How Halton Region Health Department Supports Physician Offices
The Halton Region Health Department promotes healthy pregnancies and postpartum health through:
HaltonParents
HaltonParents uses reliable, evidence-based information to help parents get the answers they need about breastfeeding, pregnancy, caring for a newborn, behaviour concerns, mental health supports, and more! Encourage your patients to call 311 to speak with a public health nurse today.
Vist halton.ca/haltonparents
Online Prenatal Classes
Engaging and interactive online prenatal classes are FREE and available to all residents of Halton. Parents will learn about pregnancy, labour and birth, breastfeeding, newborn care, and Halton resources/supports at their own pace, using a computer or mobile device. Patients can register for Prenatal Classes online or by calling 311.
Breastfeeding
Increasing breastfeeding exclusivity and duration rates improves health outcomes for families in your care. Supports make a difference and there are many in Halton:
- Supports for your patients:
Halton Prenatal Nutrition Program
Halton Prenatal Nutrition Program (HPNP) is a free, weekly program providing extra support to parents who are pregnant until baby is 6 weeks old, run by public health nurses and a dietitian. It provides:
- A welcoming environment for young pregnant parents, families new to Canada or new to their community and those needing extra support.
- A connection to services available in the community.
- A healthy meal each week, and help accessing healthy foods and vitamins.
Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) Program
Ontario's Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) program provides parents to be and families with young children who are in need of extra support with home visits by public health nurses and trained family visitors. The aim of the program is to optimize prenatal, child development and parenting outcomes, and reduce health inequities.
Families who are experiencing challenges are more likely to accept a home visit if it is suggested by a physician or trusted professional. This is a free voluntary program and clients do not require an OHIP card.
- Parents may benefit from HBHC if they:
- have concerns about parenting, parent-child relationship or child health and development
- have a history of or are experiencing physical and/or mental health problems that may impact pregnancy or parenting
- are experiencing challenges associated with social determinants of health such as low income, lack of social support, or food insecurity
- To make a referral:
Patient support directory
Services for Patients with Substance Concerns
Helplines and Free Services for Patients Experiencing Perinatal Mood Disorders
- Thrive Counselling (external link)
Cost to patient: sliding scale based on income and family size (no fees for woman abuse services); Fee assistance available for those who qualify (as in financial need)
- Desk Reference Tool for Screening for Alcohol Use (external PDF)
Screening tool for physicians on how to assess risk status of all women with regard to alcohol use. Having the opportunity for a safe discussion of alcohol use before and during pregnancy, as well as capturing valid prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), can help prevent and diagnose Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
WHO growth charts and LookSee Checklist request
HaltonParents - Parenting Support for Families
Connect with our team of public health nurses: