Pregnancy and Parenting Supports

Close up of a mother's pregnant stomach as she holds an ultrasound image.

Are you planning to start a family, recently welcomed a new addition, or already navigating the journey of parenthood? While being a parent or guardian is incredibly rewarding, it doesn't come with a manual. That's where we step in. Our dedicated team is here to offer guidance and support tailored to every stage of your child's development, ensuring the well-being of both you and your family.

Programs for Families

Our programs emphasize the importance of health and resilience, these programs offer a variety of services customized to meet the diverse needs of families from preconception through parenthood. 

Pregnant or planning for a baby?  Bump to Baby is a self-paced online prenatal program made by Canadian experts, designed to support you through pregnancy, labour and delivery, and life with your newborn. It’s flexible, fun, and totally on your schedule! You can go through the topics in order, or jump around and pick what information you need. Your access does not expire.

How to Access Bump to Baby

  1. Visit the Bump to Baby website and select Log In.

  2. Enter the following credentials:

    • Username: babyprep

    • Password: bump2baby

  3. Once logged in, you will have access to the platform content and resources.

If you experience any issues accessing the site, please ensure the login details are entered exactly as shown.

Resources

In addition to the prenatal information provided in Bump to Baby, you may be interested in the following community programs or websites of trusted Canadian organizations supporting maternal health, child health and parenting.

Questions?

  • If you have any questions please call us at: 1-844-575-4567.

Note: All information contained in this program is for general information purposes only. Bump to Baby does not provide medical advice. The information is not intended to replace or be a substitute for consultation with a qualified professional.

The Feeding and Nutrition Clinic helps parents develop skills to feed your baby, child, or yourself. One-on-one appointments can also support you to make food choices that are best for your family. Our Public Health Nurses or Registered Dietitians can support you in person, online, or over the phone. 

Please note: The in-person Clinic is ONLY offered to residents of City of Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland County.

How to Register

  • If you would like to be seen in the clinic, fill out the self-referral form or call 1-844-575-4567.

Support Information

  • For breastfeeding support after hours, please visit Health811 online or call 8-1-1.

If you live in the City or County of Peterborough:

Breastfeeding and Well Baby Clinic

  • Peterborough Child and Family Centres holds drop in breastfeeding clinics on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. breastfeeding classes. 

Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) is a free home visiting service, that is confidential and voluntary program for pregnant women and families with children up to age six. The Program provides you with advice and support at various stages to help you give your children the best start in life.

You may benefit from HBHC if you:

  • Are new to Canada
  • Are caring for a child with developmental concerns
  • Live in a rural, remote, or otherwise isolated area
  • Are experiencing challenges such as homelessness, financial stress, relationship difficulties, or involvement with child protection
  • Are experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns that affect your ability to parent

Eligibility

  • Live in Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough City or County, Northumberland County, Alderville First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, or Curve Lake First Nation
  • Be pregnant, have recently given birth, or be caring for a preschool-aged child
  • Be the legal guardian of the child(ren)
  • Be actively parenting the child(ren) in your home
  • Be available for home visits during office operating hours

How to Register

Questions?

  • If you have any questions please call us at: 1-844-575-4567.
  • If you are a Health Care Provider looking for a referral form click here.

The Infant and Child Development Program (ICDP) is a free home visiting service. Through the program we partner with families to support the growth and development of children, including those with developmental disabilities or at risk of developmental delay. Services are family-centred, mostly provided in the home, and include:

  • Developmental assessments to identify strengths and needs
  • Activities to promote learning and development
  • Support coordinating services with community agencies
  • Information and referrals to professional services
  • Community education

For more information please see our ICDP brochure.

Eligibility

  • Children from birth to school entry
  • Families seeking support for developmental growth or concerns

Important: The Infant and Child Development Program serves children living in Peterborough City or County only.

If you live outside Peterborough, please contact your local program provider:

How to Register

Questions?

  • If you have any questions please call us at: 1-844-575-4567.
  • If you are a Health Care Provider looking for a referral form click here.

Lakelands Public Health will send parents in Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton County a text message at 6 and 12 months postpartum with a link to a short survey. The survey asks about how you have been feeding your baby and a few questions about yourself. Participation is voluntary, anonymous, and confidential. Your responses help us improve services for families in your area.

For questions, call 1-844-575-4567.

Learn and Grow is a free email program that supports parents and caregivers through their child’s first 18 months. The emails share timely, easy-to-read information about baby care, infant development, and parent well-being. The emails are intended to help you build confidence as your child grows. Messages are sent more often in the early weeks and then monthly, and include links to trusted local supports and resources.

