Brampton Civic Hospital to get enhanced support for new moms through ‘Project Hug’

In an effort to provide enhanced support to new moms, Brampton Civic Hospital has integrated a new program called ‘Project Hug,’ in partnership with Huggies.

Drawing from her own experience as a mom of two, registered nurse Carrie Bruno, curated this program, which aims to assist mothers in addressing postnatal challenges.

“So I developed it because I have years of experience with maternal child health and also using evidence-informed research and a huge dose of empathy,” told Bruno, in an interview with InBrampton.com.

Research has shown that 91 per cent of Canadian mothers feel underprepared for the challenges they face after giving birth, while 95 per cent believe that women need more postnatal support.

“Our hope is to create awareness and normalize the parts of that postpartum period that aren’t talked about enough,” Bruno added.

The online course consists of a five-module curriculum that covers a range of topics including the benefits of skin-to-skin hugs, breastfeeding guidance, insights into infant sleep, mental well-being support, and information about local resources available to new moms.

“I see this every single week in my own nursing practice there’s such a gap to fill when it comes to providing postpartum support. And that’s what we’re trying to help with because I think it’s it’s really overwhelming,” said Bruno.

Bruno explained that the curriculum is delivered by trained nurses at participating hospitals to individually coach new moms with the right support and resources.

Currently, two hospitals Brampton Civic and Etobicoke General Hospital offer these new modules and additional support to all new parents.

The Project Hug program will also be available online, ensuring accessibility to people regardless of their location.