Get ready to go home after you have your baby and learn about community supports.
Postpartum care
Before you go home, your care team will give you information about postpartum care for you and your baby.
You will need to rest for the first few weeks after your baby’s birth. It may be good to have family or friends help you.
Support from public health
If you live in the Edmonton zone, a nurse from your local public health clinic will contact you within 24 to 48 hours after you leave the hospital to arrange a follow-up appointment. This visit may take place in your home or over the phone. During the appointment, the nurse will check in on you and your baby and answer any questions you may have.
If your baby’s newborn metabolic spot test was not completed in the hospital, the public health nurse will collect the sample during the follow-up appointment.
If you need healthcare advice for yourself or your newborn you can call the New Parent and Newborn Line 24/7 at 1.833.805.2229 (BABY).
Support from community health centres
Community health centres can offer:
- breastfeeding support
- immunization
- to weigh your baby
- new mother groups
- parenting groups
Check the centre nearest you for dates and times. You can call Healthy Beginnings at 780.413.7990 if you live in the Edmonton area and if you live outside the Edmonton area call Health Link at 811.
Community breastfeeding support
There are breastfeeding clinics for mothers having difficulties after they go home. Ask your health care provider for a referral if you are having problems. A breastfeeding clinic staff member will provide support and advice.
There are also resources in the community:
- Grey Nuns Community Hospital Breastfeeding Clinic (referral needed)
- Misericordia Community Hospital Breastfeeding Clinic (referral needed)
- Public Health
- Edmonton Breastfeeding Resource