Strengthening Families Maternal Child Health Program

Caring for Our Most Precious Citizens

Strengthening Families Maternal Child Health Program

Caring for Our Most Precious Citizens

The SFMCHP is a family-focused home visiting program for prenatal women, fathers, and families of infants and children under the age of six. The program provides support based on each family’s unique strengths, and addresses the family’s needs, questions and concerns.

We want everyone in the family to achieve a balanced lifestyle, grounded in Nehetho culture, with access to holistic care. We offer nutrition, exercise and wellness guidance to raise your infant, toddler and children, and to stay healthy as a parent.

Families with more complex needs can receive individual case management and support. We may help you to receive counselling, stress management, FASD support, and immunizations.

Services Include:

  • Home visitation
  • Case management for families with complex needs
  • Links and referrals to other programs & services
  • Assessment to understand your unique needs
  • Referrals for support and care
  • Prenatal support, such as nutrition, exercise & wellness advice
  • Postpartum support, such as breastfeeding, infant nutrition, mother’s mental wellness
  • Counselling & education

Goals & Objectives

  • To increase confidence, knowledge & skills using traditional parenting teachings
  • To empower families
  • To nurture the community’s capacity to support families
  • To be aware of clients’ well-being & mental wellness

Why do I need this program?

It’s difficult to care for a newborn baby. Infants and toddlers can be difficult, too. Many parents feel overwhelmed, scared, frustrated and tired. Our public health team can give you the support you need to be a great parent.

We support healthy moms and babies, and empower parents to create strong, healthy First Nations families. Having a baby can change everything in your life. We ensure the changes in your family are positive.

We help expectant mothers with proper nutrition, exercise and self-care, so the baby will receive all the nutrients it needs as it grows.

We have specialized services to deal with at-risk pregnancies. If you’ve been using drugs, nicotine or alcohol, if you have health issues, if there are concerns about your baby in utero, we can help.

What are the benefits of the Strengthening Families Maternal Child Health Program?

Mother with her kids

We focus on moms and babies, but include fathers, siblings and grandparents, too. This approach allows everyone to feel confident, loved and appreciated.

Our participants enjoy:

  • Support when they bring home the baby
  • Someone to listen when they’re feeling overwhelmed
  • Confidence in their abilities to raise a child
  • A promising future for their baby
  • Traditional wisdom & holistic care

This program currently operates in Nelson House. If you are in a different community, contact your local sub-office to ask about similar opportunities.