Total challenge: Rising cost of baby supplies pushes vulnerable Ontario mothers to the brink [Video]

Vulnerable mothers in Ontario are struggling to nurture their infants as rising costs in baby supplies and limited social supports are placing extraordinary pressure on families.

Maternity shelters across the province are fighting to meet the needs of pregnant women, new mothers and their infants.

At Michaels House, a shelter focused on parenting and support, executive director Karen Kamphuis says skyrocketing costs are making it extremely difficult to meet the needs of the women and children they serve.

“Supporting mothers lately has been a total challenge,” Kamphuis says. “When we did our food budget last year, we used up the entire year’s allocation by June. We’ve increased our budget this year but are still running short.”

Kamphuis highlights that many mothers and babies have specific dietary needs, such as halal meals and lactose-free products, which further increase costs. But it’s the expense of baby supplies like diapers and wipes that hit the …