WECHU’s Healthy Families: Programs and services
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit offers programs for prenatal women, new parents, and parents of young children.
The Healthy Families department at the Health Unit offers multiple programs and services to local families from preconception until the child enters school. All programs are FREE to residents of Windsor-Essex County and can be accessed directly by clients or by community referral.
Lactation Consultation Services
Certified Lactation Consultants provide women with specialized, one-on-one support for breastfeeding challenges. Support is available via virtual meeting, over the phone, or in the client’s home.
18 month Developmental Follow-up
Registered Nurses review the results of the 18 month LookSee developmental screen with parents and provide practical recommendations for parents to help their child reach the associated milestones. Nurses link parents with other community resources, as needed.
Prenatal Breastfeeding Classes
Certified Lactation Consultants lead virtual classes twice a month. During these 2-hour classes, prenatal families receive instruction on how to: prepare to start breastfeeding; identify infant cues for hunger and satiety, assess the adequacy of breastmilk consumed, and prevent and address common breastfeeding challenges. Prenatal families will also receive education on different latching and positioning techniques.
Online Prenatal Education Program (Yomingo)
This online, self-led prenatal course is available for pregnant women and their partner/support persons. Yomingo includes videos, tools, and articles on various topics, including: healthy pregnancy, labour and delivery, breastfeeding, newborn care, and adjustment to parenthood. This course is mobile-friendly and available in multiple languages through Google translate. Yomingo provides parents with convenient information at their fingertips, including a directory of associated local services.
“Ask a Nurse”- Healthy Families Hotline Service
Registered Nurses are available to answer questions about preconception, prenatal, and child health. The most common inquires include questions about breastfeeding, infant feeding, parenting, and growth and development. Nurses connect callers with community services and educational resources, when needed. This service is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am until 4:00 pm at 519-258-2146 ext. 1350.
Nurse Practitioner Clinic
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) provides primary healthcare services and mental health support for prenatal and postnatal women and children up to six years old, who do not have a primary health care provider. An Ontario Health Card is not required to receive NP services. The clinics are located at both the Windsor and Leamington WECHU sites.
How to Refer
Complete the new online referral from at www.wechu.org/parents or call the Healthy Families Department 519-258-2146 ext. 1350.