Discover

Calgary

Your Guide to Community Support

  • 1. Riley Park Maternity Centre

    • Description: Monthly virtual breastfeeding classes addressing latch, milk supply, and feeding difficulties.

    • Class Times: Last Monday of each month, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

    • Contact: 403-284-3711

    • Registration: Register by booking at your next appointment or contacting the clinic.

    2. Calgary Breastfeeding Centre

    • Description: Offers comprehensive classes and one-on-one support for breastfeeding mothers.

    • Class Times: Various times available; check with the center for schedule.

    • Contact: 403-451-8663

    • Website:Calgary Breastfeeding Centre

    3. Well Fed Breastfeeding Clinic

    • Description: Provides classes, consultations, and support tailored to breastfeeding families.

    • Class Times: Weekly classes; contact for specific times.

    • Contact: 403-816-7660

    • Website:Well Fed Breastfeeding Clinic

    5. La Leche League Canada - Calgary Area

    • Description: Provides free prenatal breastfeeding classes and virtual support meetings throughout the month. They provide mother-to-mother and parent-to-parent peer support for pregnant women, new parents, and beyond.

    • Class Times: Various meetings; check the website for dates and times.

    • Contact: 1-800-665-4324

    • Website:La Leche League Canada

    6. Alberta Health Services - Maternal Newborn Child & Youth Services

    • Description: Offers free breastfeeding support through public health centers.

    • Class Times: Contact for scheduling and availability.

    • Contact: Call 811 or visit the AHS website for local details.

    • Website:Alberta Health Services

    8. South Health Campus - Maternal Care

    • Description: Offers breastfeeding support and educational classes for new parents.

    • Class Times: Contact for class schedules.

    • Contact: 403-956-1111

    • Website: South Health Campus

    9. The Birth and Wellness Centre

    • Description: Provides breastfeeding classes and one-on-one lactation consulting.

    • Class Times: Various classes; contact for details.

    • Contact: 403-454-4273

    • Website:The Birth and Wellness Centre

    10. Calgary Public Library - Parenting Workshops

    • Description: Offers workshops and support groups related to breastfeeding and parenting.

    • Class Times: Check the library's events calendar for upcoming sessions.

    • Contact: 403-260-2600

    • Website:Calgary Public Library

    11. Westglen Medical Lactation Clinic

    • Description: A full-service, physician-based clinic in southwest Calgary providing free breastfeeding support. They address issues such as tongue-ties, latch problems, and milk supply concerns.

    • Class Times: By appointment

    • Contact: 403-249-1200

    • Website:Westglen Medical

    12.Circle Medical Breastfeeding Clinic

    • Description: This clinic is a collaboration between Circle Medical and the South Calgary Primary Care Network. It provides breastfeeding support and is open to patients referred by their family doctor or nurse, but appointments can also be made without a referral.

    • Class Times: By appointment

    • Contact: 403-281-3120

    • Website: Circle Medical

    13. NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank

    • Description: Offers a free monthly breastfeeding basics class led by Jannette Festival, RN, IBCLC. The milk bank supports hospitals and NICUs with donor human milk and provides a class for expectant parents.

    • Class Times: Monthly (check website for specific dates)

    • Contact: 403-297-8062

    • Website:NorthernStar Milk Bank

    For the latest information on class availability and to book your spot, please contact the respective clinics and organizations directly.

  • If you’re considering renting a breast pump, you’re not alone. Many women opt for rentals due to various reasons, including needing to pump frequently for returning to work, managing low milk supply, or addressing medical conditions that affect breastfeeding. The Medela Symphony and Symphony Plus are popular hospital-grade pumps available for rent at the following locations. Note that some companies may require a $200 credit card deposit, and it’s a good idea to call ahead as availability can vary.

