Services - Home Visitation & Outreach - Building Incredible Babies - Information for Professionals

1. What is Building Incredible Babies?

Building Incredible Babies (BIB) is a Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) funding by the Public Health Agency of Canada. The Program assists Mothers with pre and post natal support through in-home visitation and Education Group Sessions. Expectant mothers are connected to community supports and services that assist them in having a healthy pregnancy and birth. Services are provided to those living in Red Deer or Sylvan Lake and are voluntary, free and confidential.

2. What Does Building Incredible Babies offer?

Trained Outreach Workers visit expectant mothers in their own homes or in the community on a regular basis and provide information and referrals based on individual needs. Mothers are connected with a Registered Dietician and nutritional information and support in the form of supplemental food coupons and prenatal vitamins are offered to those in financial need. ESL clients will be supported with services in English or in their preferred language in partnership with a volunteer interpreter.

3. Who is eligible for Building Incredible Babies?

BIB's eligibility criteria are as follows:

1. Automatically in the Program if less than 28 weeks gestation AND:

2. Age 19 and under with one of the following OR Eligible for the Program, with two (2) or more of the following risk factors:

• Low income
• Lack of prenatal care
• Previous low birth weight baby and\or previous premature baby
• Inadequate diet
• Anticipated poor birth outcomes/poor weight gain
• Inadequate housing
• Lack of social support/isolation including immigrants and ESL
• Low education status
• Smoking
• Substance abuse (alcohol and street drugs)
• Risk/presence of Sexually Transmitted Infection
• Previous history /currently in an abusive relationship
• Has a chronic illness / mental health illness (depression) or a history of gestational diabetes

4. What is the screening process?

Referrals can be made over the telephone or in person. An intake form is completed and a set of eligibility questions are asked. Those expectant Moms who meet the criteria are put on waitlist for services and wait an average of 2-3 weeks. Moms are invited to attend Education Groups at their earliest convenience. Childcare and transportation to and from the groups are offered as well as a healthy snack. Those who do not qualify are referred to other community programs that better fit their presenting needs. Mothers can self refer or can be referred by Primary Care Network Nurses, Physicians, Public Health Nurses, Service providers, family or friends.

5. Who do I contact to make a referral?

For more information on Building Incredible Babies, please call 403-309-8214, email lsmith@fsca.ca or visit us at FSCA.