By Shelley Heaphy
When you enter the world of parenthood you could almost say you enter a new dimension. There is so much to learn and adjust to, interacting with a new being, existing in a world of sleep deprivation, developing a relationship with your partner that no longer centers around the two of you, figuring out what each cry means and so much more. When you enter the world of parenthood you could almost say you enter a new dimension. There is so much to learn and adjust to, interacting with a new being, existing in a world of sleep deprivation, developing a relationship with your partner that no longer centers around the two of you, figuring out what each cry means and so much more.
You essentially acquire a whole new set of information that goes along with your little one. You learn how often they need vaccinations, what a fever is, what thermometer gets the best readings, which medications are recommended for little ones, which sippy cups are truly spill free and what services are available for your little one.
I had a conversation with some moms recently that made me realize that the information I’ve acquired over the past eight years isn’t as public as I may have thought. Here’s some things I’ve learned about services that are available (free of charge) in our province.
Before you leave the hospital after you’ve delivered your baby they provide you with a large duotang full of important information about caring for your child. This is a great tool to go to in those first months when you’re feeling unsure about each burp, noise and cry your baby makes.
They also inform you that a CLSC nurse will visit you a couple of times in the coming weeks while you are recovering and the baby is growing. These visits were always so comforting for me. I wrote down questions and concerns I had about myself and baby and knew that I wouldn’t have to bundle us up to get to a doctor, help would be on the way!
Another great service I used a ton when my kiddos were younger was the 811 service. When you have a medical question you can dial 811 on your phone and get in touch with a nurse. They ask a lot of questions and try to help you pin point what is concerning you. It just helps you talk out what your child may be experiencing to possibly avoid the trip to the CLSC or emergency department.
The service has since changed to include social services as well. This helps you navigate getting help if your child is experiencing needs in areas such as speech, fine motor, delays in development, attention or other concerns you may have. Our CLSC’s also send out notices for our children’s vaccinations. It’s such a comfort to know we will be reminded of these important shots as our children get older. We have so much to remember we don’t want to forget such critical milestones.
At around age three we began visiting the dentist. Did you know that children under age 10 are covered for yearly visits with the dentist? They are covered for emergency examinations, x-rays, local or general anesthesia, gray fillings as well as tooth and root extractions. There are a few other services as well, read more here ramq.gouv.qc.ca. This plan applies to families covered under the Quebec Medical Plan (RAMQ) which just requires you to show your red card at the dentists office.
Usually young babies don’t need medications. Once that baby starts interacting with other children in daycare or at playgroups the illnesses start. Earaches, colds, flu, bronchitis and many other common illnesses are very common in children. Often the medications prescribed to cure these sicknesses are covered under the RAMQ (our little red medical card) with the Quebec government. It’s such a nice surprise to pick up medication and be told “no charge.” This doesn’t however, just happen. You do have to register your family with the RAMQ. You can head into your local pharmacy for the phone number or look it up online. If you do not have private insurance you will most likely be able to join this plan, you may even be paying for it on your income tax without realizing it.
Don’t forget to take care of your child’s beautiful eyes. Each August, right before the school year starts we head to Aylmer and have our children’s eyes checked. I was delighted to learn that children under the age of 18 were able to receive one free examination per year at the optometrist. There are a few other services provided free of charge; you can see the full list here, http:www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca
I hope this list of some of the free services I’m aware of helps you in some way. Maybe you know someone who has just moved to our province or some new parents. Either way, spread the word. Save your money and don’t pay unnecessarily for a service that might be otherwise covered.
