Alberta Health Services (AHS) is partnering with the Western Rockyview Parent Link Centre to offer the first-ever Cochrane prenatal health group starting Jan. 28 at the Parent Link Centre, 127 1st Ave., Cochrane.
The organizations are looking for 8-10 expecting mothers to register for the free group program, which takes place the second and fourth Thursday of every month from 1-3 p.m. According to a press release from AHS, the group will focus on information about nutrition, health pregnancy, labour and birth, breastfeeding, and community resources.
“Really, we want moms to connect so they have support beyond the group,” said Carrie Collier, area manager for prenatal community services with AHS. All are welcome but the group is “hoping to reach moms who maybe feel isolated, are facing financial challenges, or need more information on health related to their pregnancy.”
The group will have two facilitators, Anne Gilbert, a dietician, and Lisa Preston, a perinatal educator, who will alternately run the group sessions to offer a variety of topics.
“The group (sessions) will be really interactive – there’s lots of social support,” said Collier.
The group will provide info about various resources in the area that the moms can access in relation to their pregnancy. It will also be an opportunity for moms to share their experiences and get their questions answered.
“Depending on the needs of the group and the interests of the group at the time, that will help (direct) where we take things – the plans aren’t totally set in stone,” Gilbert said.
“(This group) will give the pregnant mom all that she needs to know to have a healthy pregnancy,” Collier said.
The intention is that the program will run year-round with ongoing registration so women at any stage of their pregnancy can sign up. While the group’s specific focus will be prenatal, the facilitators plan to include some health tips for after the baby arrives.
The organizers specifically chose when the program would operate as it allows easy transition for mothers to attend the new parent group offered at the Cochrane Community Health Centre happening at the same time.
“We haven’t had prenatal resources in Cochrane before now, not from health (services),” Collier said.
According to her, there is a need within the community for this group now, more than ever, due to “the growth of young families in Cochrane and the challenges they face.”
To register for this program, call 403-228-8221.
