A New Baby

Congratulations on your new baby! York Region Public Health is here to help. You have questions, we have answers. Our registered nurses are just a phone call away and are ready to offer you helpful parenting tips, answer your parenting questions and suggest programs and services that best meet your family’s needs.

To speak to a registered nurse, call York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-512-6228, or live chat Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

If you are on the phone with one of our registered nurses, this page will help guide your conversation.

Did you speak to one our Public Health Nurses over the phone?

Tell us about your experience by completing a quick survey.

If you cannot get to a phone or are having trouble finding information, email @email, or send us a Facebook or Twitter message.

At the hospital

After delivery, you may be provided information about York Region Public Health programs and services. York Region Public Health partners with York Region hospitals to share important details about helpful programs and services. You may be asked if one of our registered nurses can call you at home, please provide consent to receive this call.

Going home with baby

A few days after you and your baby get home from the hospital, one of our registered nurses from Health Connection will call you to:

  • See how you are feeling
  • Answer your parenting questions
  • Get to know you and your baby by asking you a few questions

If you need further support

  • Speak to a Health Connection registered nurse by calling 1-800-361-5653, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Ask about our home visiting program, Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC), or our free virtual or in-person breastfeeding clinics
  • For after-hours support, call Health Connect Ontario by dialing 811 or calling 1-866-797-0000 for 24-hour medical advice and free breastfeeding and infant feeding support

Feeding your baby

Are you experiencing breastfeeding challenges? If you are not breastfeeding, do you have questions about preparing and feeding infant formula? We are here to help!

Our registered nurses can answer your infant feeding questions and link you to expert support through virtual or in-person, face-to-face appointments. York Region offers free, private breastfeeding and infant feeding sessions at our clinics located throughout York Region. Support can be in-person, by phone and/or online, Monday to Friday. One of our registered nurses will meet with you and your baby, help you understand your baby’s feeding cues, suggest strategies to overcome feeding challenges, and offer you valuable tips and advice.

To schedule an infant feeding virtual or in-person appointment at one of our breastfeeding clinics, call Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or connect with us via live chat

Remember, if you are not able to visit one of our breastfeeding clinics, our registered nurses are also happy to answer your questions and provide infant feeding support over the phone.

Here are some helpful tips:

Cleaning your baby’s mouth

Did you know that it is important to clean your baby’s mouth even before teeth appear? Clean your baby’s mouth every day, from birth. Use a clean, soft, damp cloth to wipe gums, insides of cheeks and the roof of the mouth.

For more information about your baby’s oral health:

We care about how you are feeling

Let’s talk about you. During the past month, have you been feeling anxious, sad, depressed or hopeless? York Region Public Health provides information and support to families going through parenting challenges. If you need to talk, reach out to one of our registered nurses by contacting Health Connection. York Region Public Health nurses can provide support, information and connections to other helpful services such as:

Support for dads/partners

Fathers or partners play an important role in child development. Children feel safe, secure and loved when both parents spend time with them. When a parent feels supported by their partner, they are more patient, flexible, sensitive and available to their child. For more information, visit Dad Central Canada

Your baby’s growth and development

Children depend on their parents and caregivers to help them grow and develop. When parents know what to expect at each stage of development, it can be easier for them to meet their child's needs and understand their behaviour.

For help along the way, you can:

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find a doctor?

Health Care Connect, offered through the Government of Ontario, can help you find a doctor or nurse practitioner. To find all available health care options near you, visit ontario.ca

How can I keep my baby safe?

Keep your baby safe at home or in the car. For general tips, visit Health Canada

Create a smoke-free environment

Second-hand smoke is the smoke that enters the air from the end of a burning cigarette, cigar or pipe. Third-hand smoke is left on furniture, in dust and in fabrics after a cigarette, cigar or pipe is put out. Second and third-hand smoke are especially dangerous for babies and children. Find out more about creating smoke-free spaces

I am a parent of twins/multiples. Where can I find information and support?

Multiple births

Expecting two, three, or more babies and wondering what you need to know? Visit Health Canada: Multiple Births

Peer-to-peer support for parents of multiples

Multiple Births Canada offers many resources for parents with multiples when you become a member.

What is my baby telling me?

Your baby needs to know that someone is available for them. A healthy attachment with at least one adult increases brain development and helps your child to cope with stress, anxiety and new life experiences. Build your child’s emotional health with tips from the Attachment Building factsheet

How do I register my baby with the province?

Service Ontario can provide you with questions about birth certificates, passports, social insurance numbers and the Canada child benefits

Related Resources

External Resources

  • OMama: Evidence-informed healthy pregnancy, birth and early parenting information