General
Becoming or being a new parent is a life-changing event. Pregnancy is its own journey involving choices and special needs. While getting ready to have a child or already having one is exciting and wonderful, it can be very difficult and stressful at times too. It is important for new parents-to-be to identify supports and resources in their lives to help them through the journey of parenting. It is also okay to be able to identify that you may just need to take a break sometimes.
Identify Your Support Network and Resources
Just as it is important to have a support network in other areas of life, it is important to have supportive people with you during pregnancy (e.g. sexual health centre, partner, friend, family, social worker, birthing coach, midwife, doula). Whether you are pregnant, or are the partner of a new Mom, identify people in your life that you feel comfortable with.
Visit Your Doctor as Soon as You Believe You are Pregnant
It is important to see a healthcare professional (family doctor, obstetrician/gynecologist, nurse practitioner) as soon as you believe you are pregnant. This can help you to decide what to do next, if the pregnancy is unexpected (see: Unplanned Pregnancy/Pregnancy Options below).
Prenatal (before birth) visits are very important in order to monitor the health of you and your baby. Your doctor or healthcare professional will ask about your menstrual (period) cycle, medical history (allergies, past hospitalizations, etc.), mental health, habits (smoking or substance abuse), and family medical history (any serious or chronic disease — which you may or may not know) and perform certain tests, such as blood tests, blood pressure monitoring, and ultrasounds. These are all normal questions and procedures that will help your healthcare professional to understand the health of you and your baby, as well as any risk factors that may be present.
Prenatal visits are also a great time to ask questions or talk about any worries you may have. If you can, choose someone you like and trust. You will visit your healthcare professional a lot during your pregnancy. It is normal to have 10 to 15 prenatal visits during your pregnancy.
New/Expectant Parents
Prenatal Classes
Prenatal (before birth), childbirth preparation, and birthing classes are a great way to prepare for childbirth and meet other parents in your community. There are many types of programs or classes available in many communities across Saskatchewan. These classes can be women-only classes, couple’s classes, or even refresher classes. Topics that are covered can be different, but could include relaxation and breathing techniques, the process of labour and childbirth, what to expect in the hospital, as well as nutrition and exercises during pregnancy.
Classes are usually run by nurses or midwives and are available at places like the YWCA, local community centres, local health or women’s centres, or hospitals depending on where you live. It is okay to ask for the teacher’s qualifications before you start a class to check that they have been properly trained. A good place to start is to ask your doctor or healthcare professional to recommend classes. You can also ask people in your support network or do an internet search for “prenatal classes” in your community (e.g. Prenatal classes in Nipawin). Know that some classes may cost money but some may be free. If you are still in care, ask your worker if they can get support for paid classes.
Hospital or Birthing Centre Tours
Some communities offer hospital or birthing centre tours of the local units (e.g. labour and birth, mother and baby, and neonatal units). A tour is a great way to relieve any anxiety you may have and to become familiar with the hospital or birthing centre and any medical procedures before you give birth. It is also a great time to ask any questions you may have. You can call the hospital or birthing centre, or take a look on their website, for information on tours and to reserve your spot.
Parenting Classes
Parenting can be very challenging at times. Little ones don’t come with an instruction manual and some parents simply aren’t prepared to deal with all the challenges and experiences that come with being a parent. There is also a lot of information out there (books, websites, family, friends) on how best to parent and what you should and should not do (e.g. time-outs, safety, nutrition, health, education, immunizations) when raising your own children. Parenting can also be difficult if you haven’t had good parent role models in your life, as many youth from government care may experience.
Many parents have questions and struggle with some of the decisions around raising children. That is okay. Parenting classes offer a way to learn more about parenting styles, what to expect as your child grows, to understand your role(s) better, and to become confident as a parent. There are many types of parenting classes available across communities in Saskatchewan. They are usually offered at community centres, health centres, youth centres, or through recreation centres like the YWCA. If your partner is pregnant, taking prenatal and/ or parenting classes is a great way to help!
Postpartum Checkups
A postpartum (after birth) checkup is when a nurse, who works for a postpartum checkup program, provides follow-up care in your home. A nurse will talk to you about follow-up care before you leave the hospital and will contact you once you are home to arrange a home visit. The visit usually happens about 2 weeks following the delivery of your baby. During your home visit, the nurse will provide you with health information, and answer any questions that you may have. The nurse will complete a physical assessment of both you and your baby to assess your recovery from the birth and baby’s health and weight. They can also offer you additional support with breastfeeding or any other areas of concern (e.g. healthy weight, nutrition, mental health [postpartum depression], and immunizations). There are different programs throughout Saskatchewan (e.g. Maternity Visiting Program in Regina; Healthy Home Visiting Program in Saskatoon, Public Health Office in rural areas). Before you leave the hospital a nurse will go through these programs with you and give you more information. If you have any concerns and are unsure of where to call, you can always call your doctor directly or the Saskatchewan Health Line (811).
