How We Help:
Our Programs and Services

For over 16 years, Best Start Health Coalition in Peel has been in operation and providing prenatal services that promote the healthiest pregnancies possible for expectant women and teens living in Peel.  By participating in our programs, expectant women gain the skills, confidence and resources to improve their health and that of their unborn babies, learn about self-care, better understand parenting issues and make choices that enhance their unborn child’s future growth and development. 

Our programs reach women, children and families that are the most vulnerable and we help eliminate barriers to participation by helping with the costs of transportation, providing free child-care and ensuring all programs are free-of-charge.

Healthy Start and Teen Prenatal Supper Club Programs and services include:

Counselling, Referrals and Support

• Individualized and group supportive counseling through access to Public Health Nurses, Social Workers and Registered Dietitians.
• Referrals to programs and services that support childbearing women and young children.

Peer Support

• Each program site provides a warm, caring and inviting atmosphere where socializing, friendly support and lasting friendships are made.  
• Provides a social network that promotes peer relationships amongst socially isolated expectant women to meet and support each other.

Prenatal Food and Nutrition Support Program

• Provides expectant women and teens with nutrition education and counseling, access to nutritious food and nutritional supplements.
• Each week participants receive a $10 food voucher so they can purchase healthy food for the home (eggs, milk and fruit). 
• Upon arrival each Healthy Start or Teen Prenatal Supper Club participant receives a nutritious snack. 
• During Teen Prenatal Supper Club sessions expectant teens also learn how to prepare a nutritious meal, receive a nutritious meal and are provided with the recipe so healthy meals can be made at home. 
• Each week, a Public Health Nurse or Dietitian provides individual and group nutrition counseling focusing on health and nutritional needs during pregnancy.  Educational topics include: food planning and shopping, making healthy food choices within a limited budget, nutrition and purchasing and preparing nutritious food. 

Prenatal and Early Childhood Development Education

Educational curriculum including the following plus many other relevant topics:

• Bonding with baby
• Breastfeeding information
• Exercise and physical activity
• Feeding baby
• Improving self-esteem
• Infant care
• Infant massage
• Labour and delivery
• Living in a smoke-free environment
• Nutrition education
• Personal care during pregnancy
• Prenatal care
• Preventing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD’s)

Participants are also able to give feedback and provide input into what topics are covered on a regular basis.