Sign-up here to get started! 

 

*Soon to be available for those living in Haliburton, Northumberland, and City of Kawartha Lakes region!

The Nurse Family Partnership® (NFP®) Program is a free home visiting service where public health nurses visit first-time parents during their pregnancy and the first two years of their child’s life. NFP® can help parents: have a healthy pregnancy, have healthy children, and meet school and/or work goals.

Eligibility

  • 24 years old or younger
  • Pregnant with your first child and/or first-time parenting
  • Pregnant 28 weeks or less
  • Experiencing financial hardship or limited resources
  • Living in Northumberland County, City of Kawartha Lakes, County of Haliburton, or the City or County of Peterborough.

What will you talk about during visits?

  • Having a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby
  • Developing your parenting skills
  • Building a strong network of support for you and your baby
  • Talking about your goals in life
  • Supporting you to create a safe and nurturing environment for you and your baby
  • Accessing other community resources that feel right for you
  • Building life skills such as budgeting, managing stress, and preparing healthy meals

How to Register

  • If you'd like to participate in the program fill out the self-referral form.
  • If you have any questions please call 1-844-575-4567.

Questions

  • If you have any questions about the Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP), please call 1-844-575-4567. 
  • If you are a Health Care Provider looking for a referral form click here.

If you need a pregnancy test or birth control, you can visit our Sexual Health Clinics, speak with your health care provider, or buy one from a pharmacy.  A pregnancy test is most accurate a few days past after you were expecting your period. The best time to do a test is with your first pee of the day.

Appointments are required, as walk-ins are not currently available. Book an appointment online, or to speak to a Sexual Health Nurse, call 1-844-575-4567.

City of Kawartha Lakes 

The City of Kawartha Lakes Prenatal Support Program is a team of Public Health Nurses, Family Home Visitors and a Registered Dietitian who are available to provide prenatal supports, including:

  • One on one nursing phone consultations
  • Prenatal infant feeding consultations
  • Prenatal nutrition education
  • Education related to the birth and labour process
  • Preparation to parent, and parenting resources
  • Access to a free online prenatal education
  • Referrals to community programs
  • Home visiting supports to eligible families

Eligibility

  • Live in the City of Kawartha Lakes
  • Are pregnant

How to Register

Questions?

  • If you have any questions, please call 1-844-575-4567.
  • If you are a Health Care Provider looking for a referral form click here.

Indigenous Prenatal/Postnatal support

Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre 

The Indigenous Prenatal Nutrition Program offers culturally relevant, community-based support to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous mothers and their newborns from prenatal to 6 months of age.

How to Register

Lovesick Lake 

This program educates, supports and provides healthy lifestyle choices for pre/postnatal women and their families through a nutritional and holistic approach.

Eligibility

  • Individuals with Indigenous ancestry living off reserve in the rural areas surrounding Peterborough County.

How to Register

Curve Lake First Nation, Health and Family Services

Provides primary care and programming that meet the community’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health care needs.

How to Register


Peterborough County and City

The Babies First Prenatal Nutrition Program is a weekly group that supports expectant parents with nutrition, pregnancy, and early parenting. Participants connect with others, build food literacy, learn about healthy eating, and receive guidance from a caring team of professionals. 

How to Register

Community Services for Families

There are many local services available in the community for parents and caregivers of young children. See below for a list of these services.

Calling or texting 2-1-1 or the 2-1-1 website can also help to find local community and social services.

Accessing Primary Care 

  •  More information coming soon! 

Prenatal Support  

  • Nurse Family Partnership - A free home visiting program where public health nurses visit young, first-time parents during their pregnancy and the first two years of their child’s life. If you'd like to participate in the program fill out the self-referral form. 
  • Chrysalis Outreach Midwives (CKL) - The program exists to serve people who have difficulty accessing care through traditional models, and is specifically for those unhoused, that have substance use issues and have significant mental health concerns.   

