Supports for newcomer moms (or expectant moms)

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Are you a new mother or expecting a baby?

  1. Having a baby is one of the most wonderful events in your life.
  2. But may be worried because you are far away from your family and friends. You need support.
  3. Don’t worry. There are many programs and supports for you in Manitoba.
  4. Go to Service Canada to know:
    • Maternity and Parental Leave
    • maintaining a healthy pregnancy
    • guide to immunization
    • programs for your baby’s health and security
    • getting a birth certificate, Social Insurance Number (SIN) and other government benefits

Getting help before and after the birth

There are other free programs for you in Manitoba:

  1. Manitoba Prenatal Benefit.

    It gives you money to buy healthy food during pregnancy.

  2. Healthy Baby Community Support Programs

    • teach new parents about pregnancy
    • teach you about the baby’s growth and development
    • teach you about nutrition and health
    • give breastfeeding support
    • give parenting tips
    • connect you with health care professionals, other moms and new parents
    • give free milk coupons (during your pregnancy until your baby is six months old)
    • give bus tickets and childminding (when available) so you can attend sessions
    • Click this link to know Healthy Baby Programs in Winnipeg
    • Click this if you are in rural and northern Manitoba
  3. Healthy Start for Mom & Me Manitoba is for pregnant women and new mothers with babies up to one year. It provides support for families of all cultures, backgrounds, challenges and strengths.
  4. Midwifery Services

    • You can give birth at home or at the Birth Centre if you have a midwife.
    • Self-refer or ask for a referral from your doctor or Public Health Nurse or your doctor.
    • Get midwifery services at Access Centres, Women’s Health Clinic and Mt. Carmel.
    • Midwives can help you while you are pregnant and up to six weeks after the baby is born.
  5. Birth Centre

    • Women with low risk/healthy pregnancies may choose to give birth at the Women’s Health Clinic Birth Centre.
    • You must be under the care of a midwife.
    • Newcomers are a priority population for midwifery intake.

    Do you need an interpreter? If you can’t speak English or French, you can ask for an interpreter. When a Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) interpreter cannot be scheduled in advance, they can conduct an over-the-phone interpretation.

  6. Well-baby visits

    • Public Health Nurses can give support before and after you give birth.
    • A Public Health Nurse will visit your home after you give birth. They will check to see how your baby is doing. They will ask if you have questions or need support.

Childminding/babysitting services

When your baby is at least three months, you may need some time for yourself. You may need to look for a job or attend activities. If you need child care, you can check:

You are not alone

  1. These programs are, especially for newcomers. You have the right to benefit from them. Participate!
  2. They are free and funded by the government.
  3. You can call these agencies before giving birth. Learn about schedules and requirements so you are ready to go when you need their services.
  4. Enjoy this precious time with your husband’s support.
  5. With the help of these programs, you can start raising a healthy and happy child.

Updated February 14, 2019.

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Community Resources

The Childbirth preparation, breastfeeding and postpartum support brochure lists down places where you can get these services in Winnipeg (compiled by the Adolescent Parent Interagency Network, as of 2015).

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Everyday Conversations

This is a sample dialogue featuring Anita, a new mom who is interested in joining the Healthy Start for Mom & Me Parent and Baby group.

Ursula: Hi, how are you?

Anita: I am good, thank you. How are you?

Ursula: I’m fine, thanks. How may I help you?

Anita: I want to join the Parent and Baby group program.

Ursula:
Certainly! Our Parent and Baby group program is for pregnant moms and those who have a baby under 1 year. How old is your child?

Anita:
My baby is six months old.

Ursula: Perfect. May I know your name and health card number?

Anita:
I am Anita Velasquez. My health card number is 222 547 080.

Ursula: Alright, you are now registered. You may proceed to room 2B. It’s on the second floor. You can take the elevator if you like.

Anita: Thank you!

Ursula:
Don’t mention it! Enjoy the session and have a good day!

Anita: Have a good day too!


Notes:

Use “My name is ___” instead of “I am” when you want to be formal. If you have an uncommon name, spell it to the receptionist. Spell it phonetically. For example, if you are spelling “Piotr” say “P as in papa, I as in India, O as in Oscar, T as in Tango, and R as in Romeo.”

“Don’t mention it” is an informal way of saying “You’re welcome”. You can also say “No problem” or “Happy to help” instead of “You are welcome”.

A good way to end a conversation is to wish people well. You can say, “Have a good/great/nice day”. Answer “have a good day too” when someone says it to you or “you too” or “same to you”.

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