Unplanned Pregnancy/Pregnancy Options
Women of all ages, ethnicities, religious backgrounds, and marital status can be faced with an unplanned pregnancy. Deciding whether to have a baby, look to adoption, or have an abortion is a very difficult decision. You have to decide what you believe is best for you depending on your resources, commitments, and plans for the future. There are many different organizations and people available to support and help you in deciding your plans for your pregnancy. Access to non-judgmental people, services, and counselling is very important. Find people in your life that you trust to talk to, like friends, people you consider family, your partner, teachers, social workers, school counsellors, or healthcare professionals like a doctor, nurse practitioner, nurses, or other public health professionals. You may also wish to talk with a trusted member of your spiritual community. Organizations such as Planned Parenthood can also provide you with unbiased and non-judgmental counselling services.
Planned Parenthood Regina www.plannedparenthoodregina.com
Sexual Health Centre Saskatoon (formerly Planned Parenthood) www.sexualhealthcentresaskatoon.ca
Kids Help Phone - 1-800-668-6868
Identify Items You Have and Will Need
If you or your partner are planning for a baby, start gathering items that you will need for your little one(s) and your home. Identify what you will need and make a plan to acquire these items. Hand-me-downs are a great resource for clothing and other items. That is how most of us start out! Hit up garage sales, swap meets, online used item websites, and local value stores in your community. But beware of some used items, such as car seats, cribs, and strollers. Many of these items have expiry dates for safety reasons, or may not be in great working order. Be aware and make sure that these items are safe for your child and you.
CAUTION: There is a rise of bed bugs in communities across Canada. Prevention is the key to avoiding an outbreak in your home. Second hand items are wonderful, but be very cautious about any cushioned items you bring into your home and inspect things for bed bugs. For more information please check out the following website www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/healthy-living-vie-saine/environment-environnement/pesticides/bedbugs-punaises-prevent-prevenir-eng.php
Finances
Deciding to become pregnant, having a baby and/or being a parent is a big financial responsibility. MoneySense.ca estimates that the total cost of raising a typical child up until their 19th birthday is $243,660. That is roughly $12,825 per child per year or $1,070 per month. It is important to consider the costs involved, what benefits or supports are available to you, and it is never too late to start planning or budgeting your finances. Below, we have outlined some of the basics to get you started.
Maternity Leave or Parental Benefits
Are you or your partner eligible for employment insurance, maternity leave, or parental benefits? If either of you have been employed, for an extended amount of time, you may be able to receive maternity leave or parental benefits. The Canadian government offers temporary financial assistance to parents, maternity benefits and parental benefits, if they need to or choose to take time off work to care for their baby. You need to meet specific rules to qualify for these benefits and submit required documents. After you apply it can take more than six weeks for your benefits to come into effect, so it is a good idea to have a plan in place for that time. Please check out this link for more information, www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/ types/maternity_parental.shtml or by calling 1-800-206-7218.88
Social Assistance Program
The Saskatchewan Social Assistance Program supports Saskatchewan families and individuals who, for various reasons, including disability, illness, low income or unemployment, cannot meet basic living costs. Any person who is in financial need may apply for assistance. A worker and yourself (the applicant) will establish your needs and resources and develop a case plan during an intake interview.
For more information on the Saskatchewan Assistance Program call 1-866-221-5200, TTY 1-866-995-0099, or contact the Social Services office nearest you. A list is available at this link: www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca/service-delivery
Benefits
There are a number of benefits you may be eligible to receive as a parent. Take the time to learn about these benefits and see if you qualify. There may be additional benefits available to you, depending on your circumstances. Talk with a trusted adult, social worker, counsellor, etc., to find out more.
Canada Child Tax Benefit: A tax free, monthly payment to eligible families with children under age 18.
Child Disability Benefit: A tax free benefit for families who care for a child under age 18 with a severe and prolonged mental or physical impairment.
Government Services Tax: If you are a parent and you are under the age of 19, you are eligible to access GST benefits four times a year.
Enhanced Universal Child Care Benefit: A benefit of $160 monthly for parents with children under the age of 6, and $60 monthly for children from 6 to 17 years old.
For more information please visit: www.servicecanada.gc.ca/ eng/lifeevents/family/
Additional benefits available in Saskatchewan: www.gov.sk.ca/ residents/financial-assistance/
Online Health, Pregnancy, and Parenting Resources
There are many resources available out there. It is important to find trusted information and resources to educate yourself. We’ve put together a small list of trusted resources for you to check out.
Sexuality and U www.sexualityandu.ca
Baby Center www.babycenter.ca
Canadian Mother Resource www.thecmr.com
A Parent’s Guide to Vaccination (Public Health Agency of Canada) www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/iyc-vve/pgi-gpv/index-eng.php
A Healthy Pregnancy is in Your Hands (Public Health Agency of Canada) www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-gs/index-eng.php
About Kids Health www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Parents Canada www.parentscanada.com