    South Calgary

    • D&M Pharmacy Calgary South

      • Address: 1800 194 Ave. SE Suite 2105, Calgary AB

      • Cost: $3.50/day or $90/month

    • Weefeed.com (Online Store)

      • Specializes in Medela and Ameda pumps

      • Free delivery within Calgary on orders over $50

      • Phone: 403-246-7008

      • Cost: $85-95/month

    • Copperfield Pharmasave

      • Address: 222 - 15566 McIvor Blvd SE

      • Cost: $5.00/day or $100/month

    • London Drugs Heritage Plaza

      • Address: 8330 MacLeod Trail SE

      • Cost: $3.50/day

      • $200 credit card deposit required

    • The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy Evergreen

      • Address: 230 Eversyde Blvd, Calgary

      • Cost: $4.00/day or $100/month

      • 10-day minimum rental

    • Shoppers Drug Mart (Kingsland/Chinook locations)

      • Cost: $5.00/day or $100/month

    North Calgary:

    • Market Mall Pharmacy

      • Address: #100-4935 40th Ave NW, Market Mall Professional Centre

      • Cost: $80/month

    • The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy

      • Address: 11, 600 Crowfoot Cres NW

      • Cost: $4.00/day or $80/month

      • $80 credit card deposit required

    • Cambrian Pharmacy NW

      • Address: #9, 728 Northmount Dr. NW

      • Cost: $4.00/day or $69/month

    • Shoppers Drug Mart (Stadium location)

      • Address: 1941 Uxbridge Dr. NW #23

      • Cost: $125/month

    • The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy

      • Address: 2675 36 St NE

      • Cost: $4.00/day or $80/month

      • $80 credit card deposit required

    Airdrie:

    • Pharmasave

      • Address: 209 Centre Ave W, Airdrie

      • Cost: $3.00/day for the first 10 days or $60/month

    • Shoppers Drug Mart

      • Address: 804 Main St, Airdrie

      • Cost: $5.00/day or $100/month

    For the most accurate availability and pricing, it's always best to contact the location directly.

  • There are two options for Cord Blood Banking:

    Public Cord Blood Program:

    The cord blood stem cells may be used by any individual in need after a match.

    1. Public donation of cord blood can be done through Cnaadian Blood Service's

    2. There is no cost to the donor for this service

    3. You may register by 34 weeks (not including multiple's pregnancy)

    4. A single consent form is required More information available on: www.blood.ca/cordblood

    Private Cord Blood Banking:

    The cord blood stem cells stored privately are for the exclusive use of the child or family.

    1. Cost averages $1000 to register, collect, process, and store.

    2. Storage fees average $100-125 per year

    There are several private companies that provide this servie.

    1. Canadian Cord Blood Registry: www.ccbr.ca

    2. Cells for Life: www.cellsforlife.com

    3. Health Cord: www.healthcord.com

    4. Insception: www.insception.com

    If you are trying to decide if cord blood banking is for you, use the decision-making tool called "Pregnancy: Should I Bank My Baby's Cord Blood?" This tool is available at: Pregnancy: Should I Bank My Baby's Umbilical Cord Blood? (alberta.ca)

    For more information on Cord Blood Banks visit: Cord Blood Banking | Parent's Guide to Cord Blood (parentsguidecordblood.org)

  • Circumcision is often influenced by religious beliefs, cultural practices, or personal preferences. It’s important to make an informed decision that aligns with your values and your child’s well-being. While circumcision may offer certain health benefits, it’s ultimately up to you to decide if it’s right for your family. Consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits to ensure you make the best choice for your child. Here is a list of local family physicians and gynecologists who perform these procedures in Calgary:

    • Dr. Karen Zwiers

      • Location: 2012, 12 Ave NW

      • Contact: 403-289-8996

      • Specialty: Family Physician

    • Dr. Ralph Gurevitch

      • Location: Main Floor, 1800 4th Street SW

      • Contact: 403-228-5221

      • Specialty: Obstetrician/Gynecologist

    • Dr. Rodney Payne

      • Location: 4701B 130th Ave

      • Contact: 403-232-1000

      • Specialty: Family Physician

    • Dr. Walter Moscovitz

      • Location: 300, 10601 Southport Rd. SW

      • Contact: 403-262-1410

      • Specialty: Obstetrician/Gynecologist

    • Dr. Crouse

      • Location: 3233-17th Ave SW

      • Contact: 403-255-6196

      • Specialty: Mogen Circumcision

    • Dr. Stephen Wainer

      • Location: 530-433 Marlborough Way NE

      • Contact: 403-543-4090

      • Specialty: Pediatrics

  • Urgent Mental Health Services:

