SPECIAL PRENATAL CLASSES HELP RELIEVE FEARS

BRAMPTON, ON (May 13, 2008) – For any woman, giving birth for the first time can be scary, but if you don’t know the language and have never been in a Canadian hospital, the experience can be overwhelming. Peel Public Health is helping ease women’s fears with special prenatal classes for newcomers to Canada called PINC (Prenatal Instruction for Newcomers to Canada).

The Region offers small classes with an emphasis on hands-on, interactive activities and videos. “Key words and visual aids are used and the content can be simplified if needed,” says Judy Buchan, Family Health Supervisor at the Region of Peel. “The Public Health Nurses are able to tailor each session and focus on the needs of each woman in the class.”

The classes also provide an important social outlet for the women. “Many newcomers feel isolated because of the language barrier” says Ms. Buchan. “In our classes they have a chance to meet and talk with other pregnant women who are experiencing the same fears as they are.”

For Harpreet Kaur, a recent PINC graduate, and her mother-in-law, the frank and open discussions about preparing for a baby have been refreshing. “In India, pregnancy is hush hush,” she says. “Here in Canada, it’s completely different. After attending the classes, I now use the medical terms. I also learned what to expect during labour, how to care for my baby after it’s born, and that the changes I’m going through now are normal.”

The PINC classes are free and are held once a week for eight weeks. They take place at two locations:

•       Inter-cultural Neighbourhood Social Services, 3050 Confederation Pkwy, 4th Floor, Mississauga, Thursdays 1 – 3 p.m.

•       Malton Neighbourhood Services, 3540 Morningstar Dr., Mississauga, Tuesdays 1 – 3 p.m.

For more information on the classes, or to register, call 905-799-7700 or visit www.pregnantinpeel.ca.

“These classes are just one example of how Health Services staff in Peel are making a difference to the health of our community,” says Annette Groves, Regional Councillor and Chair of the Health Services Committee. “They are part of a great team of over 2,200 employees who respond to the needs of our citizens and are dedicated to keeping Peel residents healthy and safe.”

On Tuesday, May 13, the Region of Peel will celebrate Canada Health Day by honouring its health care workers. Canada Health Day is dedicated to recognizing exciting new developments occurring in health care, reflecting on past health accomplishments and showing appreciation for the people who deliver health services.

The Regional Municipality of Peel was incorporated in 1974 on the principle that certain community and infrastructure services are most cost-effectively administered over a larger geographic area. The Region of Peel serves more than one million residents in the Cities of Mississauga and Brampton and the Town of Caledon. 

Released by the Region of Peel on May 13, 2008 at 13:31