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Mother looking at child

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.

Public health nurses are available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.

  • Prenatal health advice.
  • Breastfeeding support.
  • Help related to feeding your baby or child.
  • Advice about speech, language, and your child's growth and development.
  • Answers to your questions about immunization.
  • Information about services in your community.

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.

Woman breastfeeding baby.

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 the First Six Months.

Woman taking a class on a computer.

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.

Home visit in family home.

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.

Group of babies.

Parenting classes and groups

Steps to Wellness Before and After Baby is a free virtual group program that provides Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for pregnant and postpartum individuals experiencing symptoms of depression and/or anxiety.

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 Events are a free drop-in opportunity for parents and caregivers of children birth to six 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.

Contact us

Health Department - Durham Health Connection Line
The Regional Municipality of Durham
605 Rossland Road East
Whitby, Ontario L1N 6A3
Telephone (within regional limits): 311
Fax: 905-666-6214
Email the Health Department
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