Transition to Parenting

York Region facilities closed to the public

Please note Transition to Parenting groups will be cancelled until further notice If you are pregnant or a new parent and wish to speak with a registered nurse about your emotions, parenting or infant feeding, please call Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or chat with a nurse at york.ca/nursechat

The Transition to Parenting program is for mothers with babies up to one year of age and pregnant women who are experiencing mood changes, including anxiety or depression, or are looking for support while adjusting to parenthood. This program provides information, support and resources to help women cope and feel better.

Transition to Parenting is led by public health nurses who cover topics like:

  • Symptoms and risk factors of perinatal mood disorders
  • Setting realistic expectations
  • Building healthy relationships
  • Tips for healthy communication
  • Strategies to build self-esteem
  • Ways to take time for self-care
  • Community resources and support

Reasons to use the Service

The Transition to Parenting program is for women who:

  • Have prenatal or postnatal anxiety or depression
  • Are having a challenging time adjusting to parenthood

Cost and Locations

This service is provided at no cost and is available in locations throughout York Region including Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill and Woodbridge.

The Transition to Parenting program groups include:

Markham 
EarlyON Child and Family Centre Markham East
40 Washington St, Markham

Newmarket 
EarlyON Child and Family Centre Newmarket
17310 Yonge Street, Unit 6, Newmarket 

Richmond Hill 
EarlyON Child and Family Centre Richmond Hill
10610 Bayview Avenue, Unit 9, Richmond Hill 

Woodbridge
Woodbridge Public School
60 Burwick Ave, Woodbridge, ON L4L 1J7

Registration is required.

Eligibility

This program is open to women living in York Region who have a baby up to one year of age or are pregnant and:

  • Feel anxious or depressed
  • Feel alone or isolated
  • Want support to adjust and cope as a new mother
  • Have a history of a mood disorder or difficulty adjusting to change

How to Register

To register, contact:

Health Connection
Telephone: 1-800-361-5653
TTY: 1-866-512-6228 (for the deaf or hard of hearing)
Email: @email

Where can I go for help?
  • York Region Public Health Transition to Parenting Program
  • Talk to your health care provider
  • Call a 24-hour crisis line or hotline:
    • Community Crisis Response Service: 1-855-310-COPE (2673)
    • Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000
    • Ontario Mental Health Helpline: 1-866-531-2600
  • York Region offers support for families through the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program
How can I take care of myself?
  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Rest and take breaks
  • Connect with helpful family members/ friends
  • Allow yourself to ask for help
  • Take time for exercise
  • Take moments for yourself
  • Self-care plan

Your family benefits when you take care of yourself. Time for yourself will give you more energy and patience to provide loving and responsive care.

How can family and friends help?
  • Accept and acknowledge the person’s feelings
  • Offer help in house chores or baby care
  • Encourage the person to rest or exercise
  • Help the person to think positively or focus on positive thoughts
  • Provide support in getting assessment and treatment
  • Partners may need to be aware of their own feelings and self-care

Your acceptance and support means a lot to the person who is struggling with perinatal mental illnesses.

Related Resources

External Resources