Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP)
"Gaska:Da" ~ Child
The Gaska:da Aboriginal Prenatal Nutrition Program is structured to strengthen, promote and support at risk Aboriginal pregnant women and new families with infants 0 - 6 months of age. In providing education, information and awareness on pregnancy, diet & nutrition, parenting, and to implement startegies on issues identified early will provide tools and skills for a safe, healthy pregnancy and early child development. The program provides a wholistic aboriginal based component that emcompasses the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional aspects of development. With the re-introduction of traditional culture, values and beliefs encourages families to welcome and embrace their cultural roots.
GASKA:DA's Vision
To improve First Nations and Inuit Communities, where as life givers, women enjoy optimal health, and where furture generations are given the healthiest possible start in life.
Program Venues
Prenatal Education and Nutrition Circles
This program designed to educate expectant mothers, fathers and teen parents on important topics of diet, nutrition and of specific and associated health risks that may risk their unborn child. Other topics of discussion are breastfeeding, gestational diabetes, birth defects, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, low birth rates, fetal and infant development. Prenatal Assessments will be conducted by a Nurse Practitioner from the Aboriginal Health Centre for participants who do not have access to a family physician. The program will run Mondays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. with healthy snacks, refreshments and transportation assistance provided upon request.
Postnatal Education and Nutrition Circles
This program is designed for new mothers, fathers and young teen parents after the birth of their newborn. To promote, educate and provide information on healthy eating for aboriginal mothers and their families. With an important focus on newborn care, diet, nutrition, car seat/home saftey, breastfeeding and healthy eating for a healthier lifestyle to help prepare participants with knowledge and ways to ensure a safe, healthy start for their children. Home visits provided for family checks, assistance with breastfeeding, household safety, and other supports as needed. Elder and Healers from the community will be special guest speakers. Healthy snacks, refreashments and transportation assistance will be made available upon request. The program will run every Tuesday.
"Care Closet"
This basic needs closet is for participants who experience financial difficulties or who have attened sessions to accumulate points each month to "cash in" for the closet. The care closet consists of infant, personal and home care products such as diapers, baby wipes, deodorant, shampoo, tampons, sanitary napkins, toothbrushes, etc. a Welcome Gift is presented to new mothers or expectant mothers upon registration to the program.
"Lead 2 A Friend" Resource Lending Library
The library offers culturally relevant books, videos, CDs, DVDs, games, and puzzles to clients and community memebers to borrow. Clients can sign out these items with a promise to return on a specified date. Upon return of loaned items an incentive will be offered to continue accessing this service. The hours of operation are Mondays to Thursdays from 9 am - 3 pm. Transportation assistance will be made available upon request.
"Teen Moms" Drop-in
This program is for new and expectant teenage mothers or mothers with children ages 0 - 6 months or age. Young mothers will be able to drop-in and meet other mothers expecting a baby or mothers with children to share their experiences and stoires encountered while pregnant. Topics of interest will include diet & nutrition, exercise, traditional teachings, parenting, informal counselling and ongoing support for a safe, healthy pregnancy. Education and information for early child development will help to create an environment for their infants and children to thrive in. This program will run every other second Wednesday of each month from 1:30 to 3:30 pm., except for special events and may run on an alternate date. Healthy nutritious snacks, refreshments and transportation assistance is provided.
"Teen Dads" Drop-in
A program designed for young fathers, infants and their children ages 0 - 6 months of age. Older children to 6 years of age are more than welcome to attned with their fathers. Participants will be able to meet other young fathers. Traditional teachings and storytelling provided for participants to learn about their culture, traditions, values, and beliefs. Interactive sessions provided with age appropriate crafts, stories, outings and healthy, nutritious snacks prepared for participants. A nurturing, sfae, non-judgemental and bonding atmosphere will be provided in which fathers can share their ideas, thoughts, values and beliefs in relation to their children. The program will run alternately every third Wednesday of each month from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Transportation assistance is provided.
"Turtle Island Home" Time
Traditional teachings for participants to gain valuable and understanding of their culture, values and beliefs while focusing on the importance of family, parenting roles, childbirth and childbearing. The culture aspect of each topic and the importance it plays in their family unit will be discussed. Active involvement is encouraged and supported for all family memebers and extended families. Special Guests will be invited to speak on teachings of the Gift of Life, the Four Medicines, Sacred Tobacco, Medicine Wheel, Story of the Cornhusk Doll, and local legends. Traditional drumming and dancing will be introduced later in the program. Refreshments, healthy snacks and transportation provided upon request.
"Families First" Circles
This program is for single parents, and families with children ages 0 to 6 months or caregivers caring for children in this age range. Educational information provided on topics of budgeting, discipline, car seat, home and outdoor safety, child's first teacher/role models infant massage, Traditional and Western based parenting styles. Activites of baby food making, collective gardens, outlings and grocery store tours will be offered. Interactive cooking and healthy meal preparation for participants to gain basic cooking skills in preparing a low-cost, healthy meal alternative on a simple budget. Grocery vouchers provided to participants to prepare cost effective meals at home. Informal counselling and referrals provided on a ongoing basis to address clients needs and assist with lifestyle changes. Healthy snacks, refreshments and transportation assitance will be made available.
"A baby is a gift from the Creator, a very special & precious gift to be guided & nurtured along life's pathway...this child will become our tommorrow, our blessing, our future & strong in the ways of our Ancestors."
~Excerpt - It takes a Community
April Calendar
May Calendar
June Calendar
For further information please call:
Charlene Nuttycombe, CPNP Coordinator
Brantford: (519) 754-4629
Email: dahc1cpnp@bellnet.ca