Healthy babies Healthy Children (HBHC) is a parenting support program that provides home visits to pregnant individuals and parents/caregivers with young children. HBHC is a province-wide program and delivered on a local level through public health units. The program is free and voluntary.
Services provided
Those eligible for the program will receive home visits from a Public Health Nurse (PHN) and a Family Home Visitor (FHV) that could focus on:
- Having a healthy pregnancy and birth
- Connecting with your baby
- How you can help your child grow and develop
- Support with infant feeding, healthy nutrition and food security
- Taking care of yourself and your family
- Services available for you and your child in your community
Eligibility
Pregnant individuals and parents/caregivers of young children (who have not yet started school) may be eligible for the HBHC home visiting program. Eligibility to the program is based on a needs assessment completed by a Public Health Nurse. Some examples of eligibility can include:
- Have questions or concerns about parenting, their child’s growth and development, and building a healthy relationship with their child.
- Physical or mental health challenges that impact pregnancy or parenting.
- Facing challenging life situations such as being underhoused, relationship difficulties, or financial hardship.
- Feeling alone with limited support from family or friends.
- A newcomer to Canada.
Referrals to HBHC
There are three ways in which you can be referred to the HBHC program:
- A postpartum screen after giving birth.
- A community referral from a healthcare provider or agency.
- A self-referral by calling WDG Public Health’s Client and Community Support at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006.
Additional information
If you are interested in learning more, call Client and Community Support at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 or email clientcommunitysupport@wdgpublichealth.ca.
For referrals from other Public Health Units, fax a completed HBHC screen to 1-844-202-7747.