Breastfeeding Help 

Feeding & Nutrition 

Concerns about Child Development 

  • SmartStart Hub at Five Counties - Start here! If you have concerns about your child’s development, including speech and language development and to be connected directly to services and supports. 1-888-779-9916, ext. 100 
  • Tri-Regional Infant Hearing Program - If your baby did not have a hearing screen when they were born, contact your local clinic to have this done before 2 months of age. 1-888-703-5437 (Press 4 for Infant Hearing). 
  • Nurse-Family Partnership - A free home visiting program where public health nurses visit young, first-time parents during their pregnancy and the first two years of their child’s life. If you'd like to participate in the program fill out the self-referral form. 
  • Infant and Child Development Program (ICDP) A home visiting program for children who are or may become delayed in development or are diagnosed with special needs. Please contact your local program provider: 

Childcare 

Parenting Support 

  • EarlyON - EarlyON Centres are open to all families in Ontario. They're welcoming places that offer a range of services and resources such as fun activities, engaging in free play, encouraging connection among moms and children, and more. 
  • Kinark - Provides access to online self-directed Triple P Positive Parenting course. Also offers SNAP (Stop Now and Plan) program to support parents and their children with problem behaviours within the home. 1-888-454-6275 
  • Elizabeth Fry Society - Connected Caregiving Online program. See website for eligibility. 705-749-6809. 
  • SIRCH offers support for families experiencing challenging life circumstances. Peer support groups are offered in various locations throughout CKL and Haliburton. Contact 705-457-1742 or info@sirch.on.ca  

*Be sure to check out your local library to access parenting books for free! 

Indigenous Perinatal and Family Support 

Children and Families Living with Disabilities 

  • Kinark - Support for children and youth with complex needs includes autism and mental health support services 

Food/Clothing 

  • Minden Community Food Program - Provider of fresh, non-perishable and frozen food to individuals in the area of Minden Hills and Haliburton County.

Financial Support 

  • Ontario Works - Find information about financial assistance, benefits, and employment assistance. 
  • Ontario Disability - Find information about income support, benefits for health costs, and other disability supports. 

Oral Health 

  • Oral Health - Lakelands Public Health is committed to nurturing vibrant smiles that contribute to a healthier you. 

Mental Health 

  • Mental Health - Lakelands Public Health will help to find and connect you with community resources based on what you identify as a priority.    

Smoking 

  • Lakelands Public Health provides guidance, materials, and assistance to individuals seeking to quit smoking and vaping

Alcohol and Substance Use 

  • FOURCAST - We provide support for individuals and family members concerned with their substance use or gambling. 
  • RAAM Clinic - Expedited, barrier-free treatment for patients who are addicted to alcohol or opioids.

Sexual Health 

  • Sexual Health – Lakelands Public Health offers many resources and supports relating to sexual health. 

Intimate Partner Violence 

  • Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre - The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) provides healing, safety, and support to those affected by sexual violence and harm and aims to end sexual violence through prevention education within our communities. 

Legal Supports 

  • Family Law Information Centre - Learn about the services and resources offered at Family Law Information Centres and find one near you. 705-876-6915. 

Support for Newcomer Families 

  • New Canadian Centre Provides free and confidential services to immigrants and refugees living in the Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton or Northumberland regions. 705-743-0882 
  • New Youth - Online support and information for youth who are refugees and newcomers.

 

Accessing Primary Care 

  • Port Hope Medical Walk-In – 905-885-0062 
  • MacLaren IDA Walk-In – Monday/Wednesday/Thursday, 10:00am–2:00pm. 
  • Grafton Pharmacy Walk-In – Wednesday/Thursday, 9:00am–2:00pm. 
  • Trent Hills Pharmacy Walk-In - Monday–Friday, 9:30am–4:00pm (call to book appointment). 705-653-0404. 

Prenatal Support  

  • Nurse Family Partnership - A free home visiting program where public health nurses visit young, first-time parents during their pregnancy and the first two years of their child’s life. If you'd like to participate in the program fill out the self-referral form. 

Breastfeeding Help 

Feeding & Nutrition 

Concerns about Child Development 

  • SmartStart Hub at Five Counties - Start here! If you have concerns about your child’s development, including speech and language development and to be connected directly to services and supports. 1-888-779-9916, ext. 100 
  • Tri-Regional Infant Hearing Program - If your baby did not have a hearing screen when they were born, contact your local clinic to have this done before 2 months of age. 1-888-703-5437 (Press 4 for Infant Hearing) \
  • Nurse Family Partnership - A free home visiting program where public health nurses visit young, first-time parents during their pregnancy and the first two years of their child’s life. If you'd like to participate in the program fill out the self-referral form. 
  • Infant and Child Development Program (ICDP) A home visiting program for children who are or may become delayed in development or are diagnosed with special needs. Find out more at Northumberland Child Development Centre 

Childcare 

  • Find out if you qualify for childcare assistance in Northumberland County and learn more about what childcare options are available Child Care - Northumberland County 

Parenting Support 

  • EarlyON - EarlyON Centres are open to all families in Ontario. They're welcoming places that offer a range of services and resources such as fun activities, engaging in free play, encouraging connection among moms and children, and more. 
  • Kinark - Provides access to online self-directed Triple P Positive Parenting course. Also offers SNAP (Stop Now and Plan) program to support parents and their children with problem behaviours within the home. 1-888-454-6275 
  • Elizabeth Fry Society - Connected Caregiving Online program. See website for eligibility. 705-749-6809 

* Be sure to check out your local library to access parenting books for free!

