Health Unit Services
As a new parent you may find value in many of the resources, supports and services offered by the Health Unit including:
- Parenting Workshops
- Oral Health Programs: Healthy Smiles Ontario
- Vaccinations
- Sexual Health Clinics
- And much more
Help is just around the corner. To speak with a Public Health Nurse please call the Family Health Information Line 705-474-1400 ext. 5351 or email healthy.families@healthunit.ca.
Car Seat Safety |
Car Seat Installation Guides: Parachute CanadaParachute Canada has videos on how to install your car and booster seats correctly. Rear-facing Car Seats: Keeping Kids SafeTransport Canada's brochure provides tips on properly installing a rear-facing seat. |
Dad Central |
Dad Central OntarioDad Central is a place where fatherhood matters in the healthy development of children. They also have a Facebook page you can follow. |
Feeding Your Baby |
Breastfeeding Phone Support and ClinicsCall the Family Health Information Line 705-474-1400 ext. 5351 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for breastfeeding support over the phone or to book a breastfeeding clinic appointment (breastfeeding clinics offer one on one support). For breastfeeding clinics visit our breastfeeding page. Email the Healthy Families Team at: healthy.families@healthunit.ca Health Connect Ontario(Formerly Telehealth) 24/7 breastfeeding support online or by phone at Health811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007) Breastfeeding Matters Booklet - From Best StartAn important guide to breastfeeding for women and their families. Introducing SolidsNutrition Connection's guide to helping you introduce solid foods from six months to one year. |
Growing and Developing |
Healthy Babies Healthy BrainsThe Best Start Resource Centre provides parents practical ways to support their young child's brain development. LookSee - Developmental ChecklistsThe Looksee Checklist is a simple, easy-to-use developmental tool designed to help monitor a child’s development from 1 month to 6 years of age, featuring a short list of yes-or-no questions about the child’s abilities. |
Local Parenting Support |
Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) Home Visiting ProgramThe HBHC Home Visiting Program offers home visits by a Public Health Nurse and Family Home Visitor to expectant mothers and families of young children who would benefit from HBHC in-home support. To find out more, please call the Family Health Information Line 705-474-1400 ext. 5351 or email healthy.families@healthunit.ca Parenting Workshops: Triple P© Positive Parenting ProgramClick the link for information related to Triple P Positive Parenting, including the schedule of workshops available in the North Bay and Parry Sound districts Triple P Positive Parenting at the Health Unit. (Currently on hold.) Please check out the following website for other Triple P Positive Parenting Programs near you. To speak with a Public Health Nurse, please call the Family Health Information Line 705-474-1400 ext. 5351 or email healthy.families@healthunit.ca |
Local Playgroups |
Ontario EarlyON CentresAn interactive drop-in program for children and their families, from birth to six years of age.
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Postpartum Mood Disorders (Depression and/or Anxiety) |
Bringing home a new baby can be exciting but can also be overwhelming. It is helpful to understand the differences between the postpartum mood disorders and to know what to do if they happen. |
Safe Sleep |
The safest place for your baby to sleep is on his or her back, in a crib, cradle or bassinet. Health Canada recommends room sharing for the first six months of your baby's life. Your crib must meet current Health Canada Consumer Products Safety standards, have a firm mattress and a fitted sheet. Nothing else should be in the crib or bassinet. If a blanket is needed, your baby is safest with a light weight and breathable blanket. Place infant in a fitted one-piece sleepwear that is comfortable at room temperature (not to overheat). Health Canada, 2012. Is Your Child Safe? Sleep time. Government of Canada. Safe Sleep For Your Baby Brochure (Revised 2021) |
Smoking Cessation Support |
Smokers' HelplineSmokers’ Helpline is a free, confidential service offering support and information about quitting smoking and tobacco use. At the Health Unit, we are here to support you and the community in becoming smoke-free. For more information, visit the Smoking, Vaping and Tobacco webpage. |
Tummy Times & Plagiocephaly |
Positional Plagiocephaly (flat head) is a change of shape of the head. The most common cause for babies is spending a large amount of time on their backs. Prevention:
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Your Health Between Pregnancies |
After the birth of a baby, it is best to wait at least 18 months before trying to get pregnant again.
Health Before Pregnancy
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