Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program: 25 years of success

Celebrating 25 years of CPNP’s success in supporting the health and well-being of pregnant people, new parents and their babies in Canada

The Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) is a national community-based program launched in 1995, funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. The program:

• promotes the health of pregnant people, new parents and their babies, who face challenges that put their health at risk
• is delivered by approximately 240 community-based groups, agencies and coalitions across the country
• reaches more than 45,000 participants across Canada each year

Access to community-based programs and resources

• Prenatal and postnatal health promotion programs
• Referrals to community services
• Breastfeeding education and support
• Nutrition counselling and prenatal vitamins

Knowledge and skills gained

As a result of attending CPNP, program participants report a better understanding of:

• Baby's growth and development (94%)
• The signs of postpartum depression (87%)
• Attachment and ways of bonding with their baby (91%)
• Safe sleep for their baby (91%)
• The effects of drinking alcohol (83%) and smoking (81%) during pregnancy

Positive health practices adopted

As a result of attending CPNP, program participants report:

• Initiating breastfeeding (93%)
• Taking multi or prenatal vitamins more regularly (72%)
• Making healthier food choices (82%)
• Feeling better able to cope with stress (81%)
• Limiting exposure to second hand smoke (72%)

Improved health and well-being

• Improved mental health (83%)
• Improved health and well-being (94%)
• Increased confidence in their ability to cope with labour and birth (85%)
• Increased confidence in parenting skills (91%)
• CPNP had a positive influence on their pregnancy (95%)

Access to a positive, supportive environment

Participants report:

• Feeling welcomed and accepted (96%)
• Having more people to talk to when needing support (93%)
• Feeling that staff respond to their concerns (96%)
• Feeling their personal and cultural beliefs were respected by the program (95%)

Sources

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2018). 2018 Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) Participant Survey data.

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2020). Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) [Internet]. Available from: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/

health-promotion/childhood-adolescence/programs-initiatives/canada-prenatal-nutrition-program-cpnp.html