Thanks to an unrestricted educational grant from Sanofi, Families Canada hosted a national webinar on June 17th, bringing together service providers, community organizations, and caregivers to explore how best to support families during pregnancy and a child’s first year. The session featured Dr. Jane Healey, a pediatrician with over 20 years of experience, who shared practical, evidence-based guidance grounded in both clinical expertise and lived experience as a parent. 

Opening the session, Families Canada emphasized the importance of accessible, reliable health information—especially during a time when families are often navigating overwhelming and sometimes conflicting guidance. Dr. Healey reinforced this by encouraging a balanced, non-judgmental approach, noting that conversations about prenatal and infant health can sometimes unintentionally create anxiety for parents: “These are all things that work together… I don’t want them to create worry and anxiety in new or expectant parents.”  

Why Pregnancy and the First Year Matter

A key theme throughout the session was that pregnancy and early infancy are critical periods for long-term health—but not in a way that should overwhelm families. Dr. Healey highlighted several foundational factors that influence outcomes: 

During Pregnancy: 

• Nutrition matters: nutrients like iron, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids support fetal development
• Managing health conditions (e.g., gestational diabetes) improves long-term outcomes
• Mental health is essential: untreated anxiety or depression can affect both parent and baby 

Importantly, she stressed that optimizing—not perfecting—health is the goal, including continuing necessary mental health support during pregnancy. 

In the First Year:

Dr. Healey outlined five essential supports that help babies thrive: 

• Safe, stable living environments
• A supportive and reliable caregiver
• Healthy sleep routines
• Nutritious feeding
• Opportunities for stimulation and interaction 

These foundational elements play a powerful role in shaping development. 

Immunization: Protecting Babies When They’re Most Vulnerable 

An important focus of the webinar was how immunizations support infant health—particularly before babies’ immune systems are fully developed. Dr. Healey explained how pregnancy provides a unique opportunity to protect newborns: 

• Antibodies from the birthing parent pass through the placenta
• These offer temporary protection during the first months of life
• Immunizations for Tdap, influenza, COVID-19, and RSV can strengthen this protection 

“The baby is armed with all of these great antibodies at birth… a bridge before they develop their own immune system.”  

Dr. Healey highlighted the role of seasonal RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) protection, which can be provided either through immunization during pregnancy or through protective antibodies given to infants after birth. These approaches help shield babies during peak respiratory virus seasons—particularly in their first months of life when they are most vulnerable to severe illness. Infections like RSV and influenza remain the leading causes of infant hospitalization — making early protection especially important. 

Navigating Misinformation and Building Trust  

A recurring thread throughout the discussion was the challenge of misinformation. Dr. Healey acknowledged how difficult it can be for parents to sort through conflicting advice. “Anyone can put anything out there… and sometimes it can be very convincing.” She emphasized that trust—not just information—is central to supporting confident decision-making. 

• Seek out trusted, evidence-based sources
• Take time to ask questions—even booking additional appointments if needed
• Build relationships with healthcare providers who can offer guidance 

Supporting Infant Development: Practical Tips for Families 

The webinar also provided concrete, everyday strategies to support infant development: 

Connection and Communication 

• Talking, reading, and responding to babies from birth strengthens language and literacy
• Early interactions support brain development and attachment 

Tummy Time 

• Begin shortly after birth, building toward ~1 hour per day by 4–5 months
• Supports motor development and prevents flat head syndrome
• Avoid exercausers and jolly jumpers, which can lead to toe walking 

Routine and Sleep 

• Consistent feeding and sleep rhythms help babies feel secure and regulated 

Limiting Screen Exposure 

• Ideally, no screen time in the first two years
• Excess screen use can affect attention and vision development 

Balancing Feeding and Parental Wellbeing 

While breastfeeding was highlighted for its benefits—including immune protection—Dr. Healey emphasized flexibility: 

• Breastfeeding challenges are common
• Safe alternatives are available
• Parental mental health should never be compromised 

This balanced perspective resonated strongly with participants working directly with families. 

Postpartum Mental Health: Supporting the Whole Family 

The discussion expanded beyond infants to emphasize the wellbeing of parents and partners: 

• Up to 20% of partners may experience postpartum depression or anxiety
• Untreated postpartum depression can affect bonding and child development
• Early support and open conversations are critical 

Dr. Healey also noted growing attention to pelvic health and postpartum recovery, reflecting a more holistic approach to care. 

Addressing Barriers to Access 

Participants also explored real-world challenges families face, including: 

• Limited access to primary care providers
• Transportation and time constraints
• Language barriers 

 Dr. Healey encouraged families and service providers to: 

• Connect with local public health units
• Use multilingual, culturally adapted resources
• Identify care pathways before birth where possible 

Resources to Support Ongoing Learning 

Dr. Healey shared a range of trusted resources:

• About Kids Health (SickKids)
• Caring for Kids (Canadian Paediatric Society)
• Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation (Resource Library)
• Our Kids Health (culturally adapted health information in multilingual languages)
• Ages and Stages Questionnaires 

 Check out these new tip sheets developed in partnership with Sanofi: 

• Baby Safety
• Baby’s First Hours
• Baby’s First Year
• RSV Symptoms and Treatment
• What to Expect When Baby Comes Home 

These tools help bridge the gap between knowledge and practice for both families and service providers. By equipping professionals and caregivers with practical knowledge and trusted resources, Families Canada continues to strengthen its commitment to helping all families thrive. 

Families Canada extends sincere thanks to Dr. Jane Healey for sharing her expertise and to all participants for their thoughtful engagement. 

We are grateful to Sanofi for supporting this event through an unrestricted educational grant. 

Families Canada