Free program from the health unit: Building Healthy Babies

If you are pregnant and looking for prenatal information and support, the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit has a program called Building Healthy Babies that can help you to have a healthier pregnancy and baby.

The goal of Building Healthy Babies is to increase the number of babies born at a healthy weight, promote and support breastfeeding and improve the health for mom and baby. Babies born at unhealthy weights are more likely to have health problems in their first year of life and beyond. The risk of having a low birth weight baby can be affected by things such as age, smoking, alcohol or drug use, nutrition and the mother’s health.

A dietician and a public health nurse are at the group to offer teaching and support on a variety of topics such as healthy eating, labour and birth, infant care, breastfeeding and much more. It is a chance to meet with other pregnant women, socialize, share a healthy snack and learn from one another. There is also some opportunity to cook, exchange recipes and taste new foods as well as gain some new skills in the kitchen.

On occasion, guest speakers are invited to present valuable information on topics such as dental health, infant development and speech and language.

This program is offered throughout Chatham-Kent at five different locations: Chatham, Wallaceburg, Blenheim, Tilbury and at the Mennonite Central Committee in Chatham. The program is free and childcare is provided in partnership with Ontario Early Years Centre.  Also available are free food gift cards and prenatal vitamin coupons.

For more information about this program, please contact the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at 519-352-7270