A child's early years - from before birth to age six - are very important. Healthy babies are more likely to develop into healthy children, and healthy children are more likely to grow up to be healthy teenagers and healthy adults.
Our Healthy Families staff are here to help children get a healthy start in life. We provide many different services free of charge to families, regardless of where you may be in your parenting journey:
How families choose to feed their baby is one of the first big decisions they’ll make. Learning about feeding options during pregnancy can help parents feel prepared and can prevent struggles after birth.
Our staff offer non-judgmental support so families can make an informed decision that works for their unique situation. Help can be given over the phone or in person (in our office or in your home).
Call 1-877-442-1212 to see how we can best support you.
In select communities, Northeastern Public Health offers hospital grade breast pump loans. Contact us to find out if these services are available in your community.
Do you need support for a healthy pregnancy, as a new parent or as your child grows and develops? If so, we may be able to help! The home visiting program is a voluntary program where a Public Health Nurse and Family Home Visitor provide in home support to expectant parents and families with children ages 0-6.
No matter where you are in your parenting journey, our staff are here to support you! If you are interested in receiving in-home support, please call 1-877-442-1212.
We’re here to support healthy pregnancies by offering nutrition tips and support for a healthy start.
Eligible persons can receive:
- One-on-one advice about nutrition for mom and baby
- Prenatal vitamins
- Food supports
Call us at 1-877-442-1212 for more information.
For more information on nutrition during pregnancy, see Healthy Eating for a Healthy Baby
Throughout the year, we offer FREE prenatal classes.
Our Prenatal Classes can help you get prepared for the exciting road ahead. You and your support person will learn about pregnancy, labour and birth, and what to expect after your baby is born. You may even build friendships that last a lifetime!
2026 Prenatal Class Series
We have three upcoming virtual series. Classes are offered weekly during each series:
- Winter series - January 29 to February 26
- Spring series- April 30 to May 28
- Fall series- September 3-October 1
In-person dates for select communities coming soon!
If you would like to register for our upcoming classes, call us at 1-877-442-1212.
People who are pregnant or have recently given birth are at risk of experiencing postpartum depression and/or anxiety up to a year after having the baby. Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) can be experienced by both mothers and fathers. If you need support, see your doctor/nurse practitioner as soon as you can to talk about how you are feeling. The sooner you get support, the better things will be for you and your family.
If you need support and aren't sure where to turn, contact us for help at 1-877-442-1212.
For more information on postpartum mental health, see
All parents have questions from time to time—and that’s completely normal. In addition to our home visiting program, parents can call our Healthy Families team to be connected with a public health nurse who can answer questions about pregnancy, newborn care, and parenting. You’ll receive trusted, reliable information, so you can feel confident about the advice you’re getting. We can talk to you on the phone or in our clinic about all things parenting, including:
- Infant feeding
- Introduction to solids
- Mood
- Parenting
- Growth and development
- Pregnancy
Please call 1-877-442-1212 to speak to a public health nurse or to make an appointment.
Need more information about parenting through the early years, visit Caring for Kids.
Are you:
- expecting a baby
- a new parent
- transitioning your child to a new car seat or to using just a seatbelt
When used correctly, child car seats and booster seats can greatly reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash, which is why choosing the right car seat for your child is important.
Call us at 1-877-442-1212 for car seat questions and information.
For more information on car seats, visit Parachute and Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada (CPSAC)
In select communities, Northeastern Public Health and other community agencies have Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) who can check your child's car seat for free. Contact us to find out if this is available in your community.