Indigenous Perinatal and Family Support 

Children and Families Living with Disabilities 

  • KinarkSupport for children and youth with complex needs includes autism and mental health support services 

Food/Clothing assistance 

  • Brighton Fare Share Food Bank - 613-242-4054 
  • Campbellford Fare Share Food Bank - 705-653-1930 

Financial Support 

  • Ontario Works - Find information about financial assistance, benefits, and employment assistance. 
  • Ontario Disability - Find information about income support, benefits for health costs, and other disability supports.   

Oral Health 

  • Oral Health - Lakelands Public Health is committed to nurturing vibrant smiles that contribute to a healthier you. 

Mental Health 

  • Mental Health - Lakelands Public Health will help to find and connect you with community resources based on what you identify as a priority.    

Smoking 

  • Lakelands Public Health provides guidance, materials, and assistance to individuals seeking to quit smoking and vaping. 

Alcohol and Substance Use 

  • FOURCAST - Provides support for individuals and family members concerned with their substance use or gambling.  
  • RAAM Clinic - Expedited, barrier-free treatment for patients who are addicted to alcohol or opioids. 

Sexual Health 

  • Sexual Health – Lakelands Public Health offers many resources and supports relating to sexual health.

Intimate Partner Violence 

  • Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre - The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) provides healing, safety, and support to those affected by sexual violence and harm and aims to end sexual violence through prevention education within our communities. 

Legal & Housing Supports 

  • Family Law Information Centre Learn about the services and resources offered at Family Law Information Centres and find one near you. 705-876-6915. 

Support for Newcomer Families 

  • New Canadian Centre Provides free and confidential services to immigrants and refugees living in the Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton or Northumberland regions. 705-743-0882 
  • New Youth - Online support and information for youth who are refugees and newcomers. 

 

Breastfeeding Help

  • Lakelands Public Health’s Breastfeeding Support page has a lot of information and local supports.

Accessing Primary Care 

  • Peterborough Family Health Team Connect ClinicFor Peterborough residents who do not have access to a family doctor, including specific appointments for children 0–17 years of age who do not have a family physician. Appointment required.  705-651-4866. 
  • Well Baby Clinic - Provides routine check-up care to babies aged 2-18 months who do not have a primary care provider. Appointment required. 705-313-1603.   

Concerns about Child Development 

  • SmartStart Hub at Five Counties - Start here! If you have concerns about your child development, including speech and language development and to be connected directly to services and supports. 1-888-779-9916, ext. 100. 
  • Tri-Regional Infant Hearing Program - If your baby did not have a hearing screen when they were born, contact your local clinic to have this done before 2 months of age. 1-888-703-5437 (Press 4 for Infant Hearing) 
  • Nurse-Family Partnership - A free home visiting program where public health nurses visit young, first-time parents during their pregnancy and the first two years of their child’s life. If you'd like to participate in the program fill out the self-referral form.
  • Infant Child Development ProgramA free home visiting program for children who are or may become delayed in development or are diagnosed with special needs. 

Prenatal Support Services 

  • PRHC Women’s Healthcare Centre - Information, support, counselling and treatment to help women prevent health problems and understand their choices when problems occur. 705-743-4132.   
  • Peterborough Child and Family Centres - A connection point for families who are expecting or with young children to flourish. Offers tools, resources, and knowledge to support families. 705-748-9144.
  • Partners in Pregnancy Care - Provides prenatal care throughout the entire pregnancy. Also provides breastfeeding support, newborn care, nutrition, social work and more. 705-741-1191. 

Pregnancy and Social Support 

  • School for Young Moms - Young students who are pregnant or have an infant under 18 months can access childcare, meals and connection while working toward their high school degree. 705-742-4632. 

Nutrition 

  • Babies First Prenatal Nutrition Program - A weekly group that supports expectant parents with nutrition, pregnancy, and early parenting. 705-748-9144. 
  • Come Cook With Us - Community members facing barriers to wellness are invited to join our cooking classes.  Options for in person, virtual and at home cooking challenges.  

Smoking 

  • Lakelands Public Health offers guidance, materials, and assistance to individuals seeking to quit smoking and vaping. 

