Celebrate ‘Til You Bust!

Every year, I’m elated all over again with the things October brings to celebrate. Fall is my favourite season, so I dive right into pumpkin lattes, cozy sweaters and crunching leaves. We are also observing Canadian Breastfeeding Week, Yom Kippur, Thanksgiving, Diwali and Halloween this month! We are thinking of you all as you celebrate these events and others with family and friends.

“Fed is best” when it comes to babies, but if you have chosen and are able to breastfeed, it can be challenging. “So much of a person’s success with breastfeeding relates to the circle of supports around them. “ This year’s theme for Canadian Breastfeeding Week (October 1-7) is Step up for Breastfeeding – Educate and Support. It is about a community’s need to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Step up to support breastfeeding mamas on page 6.

Thanksgiving is a special time for me. It’s very important that I take time to show gratitude in my life. I am blessed with family, food, shelter and health. I am also very grateful for friends and those who support me, as well as the personal growth that is so important in my life. I hope you also find time to celebrate your thankfulness with those you love.

Of course, every kid’s favourite October holiday is Halloween! Our resident dietitian Jenn…OK, let me stop right there. I know what you’re thinking. Why am I going to read an article where a dietitian ruins the fun my kids can have at Halloween? Well, guess what? You’re wrong! Our resident dietitian Jenn knows exactly how important and fun Halloween is to your children. And she has great ideas on making sure the kids feel all the fun while the parents feel none of the guilt! Find out more on page 14.

Lastly, we’d like to celebrate three new members of The Mom & Caregiver family. Welcome to Luca and Nico, our new Kid Zone writers! (Here’s a secret – they’re actually the sons of our Frankly Fatherhood writer, Frank.) And welcome to Soulful Single Mom Lyndsay Campbell who brings her experience as a co-parenting mother and a Life Transformation Coach to our pages!

Happy October to all and happy celebrating this fall,

Sabina

 

Sabina Manji, a lifelong Londoner, is an irrepressible entrepreneur, mother of a wonderful son, and also a committed volunteer.