For Indigenous Families
Having a premature baby can be overwhelming and we want you to know that you are not alone.
As a parent organization we recognize the need of support and education as you navigate the neonatal intensive care unit, NICU, and following discharge.
CPBF recognizes the need to improve access to education and support for Indigenous families whose babies were born preterm or require NICU care. Our vision is for a brighter future for all babies born prematurely. Therefore, our commitment is to work in collaboration with Indigenous communities to promote equitable access to education regarding preterm birth to nurture the health and well-being of Indigenous babies and their families.
Since 2021, CPBF has been working with the Martin Family Initiative (MFI) to develop culturally adapted resources for Indigenous families with children born prematurely.
Supporting Indigenous Parents – Adjusting to a new baby in the NICU
Welcoming a new baby in the NICU can be overwhelming for any family—but for Indigenous parents, there may be extra considerations and stressors. It’s important to recognize these unique experiences and offer support that is respectful, informed, and empowering. Watch our video, created in partnership with the Martin Family Initiative, for meaningful advice and guidance tailored to Indigenous families navigating the NICU journey.
Tool box cards
CPBF and MFI co-created two toolbox cards and guide content “In the NICU” and “Caring for your Premature Baby” to help families. These cards have now been laid out for use within the Maskwacis Health Services Early Years program, and organizations in various communities will be using them over the next few years.
Ontario RSV Content for Indigenous Families
The Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC) and the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health (PCMCH) have launched a new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Fact Sheet tailored for Indigenous parents, families and caregivers in Ontario. This resource offers culturally safe information on preventing RSV in infants and high-risk young children, especially as we anticipate an increase in RSV activity in the coming weeks and months.
The fact sheet is available in six languages, including four Indigenous languages, ensuring that it is accessible to a wide range of communities. This initiative reflects PCMCH’s commitment to addressing systemic barriers in the healthcare system faced by Indigenous Peoples, and it aims to empower families with the knowledge needed for informed decision-making about RSV immunization.
You can access the RSV Fact Sheet on the IPHCC website available in the following languages:
MFI Early Years is an innovative evidence-informed program model that seeks to honour parents as their children’s first teachers, support healthy pregnancies and infancy and successful service navigation. MFI focuses on offering a flexible approach that can be adapted to best serve individual communities, and is committed to supporting our partners in making their vision of the program a reality.