Program Success

The Aboriginal Healthy Babies Healthy Children program has had many successes to date. Community workers participating in the AHBHC Professional Development Sessions held in March 2006 identified specific program successes observed in their communities.

These program successes are excellent examples of indicators of change and the positive impact the AHBHC program is having on our aboriginal babies, children, families and communities.

Breastfeeding

• More women are choosing to breastfeed over formula feeding as a result of the Aboriginal Healthy Babies Healthy Children program. Different activities are used to promote breastfeeding such as breastfeeding challenges, support groups and providing incentives such as being entered into raffles and draws.

Client Participation

• Programs are seeing an increase in participation in the program. There is an increase in the number of clients overall and in the number of other programs (and clients) referring new clients.
• Credibility and trust is continuing to develop, aiding in the success of participants accessing more Aboriginal Healthy Babies Healthy Children services.
  
• Incentives and innovative marketing of program activities are catalysts in positively increasing the number of clients in the AHBHC program.
  
• Some workers are able to give milk coupons as incentives while other programs are using creative marketing such as sending personal (direct) invitations to families.
  
• Most encouraging, there is an improvement in the number of participating fathers and male participants.

Dental Health

• AHBHC Workers have been successful at promoting dental health. There is an increase in dental health in infants and children.
  
• Families with babies as early as six (6) months of age are provided with Tipi cups and toothbrushes to promote healthy teeth.
  
• Some programs have coordinated fluoride and varnish programs and teeth cleaning.

Family Empowerment

• The AHBHC is successful at empowering parents and in turn, families.
  
• More parents are becoming involved and responsible for health of their babies, children and families.

Healthy Sexuality/Relationships

• Many target groups are being reached through AHBHC programming.
  
• Education and awareness of healthy sexuality and relationships provide a good foundation for healthy (future) babies, children and families.

Nutrition & Physical Health

• Hands-on education about nutrition and physical health has increased better eating habits and physical health in families.
  
• Community kitchens, “nutrition” bingos, and baby food-making sessions are some activities which have promoted better eating habits.
  
• An exercise program for the whole family demonstrates wholistic AHBHC programming.

Networking

• Networking activities have helped provide awareness for the program and has also enhanced AHBHC services.
  
• Partnerships have been developed with many other agencies and/or programs both on and off-reserve.
  
• This has created an increase in referrals for clients from other programs and increased access to a spectrum of resources not otherwise supported by one program alone.

Smoking Cessation

• A significant success has occurred as a result of the AHBHC program in smoking cessation.
  
• The AHBHC program has helped educate parents and families about the dangers of smoke and second hand smoke.
  
• The result has been in people either smoking outside the home, workplace or car or even quitting altogether.

Traditional & Cultural Programming

• Incorporating and introducing clients to traditional and cultural programming is what makes the AHBHC unique from other types of programs or services.
  
• Workers have been successful at linking parents and families with traditional and cultural teachers.
  
• This allows families sustain their roots and teachings for the benefit of their babies and children.