Support for NICU families
If your baby arrived early or is in the NICU, you don't have to navigate it alone. A NICU stay is its own difficult road, and there is free support for families going through it — no referral needed.
Canadian Premature Babies Foundation (CPBF)
Peer support for NICU families — before, during, and after the stay — along with evidence-based education, milestone cards, and a parent network. Parent-led, with a physician advisory committee. You can reach them through their website.
You may also be able to take paid time off work to be with your baby.
EI Family Caregiver Benefit for Children
If your baby is critically ill or injured, Employment Insurance can pay you for up to 35 weeks while you're away from work to care for them. It's separate from maternity and parental benefits, and the weeks can be shared between parents — at the same time or one after another.
Your baby's doctor or nurse practitioner will need to sign a medical certificate. If you can, ask about it early in your stay.
If you're in crisis right now, call or text 988, the Suicide Crisis Helpline.
If you've experienced a loss, there is support for you here.
We check these listings regularly. If something here is out of date, tell us: hello@maternly.ca.