Healthy Babies Healthy Children

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 or by submitting our online referral form.