Support for Parents
Support for Parents
Parenting is filled with both joys and challenges; there’s no better support than connecting with someone who’s going through it themselves. The programs listed on this page provide parents with the opportunity to meet and connect with one another while sharing their experiences. Some of these programs include support for families facing food insecurity. If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected].
On this page:
Support for Moms
Postpartum Mood Disorder (PPMD) Peer Support Group, phone and email
If you are a mom who is experiencing difficulties adjusting to life with a new baby or is coping with Postpartum Mood Disorder (PPMD), support is available.
It’s not easy to reach out for support – we’re so glad you’re here.
At BridgeWay, we have a Postpartum Mood Disorder Peer Support Group as well as a phone number and email address you can contact for support and resources. All services are free, no registration required.
Our PPMD Peer Support Group is a judgement-free space where you can talk about how you feel or just sit and listen to others. Child-minding is provided in the centre during the program; you are also welcome to bring your baby with you into the group. This group is available at our Heart Lake, Brittany Glen and Turtle Creek EarlyON locations. Find out more about our PPMD Peer Support Group.
If you have any concerns about changes in your mood or well-being, we are here to listen. You can phone or text 647-913-8410. The line is answered between 9:00am and 4:00pm Monday to Friday. Email [email protected] for free, confidential support and resources.
Please note that our services are not monitored 24/7. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call the 24/7 Crisis Support Line run by Canadian Mental Health Association’s Peel Dufferin branch at 905-278-9036. See our mental health resource list for other urgent and non-urgent mental health services in Peel.
You and Your Baby
Becoming a mom is a life-changing experience, filled with both joy and challenges. There’s no better support than connecting with someone who’s going through it themselves. In You and Your Baby, you’ll meet other moms to share in the ups and downs of having a new baby. During this six-week program, we’ll explore a variety of topics, some of which include: birth experiences/baby’s arrival, adjusting to life with a baby, and how relationships can change once your little one arrives.
Click here for details and to register. Scroll to ‘Events and Workshops’ to select one of the upcoming dates. After you click your preferred date/location, click ‘Register Now’.
Mom’s Chat
During this relaxed chat session you can share your thoughts and concerns about parenting, ask questions, and meet other moms in your community. If you don’t want to share, that’s ok! Come and listen instead. Moms with children birth to 24 months are welcome to join Mom’s Chat.
Click here to find a Mom’s Chat near you! Scroll to ‘Locations Offered’ and enter your address or postal code to find the centre closest to you.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group
If you’re a mom who has experienced a loss any time throughout pregnancy, during IVF, or after the birth of your baby, BridgeWay’s Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group is here for you.
In this group, we will discuss topics such as: different types of loss, stages and symptoms of loss and grief (and how these are different for every individual), possible triggers and strategies to use when facing them, how to cope with comments/questions from others, and types of support. You are welcome to share as much or as little of your experience as you’re comfortable with.
Click here for details and to register. Scroll to ‘Events and Workshops’ to select one of the upcoming dates. After you click your preferred date/location, click ‘Register Now’.
Infant Feeding Support
Do you have questions about breastfeeding/chestfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding, formula feeding or combo feeding? Our Registered Lactation Consultant provides free infant feeding support at EarlyON Centres. Parents and caregivers with infants can drop in to ask questions and share concerns. Our lactation consultant will help guide you through your infant feeding goals.
Learn more about Infant Feeding Support here! Scroll to ‘Events and Workshops’ for the upcoming dates and locations.
Helpful Links
Support for Dads
Just for Dads
Join us at Just for Dads where you can connect with other fathers that are also learning more about their role as a parent. Come share your thoughts and concerns about parenting, ask questions, and meet other dads in your community.
Just For Dads is open only to fathers who are expecting a baby or have a child birth to 6 years of age.
Click here for details and to register. Scroll to ‘Events and Workshops’ to select one of the upcoming dates. After you click your preferred date/location, click ‘Register Now’.
Infant Feeding Support
Do you have questions about breastfeeding/chestfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding, formula feeding or combo feeding? Our Registered Lactation Consultant provides free infant feeding support at EarlyON Centres. Parents and caregivers with infants can drop in to ask questions and share concerns. Our lactation consultant will help guide you through your infant feeding goals.
Learn more about Infant Feeding Support here! Scroll to ‘Events and Workshops’ for the upcoming dates and locations.
Helpful Links
Prenatal Support
Healthy Start: Prenatal education for women who need extra support
Are you pregnant and on a fixed or low income? Are you separated from your family and need extra support? Are you a pregnant teen?
Join us at Healthy Start! This FREE program is all about nutrition and learning to give your baby the healthiest start possible. Each week, we provide parent education covering a variety of topics, opportunities to consult with professionals about prenatal and postnatal nutrition, and support and resources for you and your baby’s overall wellness.
Healthy Start will provide pregnant women of all ages with the skills, confidence and resources needed to keep themselves and their child healthy throughout their pregnancy and in to the first 6 months after birth.
Prenatal Classes: Prenatal education for expectant parents
Having a baby is an exciting journey filled with everything from happiness to anxiety to feeling overwhelmed. There is so much conflicting information from family, friends and the internet. Come get your questions answered with the most current information so that you can feel confident and prepared for this exciting time.
Find out more about Prenatal Classes here! Scroll to ‘Events and Workshops’ to select one of the upcoming dates. After you click your preferred date/location, click ‘Register Now’.
Support for Families
These FREE programs are presented for families with young children who need extra support. Please contact [email protected] or call 647-702-6175 to find out if you qualify for the program.
Family Kitchen
Family Kitchen offers parents with children (birth to 6 years of age) an opportunity to learn cooking skills and prepare nutritious, budget-friendly meals. While you cook with other parents, your child will enjoy playing with a variety fun toys, books and activities. You and your child will come together for the remainder of the program to bond over a delicious meal!
This FREE program is presented for families with young children (birth to 6 years) who need extra support. Click here for details.
Family Kitchen (Online)
Family Kitchen (Online) offers parents with children (birth to 6 years of age) an opportunity to learn new recipes and gain tips to prepare nutritious, budget-friendly meals. In this program, you can learn about a variety of foods, share your favourite recipes, discuss current discounts on groceries, and connect with other parents from the comfort of your own home.
This FREE program is presented for families with young children (birth to 6 years) who need extra support. Click here for details.
Kids Can Cook
During Kids Can Cook, you will learn to make quick, easy, budget-friendly, and customizable recipes for you and your family! You and your child will work together to make nutritious snacks and meals. With you by their side, your child will take on the role of ‘little chef’, and together you will learn and bond in this fun and interactive environment!
This FREE program is presented for families with young children (2 to 6 years) who need extra support. Click here for details.