    1. South Calgary Health Centre

      • Address: 31 Sunpark Plaza SE

      • Phone: 403-943-9300

      • Hours: Daily, 8am-10pm

    2. Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre

      • Address: 1213 4th St SW

      • Phone: 403-955-6200

      • Hours: 24/7

    3. Foothills Medical Centre

      • Address: 1403 29 St NW

      • Phone: 403-670-4636

    4. Peter Lougheed Centre

      • Address: 3500 26 Ave NE

      • Phone: 403-943-4555

    5. Rockyview General Hospital

      • Address: 7007 14 St NW

      • Phone: 403-943-4555

    6. Mobile Response Team (MRT)

      • Phone: 403-266-4357 (Distress Centre of Calgary)

      • Request MRT team (24/7)

      • Professional Referrals: 403-297-2940

    7. AHS Telephone Support

    8. Connect

      • For Sexual Assault: Phone: 403-237-5888 or toll-free 1-877-237-5888

      • For Violence: Phone: 403-234-7233 or toll-free 1-866-606-7233

    Community-Based Services (Urgent):

    1. Distress Centre of Calgary

      • 24/7 Crisis Telephone Support

      • Phone: 403-266-4357

    2. Woods Homes Community Resource Team

      • 24/7 Crisis Telephone and Mobile Support for Youth and Families

      • Phone: 403-299-9699

    Non-Urgent Mental Health Services:

    1. Calgary Breast Health Program (Psychologist)

      • Phone: 403-944-3548

      • Services: Short-term counseling by appointment only, no fee

    2. Tom Baker Psychosocial Resources

      • Phone: 403-521-3723

      • Services: Financial/practical counseling and psychosocial support for cancer patients

      • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm

    3. Access Mental Health

      • Phone: 403-943-0150

      • Services: Information, options, and referrals for help

      • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm

    4. Walk-in Counseling

      • Location: South Calgary Health Centre, 2nd Floor

      • Address: 31 Sunpark Plaza SE

      • Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4pm-7pm; Sunday, 12pm-3pm

    5. Pregnancy and Infant Loss (Family Counseling)

      • Phone: 403-944-8835

      • Services: No referral required, clients can self-refer, no fee

    Community-Based Non-Urgent Services:

    1. East Family Counselling Centre (Walk-in Counseling)

      • Phone: 403-299-9696 #255

      • Address: 495 36 St NE, Northgate Mall

      • Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11am-7pm; Friday, 11am-6pm; Saturday, 11am-2pm

    2. CARYA (Formerly Calgary Family)

      • Phone: 403-269-9888

      • Address: 100, 101 14 St NW

    3. Catholic Family Services

      • Phone: 403-233-2360

      • Address: 707 10 Ave SW

    4. Calgary Counselling Centre

      • Phone: 403-691-5991

      • Address: 105, 1202 20 Ave NW

    5. Women’s Mental Health

      • Phone: 403-944-5872 (Val)

      • Location: Foothills Medical Centre, South Tower, Room 704

      • Services: During pregnancy and up to one year; must live in Calgary

    6. Perinatal Mental Health

      • Phone: 403-955-1161 or 403-955-1010 (Annie)

      • Address: East Calgary Health Centre, 4751 8 Ave SE

      • Services: Assessment and 10-12 sessions included

    7. Families Matter

      • Phone: 403-205-5178

      • Address: Trans Canada Centre, 158, 1440-52 Street NE

      • Services: No referral needed

      • Website: www.familiesmatter.ca

    Website for Additional Resources:

  • For families seeking human donor milk for their little ones, here’s what you need to know:

    Calgary does not have a wide range of pharmacies that sell donor breast milk. Here are some local pharmacies where families can access frozen pasteurized donor human milk, for purchase, without a prescription for up to 10 bottles (120 mL each) at a cost of $21 per bottle:

    1. Cambrian Pharmacy
      Contact: (403) 289-9181
      Location: 728 Northmount Drive NW, Calgary AB, T2K 3K2

    2. Richmond Square Pharmacy
      Contact: (403) 249-4346
      Location: 142 - 3715 51 St SW, Calgary AB, T3E 6V2

    3. Script Pharmacy – Macleod Trail
      Contact: (403) 253-6773
      Location: 100 - 7015 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary AB, T2H 2KE

    4. Foothills Medical Centre: Currently the only hospital where you can purchase human donor milk in the post-partum period. If you deliver at another hospital, you can still visit the above locations to purchase donor milk.

