The following is a list of resources that you may find useful if you are planning on having a baby in the Greater Toronto are of Scarborough.
Pregnancy Care
Scarborough Health Network - Birchmount Site
www.shn.ca 416-495-2400
3030 Birchmount Rd, Scarborough, ON, M1W 3W3
Scarborough Health Network - Centenary Site
www.shn.ca 416-284-8131
2867 Ellesmere Rd, Scarborough, ON, M1E 4B9
Scarborough Health Network - General Site
www.shn.ca 416-438-2911
3050 Lawrence Avenue East, Scarborough, ON, M1P 2V5
Sages-Femmes Rouge Valley Midwives
www.sagesfemmesrougevalleymidwives.com
905-409-6447 or 416-286-2228
info@yourmidwives.com
91 Rylander Boulevard, Unit 1020, Scarborough, ON, M1B 5M5
Staff privileges at Rouge Valley Health System
Diversity Midwives
www.diversitymidwives.com
416-609-8187
info@diversitymidwives.com
3410 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 202, Scarborough, ON, M1T 3K4
Staff privileges at The Scarborough Hospital
Prenatal Resources
Toronto Health Connection Line - Toronto Public Health
416-338-7600
A line staffed by public health nurses who can provide information about health issues and community services. The line is staffed from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Prenatal Classes - Scarborough Health Network
Class Information prenatalclass@shn.ca
Prenatal classes are taught by qualified labour and delivery nurses who will guide you through everything that you need to know about having a baby – from what to do when you go into labour, to important tips for caring for your newborn. All participants are provided with a package of materials that has information on what was covered in class. Each class is about eight hours, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m and cost is $50. Visit website for more information and email to register.
Prenatal Classes - New Life Prenatal
www.newlifeprenatal.org 416-752-2977
Group prenatal classes cover topics such as: Coping with discomforts and changes in pregnancy, warning signs to report to your doctor/midwife, birth plan, the process of labour and birth, comfort measures for pain management, role of the father/partner and/or labour companion, medical options and interventions, postpartum care and adjustment to parenthood, newborn basic care, and breastfeeding. Private classes are also available. Call or visit website for more information and to register.
Prenatal Program - Toronto Public Health
Toronto Public Health offers a free online prenatal program - Welcome to Parenting. If you are expecting a baby and live in Toronto then you are eligible. Through this 29 interactive online class series you'll learn all about having a healthy pregnancy, basic labour and birth, infant feeding and becoming a parent. This unique program also offers experts in prenatal education, child development and parenting to answer your questions and an online forum were you may connect with other families in Toronto.
Prenatal Programs For At-Risk Women - Toronto Public Health
416-338-7600
Toronto Public Health offers specialized programs for a number of at-risk groups of women in the Toronto area. These groups include women at-risk of having a low birth weight baby, women in their teens or early twenties, women who are new to Canada, and women facing challenging life situations such as hunger and poverty. Programs are offered at several sites throughout Toronto. Call the Health Connection Line for more information.
Postpartum Resources
Healthy Babies, Healthy Children - Toronto Public Health Unit
Program Information 416-338-7600
The Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program is a confidential and voluntary home visiting program for families who are pregnant or have children up to age six. Through this program a Public Health Nurse can link you to a broad range of programs and services. For more information and to book a home visit call the Toronto Health Connection Line.
Breastfeeding Support - Toronto Public Health
Program Information 416-338-7600
By calling the Toronto Health Connection Line you can receive support over the phone regarding your breastfeeding questions and concerns. If you wish, you may book a home visit with a Public Health Nurse for further breastfeeding support.
Breastfeeding Support - Scarborough Health Network
Classes at Centenary site: One-hour sessions are offered twice a month from 2 – 3 p.m. on weekends. No registration is required. For more information call 416-284-8131 ext. 4530.
Classes at General site: Classes are held every fourth Wednesday of the month from 1 – 2:30 p.m. in the Global Community Resource Centre, ground floor. Registration is not required. For more information call 416-438-2911 ext. 3222
As well, expectant and new mothers can download SHN’s free BestFeeding app. With BestFeeding, you can: time and log breastfeeding sessions, track breast pumping sessions, log baby’s wet and soiled diapers, search for breastfeeding clinics, and find reliable health information for moms and babies.
EarlyON Child and Family Centres
EarlyON Centres are a place for children up to the age of six and their parents and caregivers to take part in programs and activities together. They bring together in one location information about children's services and programs in the community. If you have questions about your child's development, or want to know how to get information or services for your child aged 0-6 in your area contact your local centre.
Additional Resources
Distress Line
www.torontodistresscentre.com 416-408-4357
Provides confidential 24 hour emotional support, crisis intervention and suicide prevention to persons in distress. There is access to a confidential interpreter for 151 languages.
The Mental Health Helpline
Provides information about mental health services in Ontario such as counselling services and supports in the community, basic education about mental illness and offers support and provides strategies to those in need. Service is offered 24 hrs a day, translation services available if needed.