Maternal Child Update
This free day of learning will focus on maternal child health. It is intended for health care providers and professionals who provide care to newborns and young children, and their caregivers.
Note: This training is offered in-person only and will not be recorded. Registration is limited. Parking will be free.
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: North Bay Regional Health Centre Auditorium
CERPS will be available (Continuing Education Recognition Points for IBCLCs).
Speakers
Kathy O'Grady, RN, IBCLC
Feeding with Confidence: Evidence Based Guidance on Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding
Description: This presentation will provide evidence to support infant feeding from birth onwards. It will highlight the history of formula assimilation into society and demonstrate how practitioners can best support parents in their decision on how to feed their infants.
Lara Kennelly, RN
Vaccines in Pregnancy & Early Childhood and Overcoming Hesitancy
Description: This presentation highlights the recommended vaccines and considerations for pregnant individuals and children in Ontario. Vaccine hesitancy will be addressed throughout.
Tawnia Healy, RSW and Tracey Hall, RN
From Knowledge to Action: Early Adversity, Resilience, and Perinatal Mental Health
Description: This presentation links the science of early adversity and resilience with actionable strategies from the Ontario Early Adversity and Resilience Framework. A spotlight on the Nipissing-Parry Sound Perinatal Mental Health care pathway shows how these concepts come to life in real-world practice.
The Basics Nipissing-Parry Sound Coalition
The Basics: Empowering Families, Strengthening Communities
Description: This presentation reflects how The Basics Nipissing-Parry Sound unites partners from across sectors to strengthen nurturing relationships and advance early childhood development. It illustrates how coordinated, community wide efforts deepen collective impact and empower families, ultimately supporting children in thriving to their fullest potential.
Alex Lacarte, RD
A Roadmap for Early Feeding
Description: Nutrition during the first 2,000 days of life is essential for healthy growth, optimal development, and establishing lifelong eating habits. This presentation highlights the key milestones along this journey to ensure every child gets the best possible start.
Agenda
Morning
9 a.m. to 9:20 a.m.
Welcome & Housekeeping - Moderator, Karen Graham, RN, NBPSDHU
Opening Remarks - Dr. Carol Zimbalatti, Medical Officer of Health, NBPSDHU
Opening - Nipissing First Nation
9:20 a.m. to 9:40 a.m.
Vaccines in Pregnancy & Early Childhood and Overcoming Hesitancy - Lara Kennelly, RN, NBPSDHU
9:40 a.m. to Noon
Feeding with Confidence: Evidence Based Guidance on Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding - Kathy O'Grady, RN, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
Break
Noon to 1 p.m.
Lunch is provided for all attendees.
Afternoon
1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
From Knowledge to Action: Early Adversity, Resilience, and Perinatal Mental Health - Tawnia Healy, RSW, and Tracey Hall, RN, NBPSDHU
2:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
The Basics: Empowering Families, Strengthening Communities - The Basics Nipissing-Parry Sound Coalition
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
A Roadmap for Early Feeding - Alex Lacarte, RD, NBPSDHU