    If you need more than 10 bottles of donor milk, Northern Star Milk Bank requires a prescription, which you can bring to one of the pharmacy locations listed above. Alternatively, you can contact Northern Star Milk Bank directly to order more milk for your newborn. They supply all the pharmacies, and you can reach them at:

    The Prescription Must Include:

    • Recipient Name

    • Recipient Date of Birth

    • Recipient (last name) if prenatal indication

    • Recipient Physician: __________________ (please print)

    • Reason for Supplement: gestational diabetes, history of low milk supply, delayed lactogenesis II

    • Duration: X 2 weeks/one month/as needed

  • 1.Twins, Triplets, and More Association of Calgary

    • Description: A non-profit, volunteer-driven organization that provides support and friendship to families with multiples. Offers opportunities for courses, workshops, playgroups, and social events.

    • Address: 1200, 4900 27 St SE, Calgary, AB T2B 3L1

    • Contact: 403-210-2977

    • Website: twins, triplets, and more

    2.Children’s Cottage Society

    • Description: Provides services including emergency childcare, family support, and community programs designed to strengthen family bonds and ensure children’s safety. A key component is their Crisis Nursery, which offers immediate, short-term care in a safe, nurturing environment for children during family crises, alleviating stress and providing peace of mind for parents seeking support.

    • Address: 1804 Home Rd NW, Calgary AB T3B 1H1

    • Contact Information: (403) 830-3153

    • Website:Children’s Cottage Society | Calgary Crisis Nursery (childrenscottage.ab.ca)

    3. Calgary Family Services Society - Caregiver Services

    • Description: Offers caregiver support services, including respite care and support for families. They provide various programs to assist caregivers and families with children.

    • Address: 201, 1600 – 14 Street SW, Calgary, AB T3C 1E4

    • Contact Information: 403-205-5200

    • Website:Calgary Family Services Society

    4. Calgary Home Support Services Ltd.

    • Description: Provides in-home support services such as personal care, housekeeping, and companionship. They aim to support individuals and families in maintaining their independence.

    • Address: 3614 - 16 Street SW, Calgary, AB T2T 4H4

    • Contact Information: 403-245-0894

    • Website:Calgary Home Support Services Ltd.

    5. Calgary and Area Child and Family Services (Child Welfare)

    • Description: Offers child protection services, support for families in crisis, and intervention services to ensure child safety and well-being.

    • Address: Various locations across Calgary

    • Contact Information: 403-297-6100 (General Inquiry)

    • Website: Calgary and Area Child and Family Services

    6. Nannies on Call

    • Description: Offers professional in-home childcare services tailored to meet your family's needs. Their services include full-time, part-time, and temporary childcare, with highly qualified and experienced nannies who can assist with everything from daily routines and educational activities to light housekeeping and meal preparation. They provide personalized care to support parents and ensure children receive high-quality supervision and attention. Nannies on Call is dedicated to offering reliable, flexible childcare solutions for families in Calgary..

    • Address: 2411 – 4 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2M 2Z7

    • Contact Information:(403) 351-0180

    • Website: Nannies On Call

    7. Just 4-U Family Services

    • Description: Offers a range of in-home family support services including childcare, respite care, and personal support services tailored to individual needs.

    • Address: 450 – 6 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3G4

    • Contact Information: 403-640-0844

    • Website:Just 4-U Family Services

    8. Post-Natal Helpers

    • Description: Specializes in post-natal care, offering in-home support for new mothers including assistance with newborn care, household tasks, and emotional support.

    • Address: Various locations in Calgary

    • Contact Information: 403-640-0844

    • Website:Post-Natal Helpers

    9. Meals on Wheels

    • Description: Delivers nutritious meals to individuals who are unable to prepare their own food due to age, illness, or disability. Service is available across Calgary.

