For those unfamiliar with the blogging world, Mom bloggers have a very strong role in the health of Canadians. As socially/digitally connected moms, we care. Be it in the form of a simple Tweet, responding to a fellow mother's questions about breastfeeding or car seat safety, or leaving comments on blogs or message boards, we help one another. By giving support when it comes to grief and loss of a child or sharing experiences so others know they are not alone, we  help one another.

When I was put on strict hospital bed rest for my high risk pregnancy, I was overwhelmed with all the support, love, and encouragement that came from readers all over the world. What could have been a depressing time (I was on my back for almost five weeks with only bathroom privileges!), wasn't! I received many comments, e-mail messages, cards, phone calls and visits from some blog friends (and friends I reconnected with via the 'net). I posted questions about preterm babies, checked out websites and mom boards that specialized in premature babies and preterm labor.

Then came the very early arrival of our daughter, Little One.  She arrived at 28 weeks gestation and spent the first 70 days of life in the NICU. Readers of my blog followed our long and sometimes scary journey. They shared in the ups and downs of each day in the hospital.

Mom bloggers do have an impact on health. By being there for other parents, we offer support. Just from the mental health standpoint, if I didn't have the blog during my bed rest during pregnancy or while our baby was in the NICU, I know I would probably not have come out of the experience as well as I did. This is just me being honest. The blog world lets us know that we are not alone. Other parents have gone through what we have and can provide a sense of community.

When I posted "HELP! How do I soothe a baby when teething?", I was overwhelmed with how many Moms replied to my Facebook status update.

I also received amazing advice from Moms on Facebook and Twitter when I posted that my toddler had been screaming all night, complaining that her legs and feet hurt. I am thankful to have the resources we have now. Drawing from the experiences of other moms (and of course, seeking advice from health professionals) has been such a blessing. In return for all the support I have been given, I've been prompted to become an advocate for premature babies and help raise awareness and give support to other parents of preemies.


Being a Mom is probably the hardest (yet most rewarding) job a woman could have. The daily struggles and anxieties of life and trying to find a proper balance between family, work and everything else are ever present. I have to say thank goodness for Mom bloggers! We do have an impact on the health of Canadians (as well as around the globe). Even my husband agrees!