IH launches 'Healthy from the Start' for pregnancy care
By Boundary Sentinel
Healthy From The Start is a one-stop shop that connects pregnant women with appropriate services in the community to support a healthy pregnancy. Information and resources are available on a variety of subjects including accessing prenatal care, when to seek medical care, mental health, relationships, breastfeeding, parenting and more.
“As a parent, I know that the months leading up to the birth of a baby are an exciting, but often overwhelming time,” said parliamentary secretary for health Terry Lake. “It is great news that expectant parents from across Interior Health now have easy access to a variety of information to support them during pregnancy and help the give their babies the best start in life.”
The program, formerly called the Prenatal Registry, launched in six pilot sites last year with a great response.
“During our first year, over 500 women from the pilot communities used our service to connect with a public health nurse, learn about healthy pregnancies, and find out about services in their communities,” said Nadine Johnson, Practice Lead with Interior Health. “We are thrilled to now offer this service to women in all Interior Health communities.”
Healthy From The Start can be reached through the toll-free line at 1-855-868-7710 or online by submitting the program contact form here. When a woman contacts Healthy From The Start, she will be connected with a public health nurse who will complete a health screening questionnaire; provide information on programs, supports, and resources available in her community; and make referrals as necessary.
“We encourage all pregnant women to take advantage of this service and to call early in their pregnancies,” said Johnson. “Receiving early prenatal care and connecting with supports and services has a tremendous impact on both the mother’s health and the health of the baby.”
Healthy From The Start is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST / 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST.
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