Christina is a registered nurse with 24 years of diverse experience. She is an early-career researcher, health systems leader, educator and mentor. Her program of research is focused on mental health, addictions and substance use health of childbearing families. She is thrilled to be joining the CHEO RI as the nursing research scientist whereby she will be supporting and mentoring CHEO nurses to develop research skills and lead collaborative projects.
Research Projects
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Characteristics of breastfeeding newborns in the first month of life with in utero selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medication exposure: a scoping review protocol
02/01/2024
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant medication in pregnancy. Up to 30% of newborns who are prenatally exposed to SSRIs demonstrate withdrawal signs. Poor neonatal adaptation syndrome represents a constellation of signs observed in these newborns. Little information has been studied regarding breastfeeding, as it relates to the impact of in utero SSRI exposure on the newborn. Parents have many questions regarding the safety of taking medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is important for health care providers to collate evidence-based information and facilitate shared decision-making. We aim to identify the approaches researchers have used to investigate in utero SSRI exposure among breastfed newborns to determine knowledge gaps.
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Cannabis use in pregnancy and maternal and infant outcomes: A Canadian cross-jurisdictional population-based cohort study
23/11/2023
The Government of Canada passed the Cannabis Act (Bill C-45) on October 17th, 2018, legalizing the possession, distribution, sale and production of cannabis in Canada [1]. Approximately 15% of Canadian women of childbearing age reported cannabis use in the year prior to legalization, a trend that is expected to increase with the changing legislation [2–4]. Cannabinoids readily cross the human placenta, potentially causing both immediate and delayed health effects [5]. It is hypothesized that prenatal exposure to cannabis produces similar outcomes to tobacco by reducing blood flow to the placenta [6]. Limited research has reported that prenatal cannabis exposure adversely impacts neurodevelopment in male fetuses but not female fetuses through growth restriction [7–13]. Evidence suggests potential sex differences in the affinity of cannabinoid receptor 1 in the brain, the main target of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol [12].
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Cannabis Use in Pregnancy and Downstream effects on maternal and infant health (CUPiD): a protocol for a birth cohort pilot study
12/12/2022
Cannabis is a widely used drug in developed and low/middle-income countries, with up to 1 in 10 individuals reporting past-year use in many countries.1 2 The prevalence of cannabis use in Canada has increased since 2011 due to increased social acceptability, accessibility and availability.3 Canada is among multiple countries that have legalised cannabis for any purpose (ie, medicinal and/or recreational purposes). In 2020, it was reported that approximately 20% of Canadians older than 15 years of age consumed cannabis, increasing from a prevalence of 14% in 2018 before legalisation.4 Notably, the prevalence of cannabis use in pregnancy has increased, and it is the second most commonly used substance in pregnancy, behind tobacco.5–9 Legalising cannabis and its increased use in many populations, including pregnant individuals, may contribute to a decreased perception of its harm.2 10