After Pregnancy 
Postnatal health
Best Start’s Healthy Start for Baby and Me book describes the physical changes you can expect from your body after birth.
Postnatal mental health
It is normal to have a wide range of changing emotions after the birth of your baby.
Childbirth can be exhilarating and exhausting all at the same time, but one thing for certain it is a very emotional time for families. It is not uncommon for new moms to experience crying spells and feeling sad, irritable and frustrated as well as fatigued within three to five days after delivery. If this lasts for more than two weeks or is severe enough to interfere with your daily routine, it is time to seek help. You may be experiencing something known as postpartum mood disorder (PPMD). This disorder can manifest itself in different ways such as anxiety, depression and, in extreme cases, psychosis.
We all struggle from time to time and research is showing that PPMD not only affects the mom but also her partner and the family as a whole. The sooner you get support, the better things will be for your family. Part of the Timiskaming Health Unit's Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program is to ensure the best possible outcomes for parents and their children. We offer help for families that might be suffering from postpartum mood disorder.
If you or someone you know is struggling after the birth of a new baby, please call the Timiskaming Health Unit 705-647-4305 or toll free 1-866-747-4305 and ask to speak to a Healthy Babies Healthy Children nurse. If you feel you need immediate help, please reach out to the local CMHA Crisis Line, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll free at 1-888-665-8888.
Newborn care 
Find out what to expect in the first three months.
Feeding Your Baby
Looking for information on feeding your baby? Check out Feeding your Baby.
Services we offer for families with a baby:
Home visiting program for pregnant people and parents of children under six years of age. Staff help families by providing prenatal education, healthy relationships and bonding, dealing with parenting challenges and accessing resources and much more.
Well Baby Clinics are free and by appointment. A Public Health Nurse offers the following:
- Weighing and measuring of babies and toddlers
- Provide breastfeeding support and information
- Provide nutrition information
- Provide child development information
- Provide immunization
- Screen for postpartum mood changes
- Complete developmental screening for children (from 1 month old-6 years old)
- Provide referrals as required
All our HBHC nurses are trained to support mothers with breastfeeding. We also have board-certified Lactation Consultants available to provide help for mothers facing challenges with breastfeeding. Contact us to book an appointment.
Trained child restraint system technicians ensure your child’s car seat is installed properly Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are all welcome to book an appointment!
To sign up, or learn more, contact us to speak to a Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) nurse. All services are free and by appointment.
Other online resources:
Best Start Health Nexus
Caring for kids
Newborn Registration
New Dad Manual
Period of Purple Crying
20230206/er:nd