Maternal and Child Health Resources for Health Care Professionals
Healthy Babies, Healthy Children
The Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) program provides support to parents and children from conception until the transition to school. It includes prenatal and postpartum support, home visits and parenting support from a public health nurse
Family Health Referral Form
Health care providers can directly refer patients to our family health programs by completing our online referral form.
Growth and Development
Healthcare providers (HCPs) play an important role in supporting parents in the healthy growth and development of their children through early assessment, anticipatory guidance, treatment interventions and support.
• The Looksee Checklist (formerly NDDS checklist)
• Rourke Baby Record
• Early Identification for Children and Youth in Lambton County
Home Visiting Program
Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) is a free, voluntary program for expecting parents, and families with children from birth until the transition to school.
Supports include:
• Prenatal education and support
• Personalized information and education
• Links to support services in the community
• Early identification through screening and assessments
• Support for positive parenting and relationships skill development
Families may be eligible to receive services if they:
• Live in Lambton County
• Pregnant or actively parenting a baby/child who is 5 years or younger
• The legal guardian of the child(ren)
• Available for home visits during the program’s hours of operation
How to Refer:
Complete the online digital referral.
Breastfeeding & Formula Feeding Supports
Health Canada recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with the introduction of iron-rich foods around six months. Breastfeeding should be encouraged for up to two years and beyond.
Intermittent supplementation with intact cow’s milk formula (e.g. a few bottles in the hospital followed by exclusive breastfeeding) should be avoided due to increased risk of cow’s milk allergy. (Canadian Pediatric Society)
Breastfeeding Supports
Our nurses offer breastfeeding telephone support, and appointments at breastfeeding clinics in one of our family-friendly rooms, and families eligible for the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program may be able to get help in their own homes.
At our Free infant feeding appointments nurses will:
• Complete thorough breastfeeding assessments
• Monitor and address infant weight gain
• Address breast or nipple discomfort/pain
• Support supplementation, as needed
• Provide consistent follow-up until your patient is confident
How To Refer
Health Care providers can directly refer patients by completing the online digital referral form.
Alternatively, patients can contact the Family Health Line by calling 519-383-3817. A public health nurse is available Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or by emailing familyhealthline@county-lambton.on.ca
Best Start Resources for Patients & Healthcare Providers (Best Start)
• Breastfeeding Matters
• Blocked Ducts
• Breast Infection – Mastitis
• Expressing and Storing Breast Milk
• Thrush
• Infant Formula: What You Need to Know
• Tip Sheets: Safely Preparing Infant Formula for Your Baby
Clinical Resources Breastfeeding courses
• UBC CPD eLearning
• Toronto Public Health Breastfeeding E-Course Modules
• Best Start Courses
• BPG E-Learning Courses
Prenatal Services
Prenatal education
Prenatal education is available through interactive virtual classes. Prenatal classes help expectant parents and/or their support partner(s) prepare for labour, childbirth, learn about caring for their baby, and the transition to parenthood. Classes are recommended around the 6th and 7th month of pregnancy. Daytime and evening classes are available. It is recommended to have both the birther and support person(s) present, if possible.
How to Refer Your Patient
Health care providers can directly refer patients by completing the online digital referral form.
Alternatively, patients can contact the Family Health Line by calling 519-383-3817 or emailing familyhealthline@county-lambton.on.ca
For more information, please visit our Prenatal Classes event page.
Infant/Child Nutrition Recommendations
Children grow and develop rapidly during their first few years of life. Their nutrient needs depend on their stage of growth and activity levels.
Guidelines from Canada.ca
• Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants – Recommendations from Birth to Six Months.
• Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants – Recommendations from Six to 24 Months
Canadian Paediatric Society
• Position Statements and Practice Points
• Timing of Introduction of Allergenic Solids for Infants at High Risk
Referral:
Families may be eligible to receive services for infant feeding and nutrition. Health Care providers can directly refer patients by completing the online digital referral form.
Downloadable Resources
Feeding Your Baby- A guide to help you introduce solid foods
Family Health Referral Form Information
For Health Care Provider Use
This form is for Health Care Provider use and to refer your patients residing in Lambton County, directly to Lambton Public Health for the following services and supports:
• Prenatal Health
• Prenatal Classes for Young Parents (up to 24)
• Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program (HBHC)
• Growth & Development
• Breastfeeding
• Infant Feeding & Nutrition
• Maternal Mental Health
• Food Security
• Speech & Language
• Social Supports
• Oral Health (for children 17 years and under)
Family Health Referral Form
Professional Development, Education, & Resources
UBC CPD eLearning
Provided by the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Continuing Professional Development (UBC CPD).
Breastfeeding Protocol E-Learning Modules
Developed for use by health care providers to promote, protect, and support effective breastfeeding for the families of healthy-term infants.
BPG e-Learning
These courses are intended to support nurses and health care professionals to expand their knowledge and skills.
Best Start
Various courses to help support challenges in parenting.
Resource Ordering
To order Maternal and Child Health resources, please visit our Healthcare Professionals Resource Ordering Page.
If you have questions, please call our Family Health Line
A public health nurse is available Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 519-383-3817 Email: familyhealthline@county-lambton.on.ca