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Publisher’s Note
It was 22 years ago when I arrived in Canada and chose Calgary, Alberta to be my home. Leaving my family and friends behind, it was a new adventure for me to be in a new country without knowing anyone. That was the time I looked for a Filipino community paper and never found any, [...]
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HAVING A BABY IN CALGARY

Are you planning to have a baby? Are you already pregnant? There are many prenatal education options here in Calgary through Alberta Health Services. Depending on your language and income, you may choose one over the other. Here are some options:

Prenatal Education Classes

These classes work to ensure that new parents receive a seamless service and the most accurate and up-to-date information. Courses are based on Canadian guidelines for the nurturing and care of pregnant women and their families.

The journey into becoming new parents can be very exciting… and quite overwhelming! Following our step by step guide will help you decide which classes to attend.

Start with one of free early pregnancy options. Come as early as possible in your pregnancy.
Choose the set of Childbirth Preparation classes that best suits your lifestyle. Classes are designed for both mom and her support person, unless it says otherwise.
View Hospital Orientation, an online virtual maternity tour.
Browse through the rest of the calendar on our website to learn how you can make pregnancy, childbirth and parenting a wonderful and rewarding experience. Add classes that you may want or need…or just for fun!

There are over 37 different classes ranging from considering having a baby to communicating with your baby as he/she grows! Please visit the catalogue on line for a full list of services available: http://www.birthandbabies.com/course-calendar. You can register by telephone, fax, online or mail to 4715-8 Ave SE Calgary, Alberta T2A 3N4. Not all classes are free, but subsidies are available to those who meet the criteria. Registration line 403-955-1450.

First Language Prenatal Classes

Alberta Health Services offers pregnancy and childbirth classes in Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi. The goal of this program is for mothers to have healthy pregnancy and for families to be prepared for having a baby in Calgary.

Topics include:

· Having a healthy pregnancy

When to go to hospital
Labour and birth
Medical interventions and pain relief
Baby care and feeding
Becoming a new parent
Community resources and supports for new families

Prenatal classes and groups are held at many different community sites.

Pregnant women can register at any time.

For more information:

Arabic: Call Fatima at 403-955-1485

Spanish: Call Wichita at 403-955-1483

Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi: Call Harprit at 403-955-1484

Best Beginning Program

This program is available to pregnant women with low income and pregnant teenagers. This program is provided by a team social worker, nurse, nutritionist and a multicultural outreach worker for first language service in Cantonese, Mandarin, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic and Spanish.

Service offers:

prenatal information and support to pregnant women living on a low income or teens of any income;
individual and group based support;
education including a weekly cooking group;
individual consultations with a Social Worker, Nurse and Nutritionist to have needs met;
milk coupons, assistance with bus tickets and referrals to prenatal food hampers, if required;
refer for dental treatment and family planning counselling at Alberta Health Services Clinics depending on individual circumstances;
referrals to other community services as needed.

For more information about locations, hours or to enrol, please call 403-228-8221.

Source: Alberta Health Services Website www.albertahealthservices.ca

To learn more, contact your doctor or speak to a nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling: Alberta Health Link toll free at 1-866-408-LINK (5465). Mandarin Health Link Calgary at 403-943-1554, Cantonese Health Link Calgary at 403-943-1556

HAVING A BABY IN CALGARY

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