Parenting/Family

Parents and caregivers are the most important people in their children's lives. Parents and guardians are responsible for the care, nurturing, and protection of their children. They make decisions regarding their children's health, education, and well-being. They are their children's first teachers.
(HRSD -Understanding the Early Years: Helping our Children Succeed)

Prenatal

Parents begin caring for their baby even before conception by taking care of themselves. A mother's good health and proper nutrition is extremely important for the healthy development of the fetus. The following list of suggestions may help promote a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Build and enhance your support network
Take a prenatal course (connect with other expectant mothers and families, get to know what supports are available for you and your family)
Be as healthy as you can be
Eat a well-balanced diet. Obtain nutritional advice from your Public Health Nurse at your local health unit.
Exercise - swimming and walking are excellent forms of exercise for a healthy pregnant woman
Cut down on your caffeine intake - a baby's system is unable to process it
Do not consume alcohol, use drugs, or smoke
Take care of your teeth

Prenatal Classes
Health Unit
104-34194 Marshall Road
604-864-3400
Prenatal classes conducted by Public Health Nurses are offered at the Health Unit, in English and in Punjabi. (Punjabi classes conducted by Punjabi speaking Public Health Nurses) These classes offer prenatal guidance and education, as well as a tour of MSA hospital.

Youth Prenatal Classes
Health Unit
104-34194 Marshall Road
604-864-3400
Prenatal classes for pregnant teens who want to learn more about pregnancy; you are welcome to bring a friend.

Fraser Valley Pregnancy Centre
204-3100 272 Street, Aldergrove
24 hour Hotline: 604-856-9151
info@fvpc.ca
www.fvpc.ca
Offers information, education, emotional and spiritual support, and practical help. All services are FREE and confidential.

Nutrition for Mother and Child

Best For Babies
Abbotsford Community Services
2420 Montrose Avenue
Susan Larocque, 604-859-7681 ext. 288
Prenatal counselling on nutrition during pregnancy and afterwards for both mother and child, outreach counselling, free vitamin supplements if needed, food vouchers for milk and orange juice, and weekly drop in lunch.

New Baby

Breast Feeding Clinic
Health Unit
104-34194 Marshall Road
604-864-3400

Well Baby Clinics
Health Unit
104-34194 Marshall Road
604-864-3400
Telephone early for an appointment for immunization for your baby - immunizations start at 2 months of age!

I Got You Babe
Family Centre
33780 Laurel Street
604-859-7681 ext 266

Abbotsford La Leche League Support Group
604-850-5081
Offers mother to mother breast feeding support for expectant, new, and experienced mothers through monthly meetings and telephone assistance.

Postpartum

Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
Health Unit
104-34194 Marshall Road
604-864-3400

Family Education

Family Education Program
Abbotsford Community Services
2420 Montrose Ave
Janice McKim, 604-870-3767
604-859-7681 ext 220 or 242
Offers educational programs for parents with children ages 0-12. These programs cover topics such as discipline, self-esteem, anger management, child development, emotional literacy and communication skills. Priority is given to those on low income.