Indigenous Perinatal and Family Support 

Prenatal Nutrition Programs 

  • Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre - The Indigenous Prenatal Nutrition Program offers culturally relevant, community-based support to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous mothers and their newborns from prenatal to 6 months of age. 
  • Lovesick Lake  - The Aboriginal Prenatal Nutrition Program was developed to address the physical, emotional, cultural & spiritual well-being of families who reside off reserve.    

 

Healthy Babies Healthy Children Programs 

  • Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle - 705-741-0900. 

 

More Support:

  • Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiyag Child & Family Services - A multi-service Indigenous child well-being agency providing a stable foundation for children, youth, and families through wraparound services that are culturally-based and family-focused. 705-295-7135.   
  • Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre - Provides a place of acceptance and well-being for urban Indigenous people through a wide range of community-based programs and services. 705-775-0387. 

Parenting Support 

  • EarlyON - EarlyON Centres are open to all families in Ontario. They're welcoming places that offer a range of services and resources such as fun activities, engaging in free play, encouraging connection among moms and children, and more.  
  • Kinark - Provides access to online self-directed Triple P Positive Parenting course. Also offers SNAP (Stop Now and Plan) program to support parents and their children with problem behaviours within the home. 1-888-454-6275. 
  • Elizabeth Fry Society - Connected Caregiving Online program. See website for eligibility. 705-749-6809.

*Be sure to check out your local library to access parenting books for free!  

Children and Families Living with Disabilities 

  • KinarkSupport for children and youth with complex needs. Includes autism and mental health support services. 705-742-3803. 
  • Five Counties Children’s Centre - Offers a range of services and support for children with physical, communication, and developmental needs. Register with the SmartStart Hub to find out which services and supports are available to you. 705-748-2337. 
  • Community Living PTBO - Provides a range of services to people living with a developmental disability and their families. 705-743-2411.

Food/Clothing 

  • Come Cook with Us - Free cooking sessions for those facing barriers. Learn new recipes, build food skills, connect with others, and get grocery gift cards. Call 705-743-1000 ext. 316 to see if you’re eligible. 

Financial Support 

  • Ontario Works - Find information about financial assistance, benefits, and employment assistance. 1-888-789-4199. 
  • Ontario Disability - Find information about income support, benefits for health costs, and other disability supports. 705-742-9292.

Oral Health 

  • Oral Health - Lakelands Public Health is committed to nurturing vibrant smiles that contribute to a healthier you.

Mental Health 

  • Mental Health - Lakelands Public Health will help to find and connect you with community resources based on what you identify as a priority.

Alcohol and Substance Use 

  • FOURCAST - Provides support for individuals and family members concerned with their substance use or gambling. (705) 876-1292. 
  • RAAM Clinic - Expedited, barrier-free treatment for patients who are addicted to alcohol or opioids. (705) 743-2121.

Sexual Health 

  • Sexual Health – Lakelands Public Health offers many resources and supports relating to sexual health. 

Intimate Partner Violence 

  • YWCA START - Support Team for Abuse Response Today. START is a service hub, available for drop-ins on Mondays, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, for women who have concerns about the safety of their relationship or who would like to find ways to move forward in their lives. 1-800-461-7656. 
  • Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre - The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) provides healing, safety, and support to those affected by sexual violence and harm and aims to end sexual violence through prevention education within our communities. (705) 748-5901.

Legal Supports 

  • Family Law Information Centre Learn about the services and resources offered at Family Law Information Centres and find one near you. 705-876-6915. 

Education Services 

  • School for Young Moms - Young students who are pregnant or have an infant under 18 months can access childcare, meals and connection while working toward their high school degree. 705-742-4632. 
  • Trent Valley Literacy Association - Offers one-to-one tutoring and small group learning to support adults to develop their reading, writing, and computer literacy skills for employment, education, apprenticeship, and independence. 705-749-0777. 

Children Support Services 

  • Service Coordination for Children & Youth - Provides leadership and support to local services to develop integrated service plans for children and youth, along with their families and caregivers, with needs that challenge the ability of the community to address. 705-748-9770. 

Support for Newcomer Families 

  • New Canadian Centre (Peterborough) - Provides free and confidential services to immigrants and refugees living in the Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton or Northumberland regions. 705-743-0882. 
  • New Youth - Online support and information for youth who are refugees and newcomers. 

Learn and Apply for Childcare 

 

Help for Pregnancy and Life with a New Baby

Find tips and support for every step—eating well during pregnancy, caring for your newborn, feeding and sleep, looking after your feelings, and more. Learn about programs and services that can help you.

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