Melissa For Moms
Perinatal Resource List
This is a list of vetted local resources for new and expecting parents in Brantford, Brant County, and surrounding areas. It was created in collaboration with Melissa For Moms, a local nonprofit founded with the goal of providing resources for parents struggling with postpartum depression and/or psychosis. In addition to providing parents with the proper resources needed to combat this mental health crisis, the foundation raises awareness to work toward breaking the stigma of perinatal mental health.
Phone Lines & Crisis Resources
Postpartum Support International HelpLine
This helpline is designed for specifically parents in the perinatal period. It is available from 8am-11pm EST.
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Suicide/Crisis Lifeline
For people experiencing a mental health crisis, such as suicidal thoughts or postpartum psychosis symptoms.
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Nova Vita Domestic Violence Helpline
If you are experiencing violence or abuse in your relationship, crisis counsellors are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone/text at 519-752-HELP (4357) or through their online chat service.
SOAR Community Services Crisis Walk-In
SOAR Community Services offers a Mental Health Walk-In Clinic at 133 Elgin Street in Brantford from 2pm to 7pm every Monday and Wednesday.
Perinatal Mental Health Resources
Postpartum Support International
Free perinatal mental health supports, including helplines, virtual support groups, peer support, and more. ​
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Root & Bloom Therapy Services
In-person & walk-and-talk individual and couples therapy in Brantford, virtual across Ontario. ​
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Norfolk County Counselling
Individual perinatal mental health counselling in-person in Norfolk County and virtually across Ontario. ​
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https://norfolkcountycounselling.ca/services/perinatal-mental-health-care/
Kids Can Fly Parachute Program
A free peer-to-peer support group for moms with babies under 12 months old to connect, share experiences, and find encouragement during your baby’s first year.​
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Breastfeeding Resources
Health Unit Breastfeeding Support/Visit
Free telephone breastfeeding support or in-home visit from a public health nurse​.
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Brantford Pediatrics Breastfeeding Clinic
Staffed by lactation consultants and pediatricians. This is self-referral & covered by OHIP.​
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La Leche League Canada: Brantford
Free group meetings. Get your breastfeeding questions answered, share support, and meet others on the same journey as you.
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Let Them Latch
Breastfeeding Coach & Certified Doula offering virtual and in-person support designed to help you reach your breastfeeding goals
Victoria Munro IBCLC & RMT
In-home lactation support and infant massage in Brantford and Brant County by a registered massage therapy and lactation consultant.
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Parent & Baby Fitness Programs
Fitness Reset - Fitness with Baby
Postpartum fitness strength classes from a certified prenatal, postpartum, and pelvic floor fitness specialist.​
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City of Brantford
Parent & baby yoga, stroller fit, aqua fit, and swim lessons hosted at the Wayne Gretzky Sport Centre. ​
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My Village Collective
CrossFit Durst - Babies and Barbells
Up Yoga & Wellness
Wayne Gretzky Sport Centre - Kid Care PLUS
Child-minding while you work out - free for members. ​
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https://www.waynegretzkysportscentre.ca/en/about-us/kid-care.aspx
Community Baby & Parent Programs
EarlyON
Free drop-in programs held throughout Brantford. Note: Bell Lane EarlyON has a Baby & Me drop in program Mondays & Thursdays and Henry St. has a Baby & Me music program Mondays. ​
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Brantford Public Library Baby & Me Storytime
Join BPL every Monday for stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces that will help foster a love of reading. Everyone is welcome to stay, play, and chat after storytime!​
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Margot's Place
An inclusive non-profit program providing support to young moms in the Brantford community. Includes a variety of free groups, programs, and supports for moms age 29 and under.
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Healthy Babies Healthy Children
A free home visiting program from Grand Erie Public Health providing supports for parents and linking them to community programs and resources. ​
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519-753-4937 ext. 464
Grand River Community Health Centre
Expanded Midwifery Services to the community for people who are pregnant or who have just given birth or who are looking for support with breastfeeding.​
My Village Collective
A mix of paid and free social events, educational/play based series, wellness workshops, and retreats for moms and their children to connect with other parents and families.​
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Prenatal Classes & Programs
Fitness Reset - Fitness with Fetus
Prenatal fitness strength classes from a certified prenatal, postpartum, and pelvic floor fitness specialist.​
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City of Brantford
Prenatal yoga hosted at the Wayne Gretzky Sport Centre. ​
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https://www.waynegretzkysportscentre.ca/en/programs-and-day-camps/prenatal-yoga.aspx
Up Yoga & Wellness
Midwives of Brant - Prenatal Class
Free prenatal class about prenatal, labour & birth and postpartum care.​
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Healthy Babies Healthy Children
A free home visiting program from Grand Erie Public Health providing supports for expecting parents and linking them to community programs and resources. ​
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519-753-4937 ext. 464
Essentials to a Better Birth Class
Prenatal classes hosted by a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist designed to help you and your support person feel informed, confident, and prepared for labour and birth.​
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Information Resources
Postpartum Support International
Signs, symptoms, and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum psychosis, depression, anxiety, and more.​
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The Society of OBGYNs of Canada
Pregnancy Info website from obstetricians and gynaecologists including evidence-based information on topics including before you conceive, pregnancy, birth and postpartum. ​
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MotHERS Program
Website with evidence-based information on health before pregnancy as well as prenatal, postpartum, and infant health. ​
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Grand Erie Public Health
Hosts a number of free resources about pregnancy, breastfeeding, newborns, and toddlers. ​
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https://bchu.org/public-health-topic/healthy-growth-and-development/