Pregnancy and Baby Supports

Find resources to help with breastfeeding, including:

• Advice for starting breastfeeding
• When to seek help with breastfeeding
• Sign up form to get free breastfeeding support from a Public Health Nurse
• Other resources in the community that offer lactation and breastfeeding help

Looking for information about infant formula? Read Infant Formula: What You Need to Know.

Balanced Beginning offers help and support as a group-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program to promote mental wellness in those who may be experiencing a PPMD.

• Pregnant and new parents with babies up to 18 months of age, who have been feeling depressed, down, anxious or overwhelmed may be eligible to participate.
• During this nine-week series you will meet weekly in a virtual group setting with a public health nurse to learn skills, strategies, and tools to help manage depression and anxiety.

Online prenatal classes allow you to learn from the comfort of your own home as you prepare for life with your baby. You will learn about pregnancy, labour/birth and caring for your baby. Each online class includes:

• Videos
• Learning activities
• Fun quizzes
• Helpful links and downloadable resources
• Parent’s toolbox with interactive tools

Healthy Babies, Healthy Children is a free province-wide program for families who are pregnant or with young children up to the age of six.

A Public Health Nurse and/or Parent Resource Worker provide information, support and referrals to parents and families. This might include a phone call after you have had a baby, and/or home visits for additional supports. 

Health care providers can refer you to this program. You can also refer yourself.

The Nurse Family Partnership is a free, enrollment-based home visiting service for eligible individuals who are pregnant with their first baby or preparing for their first parenting experience. Support is provided until the child turns two years old.

Eligible to individuals who are:

• 24 years of age or younger
• Pregnant with their first child OR pregnant and preparing to parent for the first time
• 28 weeks pregnant or less 
• Experiencing social or financial hardship
• Living in Elgin County, Oxford County, or the City of St. Thomas

Health care providers can refer you to this program. You can also refer yourself.