The best start for moms and their babies is just a phone call away.
For pregnant women in the Greater Trail region, information, resources and services are all being rolled up into the launch of a new prenatal registry service this week.
An Interior Health program, the prenatal registry is a toll-free confidential phone line (1-855-868-7710) that women can call to register for the birth of their babies, ask questions and get information about services available to support a healthy pregnancy.
When a woman calls the toll-free number she will speak directly with a public health nurse who can answer her questions and connect her with supports and services that meet her individual needs.
The registry contains information and resources in areas such as nutrition, tobacco use, substance abuse, sexual health, safety, breastfeeding and parenting.
“Not all pregnant women have the same needs. Some may be calling to sign up for prenatal classes, others may have questions about healthy eating and some may just want to know what supports are available in their communities,” said Anne Clarotto, Promotion and Prevention Program Director with Interior Health.
“Instead of calling a few places to get this information they can now call one number. It’s like a one-stop shop for a healthy pregnancy.”
The prenatal registry will operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. The service is available for all pregnant women in the Greater Trail region.
The prenatal registry will utilize a phased-in approach and will expand service to all other communities within the region in early 2013. Women can call the prenatal registry early in their pregnancy. The sooner they call, the sooner they can learn about and get connected to valuable services, supports and information.
For more information: www.interiorhealth.ca/prenatalregistry.