The following is a list of resources that you may find useful if you are planning on having a baby in the Greater Toronto area of York.
Pregnancy Care
Humber River Hospital
Church Street Site
Main Phone Number: 416-249-8111
200 Church Street, Weston, ON, M9N 1N8
Finch Street Site
Main Phone Number: 416-744-2500
2111 Finch Street, Downsview, ON, M3N 1N1
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 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.
Prenatal Programs and Drop-Ins - Unison Health and Community Services
Unision Health and Community Services offers a number of different prenatal programs at various locations in Toronto. Follow the link above 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.
Having a Baby Drop-in - Unison Health and Community Services
Program Information 416-653-5400, ext. 1300
Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) is offered at several weekly drop-in locations within our catchment area. The program offers expertise in nutrition, and prenatal and postnatal care. CPNP program includes: opportunities to meet other women, learning about pregnancy, baby care and healthy eating, one-on-one appointments with a Public Health Nurse and Dietitian, breastfeeding support, and enjoying a snack and tasting new food. TTC tokens, Food Gift Certificates, childcare and interpretation services are available to participants. For more information about this program, visit link or call.
Healthy Parenting - Toronto Public Health
Program Information 416-338-7600
Toronto Public Health has a variety of programs and resources to promote healthy parenting. Visit link for more information.
Mental Health and Wellness in Pregnancy and Parenthood
Website or call 1-800-361-5653
Pregnancy or having a baby is not always easy. The adjustment to parenthood can be challenging for many families. This can lead to mood changes or even perinatal mood disorders (PMD). Learn more about mental health during preganancy and after, how to make a healthy transition to parenthood, how to tell the difference between the baby blues and perinatal mood disorders, and where you can find help.
Baby and Me - Unison Health and Community Services
This program is for parents or caregivers and their child from birth to age one year. Each session starts with singing with baby and its followed by a discussion on a topic such as infant health, development and nutrition or issues faced by new parents. The program ends with a snack and opportunity to connect with other participants. Childcare is available and TTC tokens are provided if participants come by bus or subway.
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
www.mentalhealthhelpline.ca 1-866-531-2600
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.