Contact Us

Health Promotion

• Helplines - One-on-one counselling through our telephone
• Clinic
• Brochures, Posters and More

Motherisk Helplines

Every weekday, Motherisk counsellors share evidence-based information with women and health-care providers who call these Motherisk Helplines --

Motherisk Helpline, proudly sponsored by Shoppers Drug Mart (1-877-439-2744; 416-813-6780), provides information about the risk or safety of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal products, chemicals, x-rays, chronic disease and infections during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

• Alcohol and Substance Use Helpline - 1-877-327-4636
  for information about the fetal effects of alcohol, nicotine and drugs like marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy.
• Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy Helpline - 1-800-436-8477
  for information on "morning sickness" and how to treat it.
• HIV and HIV Treatment in Pregnancy - 1-888-246-5840
  for information about the possible effects of HIV and HIV treatment during pregnancy.

These Helplines are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. The Alcohol and Substance Use Helpline is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in each of Canada's time zones.

Motherisk Clinic

Each week 10 to 20 women come to the Motherisk Clinic in Toronto following exposure to known or suspected teratogens (substances that cause abnormalities in the developing fetus), new unfamiliar drugs, chronic drug therapy or drugs of abuse. Clinic visits are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, (416 813-6780).

Continuing Medical Education

Motherisk plays a major role in educating family physicians, obstetricians and other health professionals. Motherisk is also a frequent presenter at professional workshops, seminars and national/international scientific meetings.

During the academic year, Motherisk trains undergraduate and graduate students from the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Toronto, as well postgraduate trainees from Canada and abroad. For information about these training programs contact Motherisk's Assistant Director at momrisk@sickkids.ca

Collaborative Research and Publication

Motherisk works with research partners throughout Canada and around the world. Motherisk research groups include CCoPE for research into cancer in pregnancy, the HIV Network and Registry and FACE (Fetal Alcohol Canadian Expertise) that promotes collaborative research into the causes and effects of alcohol related birth defects.

Motherisk findings are published in peer-reviewed journals such as JAMA and the New England Journal of Medicine. Many of our publications are referenced throughout this Web site with links to the abstracts of the articles or the full text.

Community Action

Motherisk works in partnership with health and aid associations to deliver an innovative early intervention program called Breaking the Cycle. This is the first program in Canada to provide integrated services and support for addicted mothers and their children. At Breaking the Cycle, women have access to addiction counselling, developmental services, medical services, parent relief and parenting education and support.

Motherisk also participates in community health fairs and forums. Please call us if you are organizing a community event and we will send you Motherisk brochures and posters. We may even be able to arrange for a Motherisk speaker to talk to your group about drugs during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Brochures, posters and more

Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your infant. The new Motherisk Breastfeeding Wallet Guide contains basic safety information on the use of certain medications and products while you are breastfeeding your baby. Motherisk is pleased to offer this new educational Guide to moms and their health care providers. Individuals can get a sample Breastfeeding Wallet Guide by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Motherisk, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 1X8. Health care providers may use our Breastfeeding Wallet Guide order form.

The Motherisk Pregnancy Wallet Card contains basic information on risk/safety of products and medications in pregnancy. Well researched, up-to-date, handy and easy to read, the Wallet Card has been enthusiastically received by patients and doctors. Individuals can get a Wallet Card be sending a self-addressed, stamped enveloped to Motherisk, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Ave.,Toronto, ON M5G 1X8. Health-care providers may use our Wallet Card order form.

The Alcohol and Substance Use in Pregnancy brochure and poster are now available. The brochure is a 5 panel foldout with information about some of the myths vs facts about alcohol and substance use during pregnancy. English and French text on all brochures. The poster (14" x 18") is a handy size for doctor's offices, clinics, health units and community centres. The materials are free. You pay only the cost of postage and handling. Call the Alcohol Helpline at 1-877-327-4636 to order copies for your customers, clients and patients.

Alcohol Helpline refrigerator magnet (3" x 1½"). Postage and handling costs only. To order call 1-877-327-4636

NVP Helpline, 3-panel fold-out brochure for pregnant patients about nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (morning sickness). Free. To order call 1-800-436-8477.

The 4" x 9" postcard reminds women that if they are pregnant they have had unprotected sex. That means possible exposure to HIV. They can get more information by calling the Motherisk HIV Healthline. On the reverse side is information for doctors on how to enroll cases in our national HIV in Pregnancy Registry. Postcards available in French. Small and large size posters also available (English only). These items are free. To order call 1-888-246-5840