Home Visits - Healthy Babies, Healthy Children

Healthy Babies, Healthy Children (HBHC) is a free and voluntary home visiting program that provides support while you are pregnant, after your baby is born and as your child grows.  

Who is eligible?

The HBHC program provides services to pregnant individuals and parents/caregivers of children up to their transition to school living in Ottawa. You do not need an OHIP card to receive services.

Pregnant individuals and parents/caregivers may be eligible for the home visiting program if they meet one or more of the following criteria*: 

  • They are facing challenging life situations such as being underhoused, relationship difficulties, or financial hardship.
  • They are concerned or have questions about parenting, their child’s growth and development, and building a healthy relationship with their child.
  • They are experiencing or have a history of a physical illness and/or mental health symptoms (e.g. feeling depressed or anxious) that is making their pregnancy or parenting challenging. 
  • They are feeling alone with few or no support from family or friends. 
  • They are a newcomer to Canada, here less than five years. 

*Subject to a needs assessment

If you live outside the Ottawa area and are interested in the HBHC program. Please contact your Local Public Health Unit. 
What services are provided?

Those eligible for the program will receive home visits from a Public Health Nurse (PHN) and Family Home Visitor (FHV). Support from a social worker may also occur as needed. You can expect service coordination that ensures your family receives appropriate, integrated, needs-based services that builds on your strengths.

We will work together to support you with:

To access the HBHC program: 

  • Speak with your primary care provider
  • You may speak with a Public Health Nurse:

Do you have more questions about parenting?

  • Connect with a registered nurse from Health811 for free, secure, and confidential health advice. Service is available 24/7 in English and French, with translation support also offered in other languages. Call 8-1-1 or visit Health811.ontario.ca.
  • Connect with a Community Navigator from 2-1-1 for information about community programs and resources across Eastern Ontario. Helpline service is available 24/7 and in many different languages. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca.
  • Connect with a Public Health Nurse and other parents on the Parenting in Ottawa Facebook page.
  • There are a variety of services to make it easier for your child to grow up healthy in Ottawa.
  • You can update your child's immunization record using either the CANImmunize App or the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) Tool. 
  • If you have received a message from Ottawa Public Health such as a letter or a call regarding immunization, an infectious disease, or infection control lapse, please call 613-580-6744 and listen to the menu options carefully.

pregnant belly, infant, toddler, child  There are a variety of services to make it easier for your child to grow up healthy in Ottawa. Learn more. 

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