Durham Region Health Department launches free online prenatal classes

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region Health Department is launching free, accessible and interactive online prenatal classes to provide expectant families with essential information that covers the various stages associated with parenting including pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, newborn care and local community resources. Free access is available by registering at durham.ca/onlineprenatalclasses.

The online classes are offered in a mobile-friendly format to help users access them using any device, anywhere that internet is available. The content is Canadian-focused, up-to-date and evidence-based with high quality videos, animations, interactive activities, quizzes and a parent’s toolbox.

“Whether you are a first-time parent, supporting someone who is pregnant or looking for a refresher, the classes are a flexible way to learn more about pregnancy and parenting,” said Kelly Pigeau, a public health nurse with the Health Department. “These classes can help decrease fears around labour and birth, help partners feel involved, help prepare for bringing baby home and help families make informed decisions.”

The online classes assist parents in their learning by providing helpful tips and information for each stage. For pregnancy, topics include healthy eating, pregnancy discomforts, physical and emotional health, and more. With birth, parents will be able to learn about the stages of labour, comfort measures, birth stories and medical interventions. Classes also cover breastfeeding information including signs of a good latch and breast milk production. The newborn class covers information on tending to a newborn with guidance on how to care for a baby, safe sleeping habits, immunization schedules and postpartum health. You will also find links to Durham Region supports and services that are available to further assist families on this exciting journey.

“These online classes are a great addition to the supports and resources the Health Department already provides for expectant families,” Ms. Pigeau continued. “By offering these classes, our goal is to provide families with multiple options for learning that best suits their schedules and lifestyles.”

Users are invited to browse the information at their own pace with a log-in that is valid for one year. To register for the classes, visit durham.ca/onlineprenatalclasses. For more information, please call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-666-6241 or 1-800-841-2729.

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For more information, please contact Health Department.