The Maternity Centre Social Worker is available to provide education, support and counselling to pregnant women and their families. The Social Worker helps women and their families with a variety of social and emotional issues that may emerge during pregnancy and the post-partum period. These issues may include:

• Financial concerns and assistance accessing housing
• Relationship difficulties
• Worries, concerns or depression during pregnancy
• Difficulties with drugs and alcohol
• Preparing to become a parent
• Assistance accessing community resources and supports

For families who experience pregnancy loss or newborn death the Social Worker can offer grief counselling. The Maternity Centre Social Worker is also able to provide counselling support to women who are considering termination or adoption placement.

For more information about Social Work Services at the Maternity Centre, please call (807) 684-6228.

Community Resources:

Lakehead Social Planning Council - Provides information on community resources and services. To contact dial 2-1-1.

Thunder Bay District Health Unit - Provides information on food security and accessing safe and nutritious foods.

Motherisk - Provides information on what may or may not be safe for mom and baby during pregnancy.

Faye Peterson Transition House - Provides shelter for abused women and their children. 24 Hour Crisis Phone Line 345-0450.

Beendigen - Provides safe shelter to women and children fleeing abusive situations. 24 hour crisis line 346-4357 or toll free 1-888-200-9997.

Thunder Bay Crisis Response - Provides 24 hour community based crisis response services. Provides immediate crisis assessment and intervention, referral and follow up. Call 346-8282.