids will listen” . It was so helpful!! It allowed me to get some tools that are not only reward base or bribery base to make my kids listen to me! So I will give the information if you feel like attending a workshop I am sharing the information.

I have finally time to write a little note. I took a week off and recharged my batteries. I am ready for the fall and full of energy.

Now I thought I could share with you a few other things regarding the back to school. My kids started yesterday. Now we are slowly getting back in the school routine. Going to bed early, homework ( yes we had some on the first day!!) etc…

A few things to remember that this period can be quite stressful for kids. Some kids find it difficult to start up again and are anxious to see who will be their teacher and if their friends will be with them. Try to reassure them as much as possible. Make sure they go to bed early because they will be tired!!!

Yes it is that time of year already! It seems like yesterday we were just finishing school and starting summer vacation but school starts at least for us in less then 3 weeks. When you go shopping all the back to school supplies are out!! I think it is very important to talk about back pack. Many kids have the wrong back pack, carry it poorly, and do not know how to fill it. Back packs do create a lot of neck, upper and even lower back pain in kids. So here are some important recommendations to follow when shopping for a back pack:

1- Choose a back pack versus a bag that gets carried only on one shoulder