Prenatal, Breastfeeding, and Parenting Services
Phone support
Durham Health Connection Line (DHCL) is a free and confidential phone service. This phone service is open to all Durham Region residents and is available in multiple languages. We are here to help support you through the journey of raising children.
| What we offer |
Note: This is not an emergency health service. If you need emergency medical care or are in crisis, please call 911 immediately. If you need health care on a non-urgent basis, please consult with your health care provider or call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000. |
Breastfeeding support
Need help with breastfeeding? We can help! Public health nurses with lactation training offer breastfeeding help through phone and in-person appointments. Learn more about breastfeeding and local supports on our Feeding Your Baby page.
- Phone support is available by calling the Durham Health Connection Line to speak with a public health nurse.
- Residents can also call 811 or visit Health811.ontario.ca for free breastfeeding support 24/7.
- Find breastfeeding groups, lactation consultants, equipment rentals.
Free prenatal, breastfeeding and newborn classes
Our free online prenatal, breastfeeding and newborn care classes cover five topics – pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, understanding your newborn and local community supports.
Our SMILE prenatal classes are free, interactive classes for expectant parents taught by a public health nurse. Visit our SMILE page for details on eligibility and to register.
Family health
Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) program is a free home visiting program to help children get a healthy start in life. We can support you while you are pregnant, after the baby is born and as your child grows.
Our Infant Child Development program provides service for infants and young children who have developmental concerns or special needs.
Parenting classes and groups
Food 4 Thought is a weekly drop-in program for pregnant women under 26 years of age facing challenging life situations. Support, information and free groceries are provided.
Ready, Set, Grow Check-Ups are a free drop-in opportunity for parents and caregivers of children birth to five years-old to ask professionals questions about their child's development, learning, speech or behaviour.
EarlyON Child and Family Centres provide opportunities for children from birth to six years-old to participate in play and inquiry-based programs, and support parents and caregivers in their roles.
Community resource guide for pregnant and parenting families.
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