A New Baby

After delivery, you may be provided information about our free York Region programs and services. York Regio partners with hospitals in York Region to share important details about helpful programs and services that can support you on your parenting journey!

With your consent, you may receive a communication from one of our registered nurses after discharge.

Eating well before and after your baby arrives

A new baby brings many changes. Taking care of yourself will give you energy to help care for your baby. For information about emotions and support, sleep, being active and nutrition (including quick meal and snack ideas) after having a baby, read our Taking Care of You fact sheet. For more information, check out the Eating Well Before and After Baby Arrives page.

Feeding your baby

Are you experiencing breastfeeding challenges? Or do you have questions about preparing and feeding infant formula? We are here to help!

Our registered nurses can answer your infant feeding questions and link you to expert support through virtual or in-person appointments. We offer free, private breastfeeding and infant feeding sessions at our clinics located throughout York Region. One of our registered nurses will meet with you and your baby, help you understand your baby’s feeding cues, suggest strategies to overcome feeding challenges, and offer you valuable tips and advice.

To schedule an infant feeding virtual or in-person appointment at one of our breastfeeding clinics, call Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or connect with us via live chat.

Remember, if you are not able to visit one of our breastfeeding clinics, our registered nurses are also happy to answer your questions and provide infant feeding support over the phone.

Here are some helpful tips:

• Learn how to express milk from the breast without the use of pumps with this video from Stanford University
• Connect with Le Leche League Canada (LLLC) for breastfeeding information and support by trained LLLC Leaders by phone, email or at local groups
• Review the resource Getting Breastfeeding off to a Great Start
• Learn the Keys to Successful Breastfeeding
• Get tips to help increase your milk supply
• Review instructions on how to prepare and feed infant formula

Did you know that it is important to clean your baby’s mouth even before teeth appear? Clean your baby’s mouth every day, from birth. Use a clean, soft, damp cloth to wipe gums, insides of cheeks and the roof of the mouth.

For more information about your baby’s oral health:

• Read Oral Health for Babies and Children
• Visit york.ca/dental

The Canadian Pediatric Society promotes that parents should arrange for the first dental visit by their child’s first birthday.

Let’s talk about you! Have you been feeling anxious, sad, depressed or hopeless? York Region Public Health provides information and support to families going through parenting challenges. If you need to talk, reach out to one of our registered nurses by contacting Health Connection.

York Region Public Health nurses can provide support, information and connections to other helpful services such as:

• York Support Services Network’s Community Crisis Response line at 1-855-310-COPE (2673)
• Transition to Parenting Program (TTP)
• New Mother's Emotions

Fathers or partners play an important role in child development. Children feel safe, secure and loved when both parents spend time with them. When a parent feels supported by their partner, they are more patient, flexible, sensitive and available to their child. For more information, visit Dad Central Canada.

Children depend on their parents and caregivers to help them grow and develop. When parents know what to expect at each stage of development, it can be easier for them to meet their child's needs and understand their behaviour.

For help along the way, you can:

• Test your baby’s hearing at 1-888-703-KIDS (5437) or ontario.ca/infanthearing
• Visit an Ontario Early Years Centre
• Learn about Early Intervention Services (EIS)
• Learn about The Brain Story to support your child's development
• Review the Looksee Checklist
• Get services from Markham Stouffville Hospital’s Child Development Programs for speech and language, infant hearing, blindness or low vision

Where can I find a doctor?

Health Care Connect, offered through the Government of Ontario, can help you find a doctor or nurse practitioner. To find all available health care options near you, visit ontario.ca

How can I keep my baby safe?

Keep your baby safe at home or in the car. For general tips, visit Health Canada

Where can I find more information on creating a smoke-free environment?

Second-hand smoke is the smoke that enters the air from the end of a burning cigarette, cigar or pipe. Third-hand smoke is left on furniture, in dust and in fabrics after a cigarette, cigar or pipe is put out. Second and third-hand smoke are especially dangerous for babies and children. Find out more about creating smoke-free spaces

I am a parent of twins/multiples. Where can I find information and support?

Multiple births

Expecting two, three, or more babies and wondering what you need to know? Visit Health Canada: Multiple Births

Peer-to-peer support for parents of multiples

Multiple Births Canada offers many resources for parents with multiples when you become a member.

What is my baby telling me?

Your baby needs to know that someone is available for them. A healthy attachment with at least one adult increases brain development and helps your child to cope with stress, anxiety and new life experiences. Build your child’s emotional health with tips from the Attachment Building factsheet

How do I register my baby with the province?

Service Ontario can provide you with questions about birth certificates, passports, social insurance numbers and the Canada child benefits