Healthy Babies Healthy Children Coordinator – Malynda Maness-Henry, RECE

Healthy Babies Healthy Children Nurse – Joanne Culley, RN

 Healthy Babies/Healthy Children (HB/HC) and Head Start Program (HS)

Children don’t come with a book of instructions and it’s often hard to know what is best for them and how to keep them safe and healthy. The Healthy Babies/Healthy Children Program works with families to promote the development of the child and find ways to deal with the challenges parents face by sharing ideas and giving support.

The Healthy Babies/Healthy Children Team work together with Head Start Program to support families in the home and in the program groups. The team lead is MaLynda Henry, a Registered Early Childhood Educator with a Certificate in Infant & Toddler Guidance.  The other team members are Tanya Aviles, Head Start Worker, a Registered Early Childhood Educator and Joanne Culley, a Registered Nurse with a Certificate in Infant Mental Health.

Home Visiting Component

The home visiting program uses a family centered model that ensures pregnant women and families with children up to 6 years old on Aamjiwnaang First Nation have access to supports that reflect their values, priorities, strengths, and preferences.  Families and home visitors are equal partners working together toward a common goal.

Breastfeeding Buddies

Breastfeeding Buddies is a Mom-to-Mom Breastfeeding support Program.  Trained volunteers are matched with breastfeeding moms.  HB/HC program staff also have in-depth training to support the mom in breastfeeding.

Group Activities Component

WEEKLY PARENT GROUP ACTIVITIES

Weekly group activities (September to June) are open to parents and caregivers with children up to 6 years old.  The group activities are geared to the interest of the parents and caregivers.  Topics are related to parenting, nutrition, parent and child interaction, self-care and traditional teachings.  Components of the CPNP (Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program) have been integrated into the nutrition activities.  Parents support other parents in this informal setting.

HEAD START DROP-IN

The Head Start Drop-In focuses on parent and child interactions for children up to the age of 6 years old (older siblings are welcome to join).  Come play with us.  Stay for the full time or come for part of the time.  Some special events require sign up.

The Drop-In runs year round.  Mondays 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (lunch included) and Wednesdays 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (snack included).

NEW PARENTS GROUP

New Parents group is for expectant parents and parents with children 0-6 months old.  Topics are related to new parents to be and parents with newborns.  Topics may include: Prenatal Classes, Breastfeeding, Making Moss Bags; Memory Bears; Infant Massage, Baby Moccasins, Baby Food Making, etc.

ULTIMATE FATHERS CARING GROUP

The fathers group has activities for fathers, grandfathers and male caregivers with children up to 6 years old.  Topics vary.  Activities usually include the children.

FASD Prevention Program 

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is preventable by not drinking if you are planning a pregnancy. Or if you are not planning a pregnancy, drinking alcohol and having sex—it is important to use birth control.  Our campaign slogan is, “It is just not worth the risk!”  The key message: that during pregnancy there is No safe amount of alcohol, No safe alcohol, and No safe time to drink alcohol.  Information is provided throughout the year regarding prevention of FASD.  We are partners with Union of Ontario Indians and Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre to provide resources.  Supports are available for pregnant women dealing with addictions to alcohol and/or drugs or have a child with FASD.