The Strengthening Families Maternal Child Health (MCH) Program was implemented in Pinaymootang First Nation in 2022. The program is guided collaboratively by families, community leadership, and MCH staff. It is grounded in the development of strength-based relationships and aims to create positive impacts that extend across generations.

The program is designed to support and nurture the overall well-being of children and families by providing evidence-based resources, culturally grounded supports, and connections to community knowledge.

The period from preconception to six years of age is recognized as a critical stage for brain development, behavioural learning, and lifelong health outcomes. Experiences during this time significantly influence a child’s development trajectory. As such, maternal health is a key focus of the program, supported through prenatal and postnatal care, education, and ongoing follow-up based on family needs and preferences.

The program also recognizes the importance of promoting reproductive health knowledge among youth and young adults to support healthy families, strong relationships with care providers, and informed decision-making.

The MCH Program provides holistic services and supports that foster safe environments for families to learn, grow, and strengthen relationships. It also supports parenting capacity development, healthy coping strategies, and access to appropriate referrals for child and family needs.

Goals

• Healthy children

• Healthy women/mothers (preconception, prenatal, birth, and postnatal)

• Healthy fathers

• Healthy families

 

Objectives

• Empower families

• Promote physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of families

• Foster trusting and supportive relationships between families and care providers

• Increase community capacity to support family health and well-being

 

Program Expectations and Services

Participants in the program can expect supportive services, including:

• Screening and assessment for pregnant individuals and families to identify needs

• Reproductive health education and resources

• Home visiting services provided by nurses and community-based home visitors, based on family-identified needs

• Education and support for pregnant individuals and families with infants and young children

• Promotion of healthy relationships and positive child development

• Recognition and support of parenting knowledge and skills, including child development, healthy lifestyle choices, and access to social supports

• Access to curriculum-based learning opportunities chosen by families

 

Services Offered Through the Program

• Home visitation services

• Referral, access, and case coordination with community services based on family needs

• Prenatal and postnatal care

• Prenatal programming

• Play and family groups

• Babysitter Safety and Stay Safe training courses

• Education for mothers, fathers, children, and families

• Promotion of preventive health care for children

• Young Women’s Teen Health Clinic (school-based)

• Monthly women’s groups

 

For more information, please contact Kerri or Alannah at 204-659-5786.