Health Professionals Update – Vol. 19, No. 9
From:
Dr. Hetal Patel, MD, MPH, CCFP, FRCPC, Associate Medical Officer of Health
In this issue
New: Launch of SmartParent for prenatal education
Key messages
Launching free text messaging prenatal and parenting program called SmartParent
SmartParent launch
Peel Public Health has partnered with SmartParent to launch a free text messaging prenatal program for all expectant families in Peel. We’re one of the first public health units in Ontario to offer this innovative prenatal and parenting education program.
SmartParent was developed by researchers from the University of British Columbia in consultation with pregnant and new parents, nurses, doctors, midwives, and experts in maternal and child health. It is endorsed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society. SmartParent is currently offered in Halton and the provinces of British Columbia and Nova Scotia.
How it works
- Once enrolled, participants receive up to 3 text messages per week until baby’s first birthday.
- Messages are tailored to the week of pregnancy or age of the baby.
- It helps families learn about healthy pregnancy and birth, baby’s growth and development, infant feeding, positive parenting and so much more.
This “just in time” text-based messaging program ensures that all Peel families have access to current, trustworthy, evidence-based health information and resources to guide them through their parenting journey.
Encourage your prenatal clients to text PEEL to 12323 or visit peelregion.ca/smartparent for more information and registration instructions, or call 905-799-8000 to speak with a Public Health Nurse.
Contact us
The Health Professionals Update (HPU) is distributed to physician offices in Peel region via fax or email. Share this update with other health professionals in your clinic.
More information:
For questions about this update, email healthprofessionals@peelregion.ca.