Pregnancy and Parenting Supports

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.

Register Here

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.

• pregnancyinfo.ca
• oMama
• Postpartum Support International
• Canadian Paediatric Society (Caring for Kids)
• SickKids (About Kids Health)
• EarlyON Child and Family Centres (find a centre near you)
• Lakeland Public Health Mental Health Support: Pregnancy, Postpartum, 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 is available in person by appointment at the Port Hope office location only Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

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

How to Register

• If you would like to participate 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.

Do you want to learn more about responsive feeding and introducing solid foods to your baby? Join an upcoming workshop with other parents lead by a Lakeland registered dietitian in partnership with Peterborough Child and Family Centres (PCFC).

How to Register

• Visit PCFC’s website or call 705-748-9144 for more information. 

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

• If you would like to participate in the program fill out the self-referral form.
  

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

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:

• City of Kawartha Lakes: Boys and Girls Club of Kawartha Lakes 
• County of Haliburton: Point in Time Centre for Children, Youth and Parents
• Northumberland County: Northumberland Child Development Centre

How to Register

• If you would like to participate in the program fill out the self-referral form.
  

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

• If you would like to participate in the program fill out the self referral form

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

• For more info and/or to register visit Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre 

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

• For more info and/or to register visit Lovesick Lake Native Women's Association

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

• For more info and/or to register visit Health & Family Services – Curve Lake First Nation 

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

• For more info and/or to register visit Specialized Programs - Peterborough Child & Family Centres.