1 in 44 babies in Canada is born preterm (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), and 1 in 100 is born with a major birth defect. Premature infants and infants with birth defects need special care and attention, and families need support and information to help them cope with the challenges of raising a child with special needs..
The Health, Maternity, and Babies – Advice Line (HMBAL) at the Family Navigator Network (FNN) is a free, confidential service that provides information, support, and referrals to individuals, families, and professionals who have questions about child health, maternity, and babies. The HMBAL team is comprised of registered nurses, social workers, and health promotion specialists who have specialized knowledge and experience in child health and development..
The HMBAL provides a wide range of services, including:.
* Information on child health, development, and parenting.
* Support and counseling for families with children with special needs.
* Referrals to community resources and services.
* Advocacy and support for families navigating the healthcare system.
* Education and training on child health issues.
The HMBAL is a valuable resource for families with children with special needs. The team provides compassionate and knowledgeable support, and can help families find the resources and information they need to care for their child and themselves..
Here are some examples of how the HMBAL has helped families:.
* A mother of a child with Down syndrome called the HMBAL with questions about her child’s development. The HMBAL team provided her with information on Down syndrome, and connected her with other families who have children with the same condition..
* A father of a child with autism called the HMBAL for support and advice. The HMBAL team listened to his concerns, and provided him with information on autism and resources for families..
* A family with a premature baby called the HMBAL for information on feeding and care. The HMBAL team provided them with information on premature infant care, and referred them to a support group for families of premature infants..
The HMBAL is a lifeline for families with children with special needs. The team provides compassionate and knowledgeable support, and can help families find the resources and information they need to care for their child and themselves..
**Contact the Health, Maternity, and Babies – Advice Line:**.
* Phone: 1-800-668-2110.
* Email: [email protected].
* Website: www.fhn-rfh.on.ca/hmbal.