    • Address: 1412 – 1 Street SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0V8

    • Contact Information: Calgary: 403-243-2834, Ardrie: 403-815-1400

    • Website:Meals on Wheels Calgary

    These resources offer a variety of in-home support services to meet different needs. For further details, contact the organizations directly.

  • Lactation Consulting Clinics in Calgary

    • Calgary Breastfeeding Centre

    • Well Fed Breastfeeding Clinic

    • Springborough Professional Centre

      • Description: Offers lactation consulting services; a physician referral is preferred but not required.

      • How to Access: Contact your healthcare provider for a referral or reach out directly.

      • Website:About Us | Westglen Medical Center

      • Contact: 403-240-2258

    • Okotoks Wellness Centre

      • Description: Offers lactation consulting services to families in the Okotoks area. Services are generally available without a referral.

      • How to Access: Contact them directly to book an appointment.

      • Website:Okotoks Wellness Centre

      • Contact: 403-995-2600 (Switchboard)

    • Community Health Centres (AHS)

      • Description: Offers lactation consulting services but may require a referral.

      • How to Access: Obtain a referral from your healthcare provider.

      • Website:Alberta Health Services - Community Health

      • Contact: Call 811 or visit your local health center for referral information.

    • Alberta Health Services (AHS) - Maternal Newborn Child & Youth Services

      • Description: Provides free breastfeeding support and lactation consulting.

      • How to Access: Visit your local Public Health Center or contact them directly.

      • Website:Alberta Health Services

      • Contact: Call 811 or check the AHS website for local clinic details.

    • La Leche League Canada - Calgary Area

  • Pregnancy and childbirth are incredible experiences, but they also place significant physical demands on your body. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in helping you navigate these changes with comfort and ease. During pregnancy, physiotherapy can alleviate common discomforts such as back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica, and help prepare your body for labour by strengthening and balancing muscles, improving posture, and addressing alignment issues. Postpartum, it supports healing by addressing issues like diastasis recti, pelvic floor dysfunction, and urinary incontinence, while also assisting with posture correction and overall physical conditioning as you adapt to new motherhood. Each pregnancy and recovery journey are unique, and physiotherapy provides tailored treatments to address your specific needs, ensuring a smoother transition through these transformative phases.

    Online Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Webinars and Resources:

    Explore free online pelvic floor physiotherapy webinars to support your health and well-being. These webinars offer valuable insights into pelvic floor care, exercises, and techniques. For more information and access, visit Alberta Health Services. To find additional resources online, check out:

    To book a consult, here are some trusted private clinics in Calgary where you can get physiotherapy services; each clinic has different prices based on the services provided and the extent of care required:

    Trusted Community Favourites:

    • Devin Grant, MScPT, BKin, FDN

    • Warrior Physiotherapy

      • Locations:

        1. SE Calgary: #2020, 260300 Writing Creek Crescent, Balzac

        2. NW Calgary: 205, 3604 52 Ave NW

      • Specialty: Pelvic Health, Orthopedic, and Postpartum Physiotherapy

      • How to Access: Book appointments directly through their website.

      • Website: warriorphysio.com

      • Contact: info@warriorphysio.com

    Other Recommended Locations:

