There's a lot to learn when prospective parents find out they are going to have their first child.
A prospective parent has no shortage of information at their fingertips both online and in person in the Stettler area.
While Alberta Health Services (AHS) has discontinued the in-person Prenatal Education program due to a "significant" decline in attendance, the health body still offers a variety of online options at no charge.
For those wanting information on the resources, they can contact AHS at 1-855-554-4774 or check out the online classes at www.birthandbabies.com.
Parents-to-be who want a more hands-on experience need only look as far as the Stettler Family Resource Centre, which offers a couple of different programs.
The first program offered is the Babies on Board program, which is ongoing and open for anyone who is prenatal or "very early days post-partum," says centre director Lisa Tait.
Tait says that the program is intended for parents-to-be and those with infants up to six months old.
In the Babies on Board program, facilitators talk about birth plans, options in the delivery room, birthing positions, and how to support your partner, continued Tait.
"We talk about postpartum mental health and then some really like practical hands-on stuff, (like) diapers and swaddling and making your home infant safe," said Tait.
The Babies on Board program runs over the lunch hour one day a week, and as lunch is provided pre-registration is required.
Tait says that in addition to the Babies on Board program, a three-night condensed prenatal program has been developed which can be offered if the Family Resource Centre gets the demand for it.
"At this point, we're just not seeing it," said Tait, noting that both programs would cover similar content, just in different ways.
If there is demand, the Resource Centre will look at running a short program this fall, however would need a minimum of four new parents to run it.
According to Tait, the Family Resource Centre works closely with staff at the Stettler Health Unit in providing its programming.
"It is a really healthy relationship we have with AHS and they've been really generous with their time and coming up with resources," said Tait.
For more information, check out mcmancentral.ca or call the Family Resource Centre at 403-740-2558.
