Becoming a Parent
Whether you’re a new parent, about to become a parent or just thinking about starting a family, the Manitoba government offers a wide range of information and services for you.
Expecting?
See a doctor early in your pregnancy and have regular checkups. Maintain good prenatal care and plan for a healthy baby.
Maternity and Parental Leave
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Maternity leave
An unpaid leave, taken by mothers near the end of a pregnancy or immediately afterwards.
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Parental leave
Taken by fathers and mothers to care for a child after birth or adoption.
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Employment Insurance
You may also be entitled to Maternity and Parental Benefits through Employment Insurance.
After the baby is born
Visiting Programs
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Families First
Families’ First offers home visiting supports to families with children, from pregnancy to school entry at no cost.
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Insight Mentoring Program
Formerly called Stop FASD, Insight provides a unique, three year, intensive service to women 18 and over. Women who are pregnant or have recently given birth and used alcohol or drugs during pregnancy are welcome to enroll.
Benefits and subsidies
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Prenatal Benefit
The benefit ensures women meet their extra nutritional needs during pregnancy. Forms are available from the office below or can be downloaded online.
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Manitoba Child Benefit
Provides monthly benefits to low-income Manitoba families needing assistance with the cost of raising their children. This benefit replaces the Child Related Income Supplement Program (CRISP).
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Rent Assist
Helps low income families receiving income assistance to pay their rent.
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Child Care Subsidy
Helps eligible families with the costs of child care.
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Child and Family Benefits
Financial benefits from the Government of Canada.
Adoption and Foster Care
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Adoption
Find out about the adoption process.
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Post Adoption Registry
The Post-Adoption Registry provides non-identifying information, search and reunion services to eligible family members who were involved in an adoption that was granted in Manitoba.
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Foster Care
Find out how to become a foster family.
Parenting
Find day care, parenting guidance, and other links to help in the development of your child.
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Child Care Online Registry
The Manitoba Child Care Program makes it easier for families to find and apply for licensed child care in Manitoba..
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Manitoba Parent Zone
ManitobaParentZone.ca is a dynamic, made-in-Manitoba website designed to provide parents with trusted resources and information to help them with the world’s toughest and most rewarding job – parenting.
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Early childhood development pamphlets
Download pamphlets on various subjects such as caring for a child with a fever, temper tantrums, early childhood fears and more.
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Early Childhood Development Initiative
The Early Childhood Development Initiative, in partnership with Healthy Child Manitoba, is designed to help preschoolers get ready for school.
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Parent-Child Coalitions
Brings parents, community organizations, school divisions and health professionals together through community partnerships across the province to support parents, improve children’s nutrition and literacy and help communities help families.
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Make it Count
This online guide provides information, activities and tips for parents to engage their children in responsible money management.