Pregnancy, Infant and Child Health

If you or your child are having medical concerns, contact your health care provider or connect with a Registered Nurse at Health811. For medical emergencies, call 911 or visit the closest emergency room.

Becoming a parent involves many stages of change and learning. Whether you're thinking about becoming a parent, currently pregnant, or already a parent, support is available for you. This page connects you to the information and resources you need at every step.

We acknowledge that individuals of all genders and sexes may be in a caregiving, parenting, or feeding relationship with a child. We recognize language is constantly evolving, and we strive to use gender-affirming language when talking about infant feeding and parenting.

Topics

  • Caring for Baby

    • Resources and information to help you navigate the first six months after your baby's birth.
    • Includes information on feeding your baby, car seats, and caring for yourself.
  • Family Health Information Line

    • Speak with a Public Health Nurse about caring for your baby.

We acknowledge that individuals of all sex and gender identities/expressions may be in a feeding relationship with their baby. The term “breastfeeding” refers to feeding directly from the breast. Some individuals may use the term “chestfeeding” rather than “breastfeeding”, or use “chest milk” rather than “breastmilk". We recognize language is constantly evolving, and we strive to use gender-affirming language when talking about infant feeding and parenting.

  • Breastfeeding

    • Breastfeeding support, information and resources.
  • Breastfeeding Clinic

    • Public Health Nurses offer breastfeeding support by phone and provide one-on-one help through breastfeeding clinics.
  • Using a Breastmilk Substitute

    • Things to think about when giving your baby a breast milk substitute (formula).

Do you have a baby under the age of six months? The Health Unit wants to hear from you! We are doing a study to learn about how people feed their babies in the first six months. This will help us improve services for new parents and babies in our community. Learn more on our Infant Feeding Survey webpage.

  • Air Quality, Pregnancy and New Parents

    • Recommendations to help keep you and your little one(s) safe and healthy in times of poor air quality.
  • Cannabis and Pregnancy to Parenting

    • Make informed decisions when it comes to using cannabis during pregnancy and when you have children in the home.
  • Home Health and Safety

    • Information on keeping your home safe, includes topics such as bed bugs, mould, drinking water, hazards, and more!
  • Injury Prevention

    • About 90% of injuries are preventable. Learn what you can do to help yourself and your family avoid injury.
  • Vaccinations

    • Learn why vaccines are important and what vaccines your family should receive.
    • Vaccination Records
      • Check and update your child's vaccination records.
  • Dental Health

    • Learn about our dental clinic and how to care for your child's teeth.

  • Feeding Your Baby

    • Information on introducing solid foods, safety during feedings, allergies, and more!
  • Feeding Your Pre-Schooler

    • Help make your child a healthy eater by learning how to foster pleasant meal times, what to feed your child, and how to cope with picky eating behaviours.
  • Feeding Your School-Aged Child

    • Tips for parents, what to include in a healthy school lunch, lunch box tips, and more!
  • Healthy Recipes

    • Meal ideas and recipes that follow the recommendations of Canada’s Food Guide. Includes a section of recipes using shelf-stable and frozen foods.
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Want to speak with a nurse?

The nurses on the Family Health Information Line are here to listen and offer support, free of charge.
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Need more support?

Our Healthy Babies Healthy Children program offers home visits to new and expecting parents.

Contact Us

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit

North Bay
345 Oak Street West

Parry Sound
90 Bowes St, 2nd Floor, Suite 201

Phone 705-474-1400
Toll Free 1-800-563-2808
contact@healthunit.ca