Catherine Lebel

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There was a very small increase in number of children at risk of developmental delay compared to babies born before the pandemic. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

‘Pandemic babies’ turn 5: Here’s what research tells us about their development and remarkable resilience

Gerald Giesbrecht, University of Calgary; Catherine Lebel, University of Calgary, and Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen, University of British Columbia

Our research has found that most pandemic-born children have been remarkably resilient to the disruptions caused by COVID.
Scientists and physicians raised concerns early in the pandemic that increased parental stress, COVID infections, reduced interactions with other babies and adults, and changes to health care may affect child development. (Shutterstock)

Pandemic babies’ developmental milestones: Not as bad as we feared, but not as good as before

Gerald Giesbrecht, University of Calgary; Catherine Lebel, University of Calgary, and Lianne Tomfohr-Madsen, University of British Columbia

Research findings are mostly reassuring for parents — despite the disruptions to nearly every aspect of life during the COVID-19 pandemic, most children continue to show healthy development.
Marijuana use in pregnancy is linked to preterm birth and small for gestational age infants. (Pixabay, Canva)

Marijuana and pregnancy: There’s no evidence that exposure is safe

Catherine Lebel, University of Calgary; Carly McMorris, University of Calgary, and Kathleen Chaput, University of Calgary

Legalization and social acceptability of marijuana have contributed to a false perception that it’s safe to use in pregnancy. The truth is, there is no known safe level of prenatal marijuana exposure.
Approximately 11 per cent of Canadian mothers report consuming alcohol during pregnancy, which can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in their children. (Shutterstock)

The truth about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Carly McMorris, University of Calgary; Catherine Lebel, University of Calgary, and Chantel Ritter, University of Calgary

With an estimated prevalence of four per cent, fetal alcohol syndrome disorder (FASD) is more common than autism. And yet is it surrounded by myth and stigma.

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