    North Calgary

    1. Moss Postpartum House

    2. Beacon Hill Physiotherapy

    3. CBI Health

    4. Catherine Little Physiotherapy

      • Location: #501, 1640 16 Ave NW

      • Contact: 403-220-9499

    5. Diverse Sports Physical Therapy

      • Location: #115, 5403 Crowchild Tr NW

      • Contact: 403-453-0727

    6. Maximum Potential Physiotherapy

      • Location: #125, 1620 29 St NW

      • Contact: 403-289-7229

    7. Lifemark Physiotherapy

      • Location: 185 Scenic Acres NW

      • Contact: 403-240-0124

    8. Spring Hill Sport Physiotherapy

      • Location: 85 Scenic Dr NW

      • Contact: 403-288-8877

    South Calgary

    1. Canadian Continence Clinic

      • Location: #707, 12100 MacLeod Tr SE

      • Contact: 403-271-2550

    2. Lakeview Physiotherapy

      • Location: #11, 6449 Crowchild Tr SW

      • Contact: 403-249-5253

    3. Rehab Solutions Physiotherapy

      • Location: #310, 10233 Elbow Dr SW

      • Contact: 403-253-9444

    4. Southland Sport Physiotherapy

      • Location: 2000 Southland Dr SW

      • Contact: 403-252-8535

    5. Sunpark Physiotherapy

      • Location: #213, 40 Sunpark Plaza SE

      • Contact: 403-254-0057

    6. The Downtown Sports Clinics

      • Location: #310, 205 5 Ave SW

      • Contact: 403-234-7557

    7. Tower Physio

      • Location: #102, 131 9 Ave SW

      • Contact: 403-262-2620

    Each clinic will have different prices based on the services provided and the extent of care required. It’s a good idea to contact them directly to discuss your specific needs and get information on costs. Taking care of your body is essential, and physiotherapy is a valuable resource in ensuring your physical well-being throughout and after pregnancy.

  • Experiencing pregnancy or infant loss is a profoundly heartbreaking and challenging event that affects many families. Whether it’s a miscarriage, stillbirth, or the loss of a newborn, the emotional and physical impact can be overwhelming. Grieving the loss of a child involves navigating complex feelings and finding support from others who understand this unique sorrow. It's crucial to seek help and connect with resources that offer compassionate care and understanding during this difficult time. Here are some local and additional resources designed to provide support and guidance for families coping with pregnancy and infant loss.

    Local Resources:

    1. Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support (PILS)

    2. Calgary Health Foundation – Perinatal Loss Program

    • Description: Offers support for families dealing with perinatal loss, including counseling services and support groups.

    • Contact: 403-943-1550

    • Website: Calgary Health Foundation

    3. The Children's Cottage Society

    4. Mount Royal University – Grief Support Program

    • Description: Offers support and counseling services for individuals dealing with grief from pregnancy or infant loss.

    • Contact: 403-440-8000

    • Website: Mount Royal University

    5. Riley Park Maternity Clinic

    • Description: Provides support and resources for families experiencing loss, including counseling and support groups.

    • Contact: 403-284-3711

    • Website: Riley Park Maternity Clinic

    6. Alberta Health Services – Perinatal Loss Resources

    • Description: Offers information and resources for families dealing with perinatal loss, including counseling services.

    • Contact: 403-944-7500

    • Website: AHS Perinatal Loss

    Additional Resources:

    1. Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (SANDS)

    • Description: Provides support, information, and resources for families who have experienced stillbirth or neonatal loss.

    • Website: SANDS

    2. The Compassionate Friends

    • Description: Offers support to families who have experienced the death of a child, providing a community of understanding and comfort.

    • Website: The Compassionate Friends

    3. Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing (GRASP)

    • Description: Provides support for families dealing with grief and loss, including resources for dealing with the loss of a child.

    • Website: GRASP

    4. SHARE Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support

    • Description: Offers support and information to families affected by pregnancy and infant loss through online support and local groups.

    • Website: SHARE

    5. Baby Loss Awareness Week

    • Description: Organizes events and support activities to raise awareness about pregnancy and infant loss and offer support to affected families.

    • Website: Baby Loss Awareness

    6. Hope Mommies

    • Description: Provides support and community for women who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss, including online support groups and resources.

    • Website: Hope Mommies

    These resources offer a variety of support options, from in-person counseling and support groups to online resources and communities, to help families navigate the challenging experience of pregnancy and infant loss.

  • 1. M&P Sleep Consulting
    Website: www.mpsleepconsulting.com

    Phone: (858) 775-4127
    Email: info@mpsleepconsulting.com

    Social Media:

    2. Whole Night Sleep Consulting

    Website: www.wholenightsleepconsulting.com

    Phone: (301) 704-7002
    Email: hello@wholenightsleepconsulting.com

    Social Media:

Person wearing a light blue shirt and lanyard, smiling, in a medical or hospital setting. Bobbi-Lyn Ford L&D nurse. Labor and delivery nurse in Calgary, Canada.

By Bobbi-Lyn Ford, BScN RN • AB