Programs that pay for or supply equipment that is used to extract milk from mothers who need to store breast milk so that their infants can continue to have breast milk while they are at work or otherwise engaged, and who cannot afford to rent or purchase the equipment at regular prices.

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Programs that provide information and instruction concerning appropriate techniques for nursing an infant for expectant parents or new mothers.

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A federally-funded program that helps improve the health of pregnant individuals, new parents and their babies who face challenges such as poverty, teen pregnancy, social and geographic isolation, substance use or family violence. The program seeks to increase the number of babies born at a healthy weight, and to ensure culturally sensitive prenatal support for indigenous individuals and recent immigrants. Activities may include nutrition counselling, prenatal vitamins, food and food coupons, food preparation training, counselling in prenatal health and lifestyle, and education and support on breastfeeding, infant care and child development.

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Programs that offer classes or other educational experiences which prepare prospective mothers and their birth partners emotionally and physically for the labour and birth process. Topics covered include anatomy and physiology of birth, relaxation and breathing techniques, different types of labours, birthing/delivery options and postpartum care. Also included are programs that prepare other members of the family (grandparents and siblings) for the arrival of a new family member.

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Programs that provide facilities and/or necessary medical attention for individuals who are ready to give birth.

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Programs that offer the services of doulas, individuals experienced in childbirth who are specially trained to provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support for pregnant individuals before, during and just after labour and childbirth. The doula helps in the development of a birth plan; provides an objective view of the progress of labour; helps the pregnant individual make adjustments if unexpected demands or complications arise; guides them in breathing techniques, positioning, massage and use of the bath, shower, birth ball, hot and cold packs and other comfort measures; communicates with their birth partner; and makes one or more postpartum visits to the family's home following birth to offer guidance and support during the early weeks of parenting. "Doula" is a Greek word for "women helping women".

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Programs that provide shelter, care and support services, which often include counselling regarding future plans and instruction in child care and development, for pregnant individuals who are unable to remain in their own homes.

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Programs that utilize licensed midwives (health care professionals with specialized training in maternal and child health care and the management of labour and delivery) to provide health care services for mothers and infants during pregnancy and delivery and following birth.

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Programs that provide medical care for infants during the first six weeks following birth to ensure good health and normal development.

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Programs that provide follow-up medical care for women during the first six weeks following delivery to ensure that they are recovering normally from childbirth.

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Programs that provide a safe, secure living environment and supportive services (which may include educational opportunities, life skills training, financial planning, parenting education and counselling) for single mothers and their infants following birth. The objective of the program is to help residents become self-sufficient and move ahead with their lives by finishing school, acquiring job skills and learning to be good parents.

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Programs that provide medical care for pregnant individuals from the time of conception to the onset of labour to ensure their own physical well-being and the healthy development and birth of their child. Services generally include identification of risk factors based on age, health and/or personal and family history that may affect a pregnancy; diet and lifestyle advice; routine checkups to look for signs of problems associated with pregnancy (such as edema, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes) and to assure that the pregnancy is progressing well; ultrasound and other forms of prenatal testing to monitor fetal development and check for possible birth defects; and general information about being pregnant, e.g., what is normal and what is cause for concern, remedies for morning sickness or sleeplessness, managing weight gain and other common issues.

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Programs staffed by nurses or other trained professionals or volunteers that visit the homes of eligible parents during pregnancy and early infancy to help the individual improve their personal health and development during the prenatal period and learn to care for the child following birth. The visits encourage good nutrition; and provide information regarding danger signs in pregnancy, preparation for labour and delivery, breastfeeding and other feeding options, baby supplies, basic infant care, newborn behaviours and child development. They help to ensure that infants and toddlers are nurtured, live in a safe environment in and around the home and receive proper health care. Included are programs that focus on low income individuals, pregnant teens, first-time parents, individuals with high risk pregnancies or other special populations as well as those that are more broadly available.

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