Prenatal services continue to improve the lives of new parents and newborns at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre.
In February 2023, Diana Barrera gave birth to her first child, Aria, after attending in-person prenatal classes at the Children’s Centre.
“As an expectant first-time parent, the information I learned really helped me feel more prepared and comfortable when it came time for my delivery at the hospital. It also helped me make informed decisions with my birthing plan.”
Barrera said she still uses what she learned in classes offered by The Children’s Centre, a local non-profit partnering with Fort McMurray Public Health.
She first came across the Centre at a pregnancy information fair in November 2022.
“At the time, I was looking at getting a second-hand child car seat. During the Pregnancy Fair, I had the chance to speak with a professional who was able to provide me more information about car seat safety.”
The Pregnancy Health Information Fair covered various topics from infant feeding and nutrition, infant safety, to sexual health and routine childhood immunizations.
For the last several years, AHS Public Health Nurse Danelle Mandeville taught prenatal classes at the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre.
“Participants really benefit from learning what to expect leading up to and after the birth of their baby. It really makes them feel more comfortable and confident during what can be a stressful and overwhelming experience.”
Mandeville said for first-time parents, there’s a lot to remember.
Class topics include care and comfort, preparing for delivery, and newborn feeding.
“We try and cover as much information as possible, including the common pregnancy and postpartum details and tips that some expectant parents may not think of.”
Free prenatal education classes are available to North Zone residents.
In-person prenatal classes are offered to residents of Fort McMurray #468 First Nation and Anzac, and monthly classes are also provided in Fort McKay First Nation and Chipewyan Prairie First Nation.
