Prenatal Programs

Toronto Public Health is offering a free Virtual Prenatal Breastfeeding Program. More information is available below.

Register here
Toronto Public Health provides various prenatal workshops to eligible groups of five or more participants. Not-for-profit community agencies can request a workshop by completing the service request form.

 

Toronto Public Health offers free prenatal programs (Healthiest Babies Possible, Healthy Babies Healthy Children & Nurse-Family Partnership) for pregnant individuals.

In partnership, Toronto Public Health supports free group-based prenatal programs (Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program, Young Parent Prenatal Programs) in Toronto.

Public Health Nurses and/or Registered Dietitians provide support or facilitate sessions in these programs:

Who Can Be Eligible

The program is available to pregnant individuals, at any gestational age, who are:

  • at nutritional risk based on the screening at registration
  • open to receiving nutrition counselling by phone call appointments or when available, in person appointments
  • living in Toronto

Program Details

The Healthiest Babies Possible program at Toronto Public Health is a free, confidential prenatal nutrition and support program. The program offers one-to-one nutrition counselling with a Public Health Dietitian.

Topics may include:

  • healthy eating for a healthy pregnancy
  • healthy weight gain
  • managing diet-related discomforts
  • foods and drinks to avoid
  • breastfeeding
  • introduction to complimentary foods

The program also provides:

  • food vouchers
  • interpreters
  • linking and referrals to community resources and food programs
  • referral to other services

To find out if you are eligible and to register please call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600, eChat with a Public Health Nurse or send an email to PublicHealth@toronto.ca.

Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) is a free, voluntary and province wide home-visiting program that supports you and your family with:

  • having a healthy pregnancy and birth
  • connecting with your baby
  • how you can help your child grow and develop
  • breastfeeding, food and healthy nutrition
  • taking care of yourself and your family
  • services available for you and your child in your community

If you live outside the Toronto area and are interested in the HBHC program. Please contact your Local Public Health Unit.

Who is Eligible

The HBHC program provides services to pregnant individuals, their partners, and families with young children from birth to three years of age. Children can enter the HBHC program up until their third birthday. You do not need an OHIP card in order to receive services.

You may be eligible to receive HBHC services if you are

  • living in Toronto
  • pregnant or actively parenting a baby/child who is three years old and younger
  • the legal guardian of the child(ren)
  • available for home visits during the program’s hours of operation

You must also meet one or more of the following. If you are:

  • a newcomer to Canada, here less than three years and having your first baby in Canada
  • concerned about or have questions about parenting your child, your child’s growth and development, and building a healthy relationship with your child
  • feeling alone with little or no support from family or friends
  • experiencing or have a history of a physical illness and/or mental health symptoms (e.g. feeling depressed or anxious) that is making your pregnancy or parenting your child challenging
  • facing challenging life situations such as homelessness, relationship difficulties, no OHIP

To find out if the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program is right for you, call Toronto Public Health or speak with a Public Health Nurse through eChat for more information.

Program Details

Those eligible for the program will receive home visits from a Public Health Nurse (PHN) and Family Home Visitor (FHV).

We will work together to support you with:

Nurse Family Partnership is a home visiting program for young, first-time pregnant clients and their families. The program begins in pregnancy and continues until your child is two years of age.

Home visits are provided by a Public Health Nurse who will give you support and information about pregnancy and parenting.

The program is free. OHIP is not needed to join.

Are You Eligible

You may be eligible to join the Nurse-Family Partnership program if you are:

  • 24 years old or younger
  • Less than 26 weeks pregnant
  • Going to be parenting for the first time
  • Experiencing financial concerns (e.g., low-income, receiving social assistance/Ontario Works)

Program Details

  • You will be assigned a Public Health Nurse who will regularly visit you to provide support, health teaching/information, and connections to other community services.
  • Visits will take place in your home or in the community, depending on your needs and schedule. Partners and support people are welcome to participate by attending visits.
  • You and your nurse will work together to set and achieve goals related to:
    • Having a healthy pregnancy
    • Child health and development
    • Parenting
    • Education and job skills
  • To learn more about Nurse-Family Partnership.

Registration

To find out if you are eligible and/or to register:

  • Contact us Monday to Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Who Can Attend

The program is for individuals who are:

  • pregnant
  • living in Toronto
  • facing challenging life situations such as recent arrival to Canada, previous premature or low birth weight births, financial concerns and difficulty accessing health care

Program Details

Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) is a free national prenatal program funded in part by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

It is offered at various program sites across Toronto. Partners or other support people are welcome.

Topics may include:

  • having a healthy pregnancy
  • healthy eating during pregnancy
  • basic labour and birth
  • breastfeeding
  • becoming a parent

Some program may also provide:

  • interpreters
  • healthy snacks
  • food vouchers
  • child care
  • TTC

For more information on prenatal programs in your area, please call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 or eChat with a Public Health Nurse.

Who Can Attend

The programs are for young individuals who are:

  • pregnant
  • living in Toronto
  • meet program age criteria

Program Details

Young Parent Prenatal Programs are free programs that may provide group and individual support and education. Partners or other support people are welcome.

Topics may include:

  • having a healthy baby
  • healthy eating during pregnancy
  • taking care of yourself
  • body changes
  • getting back to school
  • finding affordable housing

Some programs may also provide:

  • healthy snacks
  • food vouchers
  • child care
  • travel support
  • interpretation
  • linking and referrals to other community resources

Programs are offered at various sites across Toronto.

Location Description
Jessie’s – The June Callwood Centre for Young Women Prenatal/Food For Two Group
205 Parliament St., Toronto, ON M5A 2Z4
Telephone: 416-365-1888
Monday: 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Program age criteria: Age 21 years and under at intake
The Garry Hurvitz Centre for Community Mental Health at Sick Kids Positive Possibilities
Jane & Finch Mall
1911 Finch Ave. W., Toronto, ON M3N 2V2
Telephone: 416-924-1164 x 8719
Wednesday: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Program age criteria: Age 22 years and under at intake

The Young Parents Prenatal Programs are part of the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP), a national prenatal program funded in part by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

For more information about prenatal programs in your area, please call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600 or eChat with a Public Health Nurse.

Who Can Attend?

This program is for prenatal individuals residing in Toronto.  A partner or support person is also welcome to attend.

Program Details

This free virtual program consists of two one-hour sessions:

  • Session 1 – Starting Your Breastfeeding Journey
  • Session 2 – Learning to Breastfeed

Topics include:

  • Benefits of breastfeeding
  • How to breastfeed
  • Common issues that may arise during breastfeeding
  • Where to get breastfeeding support

How to Register

Visit TPH Bookings.

For more information about breastfeeding, please visit our breastfeeding/chestfeeding website.

You may also call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600, eChat with a Public Health Nurse or send an email to PublicHealth@toronto.ca.