Whether it is the first or fourth child in the family, whether through adoption or pregnancy, changes that expand one’s family is both exciting and daunting.
Below are some resources that can help provide additional support to fill the gaps, or to supplement what is available in one’s home.
Resources for Parents Going Through and After Pregnancy
1. There are many resources available for preparation of the birth which can help with what to expect and things to address. A short list is:
a. Alberta Health Services Health for Two 780-735-3008 https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/service.aspx?Id=5807
b. Terra Centre for Teen Parents: 780-428-3772 https://terracentre.ca/
c. Multicultural Health Brokers Co-op: 780-423-1973 http://mchb.org/
2. There are times when miscarriages, SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) or other events occur, and the grieving family members need support to cope with the death and loss. Some resources are:
a. Grieving Parents Society of Edmonton: 780-451-5381 http://grievingparents.ca/
b. Baby’s Breath: 1-800-363-SIDS (7437) https://www.babysbreathcanada.ca/
3. Postpartum Depression is an important concern, and any woman who just gave birth and is experiencing symptoms should seek help in order to stay happy and healthy. Some resources are:
a. Family Futures Resource Network (Managing Motherhood): 780-413-4521
b. Pregnancy Care Centre: 780-424-2624 www.pregnancycarecentre.ca
4. Sometimes, when more than one baby arrives, the challenges can multiply. Some resources that can help with a twin, triplet (or more) birth or adoption are:
a. Edmonton Twin and Triplet Club https://www.ettc.ca/
b. Multiple Births Canada http://www.multiplebirthscanada.org/
Resources for Parents Going Through and After Adoption
1. Being well-equipped with knowledge about the adoption journey is really valuable. Some resources to get started are:
a. Adoption by Choice 780-448-1159 https://www.adoptionbychoice.ca/
b. Adoption Options 780-718-4272 http://www.adoptionoptions.com/
Many children are adopted at an older age and have challenges in their adjustment, mainly because they didn’t feel consistent love and support in their early years. Some resources that can help are:
a. Adoption Society of Alberta http://www.adoptionabi.com/
b. F.A. C. E. S. Society of Alberta http://www.facesforalberta.com/
c. Attachment Association of Canada: http://www.attachmentcan.ca/index.php
Many of these resources are available in Edmonton, while some are within the province or even throughout the country. This is not an exhaustive list and only serves as a starting point for resources.
