Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit – Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program 

The Healthy Babies, Healthy Children (HBHC) program targets children ages zero to six years and is funded through the Ontario Government. The early years play an important role in growth and development and the future well-being of children later in life. The vision of the program is to ensure:

• Every child (prenatal to age six) in Ontario will be provided with opportunities to achieve his/her optimal potential.
• Every child in Ontario will have access to effective integrated programs and services that support healthy child development.

 Available free of charge to all families in Ontario, Healthy Babies, Healthy Children can become involved before or after the birth of a child. Services for the program will be provided by Public Health Nurses and Family Home Visitors.  

Prenatal Home VisitingPrenatal home visiting helps to ensure that when the baby arrives, he/she is welcomed into the best possible environment. Prenatal visits can provide information about pregnancy, labour and delivery as well as access to other community resources.   

Postpartum SupportAs part of the HBHC program, a Public Health Nurse will contact every family when they come home from the hospital to see if all is going well. At this time, the nurse will offer advice on breastfeeding and parenting and will answer any questions. The nurse will also provide information on community programs and arrange a home visit if needed.   

Postpartum Home VisitingPostpartum home visiting can take place through the combined efforts of both Public Health Nurses and family home visitors. These visits provide opportunity for parents to become more confident and knowledgeable in their new roles.   

The Public Health Nurse can provide support in many areas including:

Bereavement support.
Breastfeeding.
Infant nutrition.
Child development.
Postpartum infant care.
Child safety.
Parenting and prenatal education.

Family home visitors are experienced parents who have special training in helping families meet the needs of their children. 

The family home visitor can provide supports including:

Information about child development and safety.
Parenting support.
Prenatal information.
Information about community programs such as food resources, support groups, housing assistance and subsidized child care.
Translation and interpretation of information for families.

Community agencies involved with Healthy Babies, Healthy Children are: 

Haldimand-Norfolk R.E.A.C.H

• Infant Development Program.

 Community Action Program for Children (C.A.P.C)

• Healthy Moms Eating Well for Two.
• Teen Resource.
• Program for Early Parent Support (P.E.P.S).

Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit

• Smoking Cessation.
• Prenatal Classes.
• Well Baby and Breastfeeding Clinic.
• Parenting Programs – Nobody’s Perfect.
• Preschool Speech and Language Program.