Prenatal and Post partum Information
Prenatal Classes
Milton Centre for Women’s Health offers free online prenatal classes and education sessions for expecting parents and as well for postpartum patients. It is a four part prenatal series which includes 2 labour and delivery sessions and 2 postpartum sessions. The sessions go though the signs and stages of labour, what to bring to the hospital, birth planning, cord blood banking, breast feeding, safe sleep and much more, as well as time for asking questions to experienced registered nurses. If this is of interest to you follow the sign up here button. Halton Healthcare calso provides service of online prenatal classes, click here for registration.
Cord Blood Banking
Cord blood is found in your babies umbilical cord and cord tissue is a segment of their umbilical cord both of which are a rich source of stem cells that can be used (if stored) to potentially treat future medical conditions. Cord blood and tissue can either be stored, donated or discarded (once discarded cannot be used for future purposes), this is decided by the parent and it’s important this decision is made before the baby’s birth. Today, cord blood can be used to treat medical conditions such as blood disorders, immune deficiencies, genetic diseases, and even some cancers. An online session is available with an expert to answer any questions you may have about cord blood and tissue banking. Click the speak with expert link to sign up for a session and as well check out insception life bank’s patient information.
Mental Wellness and Support
Pregnancy and postpartum can be challenging both physically and mentally, so it is important to take the time to support your mental health and well being during these times. The Womb and the Canadian Perinatal Wellness Collective both offer support programs for expecting and current parents. Mental wellness at the Womb offers 2 types of sessions one for postpartum individuals and one for emerging parents. Click the Womb link for more information. The Perinatal Wellness Collective offers free online support groups with perinatal mental health professionals. Click the Perinatal wellness collective to learn more and book a session.
Healthy Babies Healthy Children is a free support program offered by Halton Region Health Department which includes home visits from a public health nurse or family visitor for parents/families with young children that require extra support. The home visitors provide support on having a healthy pregnancy, feeding, child safety, and can connect you with other support programs in the community. If this is something of interest to you, click the HBHC link provided.
Prenatal genetic screening consist of both blood tests and ultrasounds that screen for genetic abnormalities and neural tube defects. During the first trimester of pregnancy a dating ultrasound is done to determine viable pregnancy, heartbeat, and gestational age, blood work is done as well as first trimester screening to determine chance of Down syndrome and Trisomy 18. During the second trimester an anatomy ultrasound is done to determine any structural abnormalities and to check the baby head to toe, a glucose screening test is also done to determine risk of gestational diabetes. During the third trimester a Group B Strep swab is done to determine if there is any presence of group B strep bacteria. SOGC (Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ of Canada) provides resources and helpful information on the importance of genetic screening as well as what type of testing is involved.
Halton Healthcare offers free breastfeeding clinics with lactation consultants for babies born at a Halton Healthcare hospital or babies that had care from midwives or physicians with privileges at Halton Healthcare. Check out more information on breastfeeding services here. Addition support and resources for breastfeeding can be found through the Halton baby friendly initiative. Further resources can be found through the links provided such as Halton’s Parent-Parent phone support, KidsCorner medical (Oakville, requires referral), Ontario Breast Feeding Clinic (requires referral), Milcreek Childre’s Clinic (requires referral). Private (not covered by OHIP) breast feeding support include The WOMB, Abaton Integrative Medicine, and Birth & Baby Needs.
Patients under the care of Milton Center for Women’s Health will deliver at Milton District Hospital. Find resources on how to navigate the hospital and as well information for your entire pregnancy and labour.
ACT physiotherapy is a physiotherapist clinic located in Milton which provides services such as; physio, massage, chiropractic, orthotics, pelvic floor, acupuncture and much more. This can be a helpful resource for prenatal patients to help relieve discomfort and pain. Find more information on their website.
Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologist of Canada offers many resources for patients. A helpful website with lots of information for patients who are pregnant, want to become pregnant and post partum patients can be found through the link provided.