Labour & Birth Support In Central Alberta

Within pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care, doulas provide non-medical emotional and physical support, education, preparation, guidance, and advocacy. In Alberta, the title "doula" is not regulated — there is no established standard of training or defined scope of practice required to work in this role, which means you'll find a wide variance in educational backgrounds, certifications, and offerings across the province.

Registered Nurses are regulated members of Alberta's healthcare system, with defined educational requirements, standards of practice, a code of ethics, and a regulatory body that ensures ongoing accountability to the public. An RN providing labour and birth support brings extensive knowledge, training, and experience — offering highly skilled, personalized, and compassionate care for you and your support team.

Research and best practice evidence consistently show that continuous support during labour and birth leads to fewer complications and greater satisfaction with the birth experience.

Only in positive and supportive ways. The care provided is exclusively within the scope of practice of a Registered Nurse in Alberta and is an addition to — never a replacement for — the primary care you receive from your family physician, obstetrician, or registered midwife and their team.

Within a healthcare system that is often stretched to provide the holistic, attentive support that families need, the presence of a skilled and dedicated healthcare professional has been warmly welcomed.

An intentionally limited number of birth support clients are accepted each season, so that full and present support is possible — whenever labour begins. Birth support includes 24/7 on-call availability via text and phone from 37 weeks until your birth day. Once you are accepted as a client, reach out the moment labour begins. Every effort will be made to support you, whether baby arrives early, late, or right on time.

As soon as you have an estimated due date and know you would like support, reach out to check availability. Because only a limited number of clients are accepted for birth support at any one time, securing your spot sooner rather than later is always recommended.

Yes — labour and birth support is available at hospitals, homes, and birth centres. Talk with your doctor or midwife about your options, weigh the risks and benefits together, and once you've made an informed decision, you'll be supported to feel safe and comfortable wherever you choose to give birth.

In-hospital and in-home labour and birth support is available between Edmonton and Red Deer.

In-home nursing care is available throughout central Alberta, including: Leduc, Millet, Camrose, Wetaskiwin, Bashaw, Maskwacis, Pigeon Lake, Ponoka, Gull Lake, Bentley, Rimbey, Lacombe, Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake, and Red Deer.

In-person office visits are available at Holm Collective in downtown Lacombe.

Virtual visits — via secure video conferencing or telephone — are available to anyone located anywhere in Alberta.

At least one unhurried prenatal visit is included to discuss your labour, birth, and early postpartum care preferences and options. If you are already receiving care throughout your pregnancy or have postpartum support scheduled, this prenatal meeting is in addition to that care.

Additional prenatal or postpartum visits can be added as single appointments or as a collection of care — building the kind of continuity that supports you to feel well and thrive throughout pregnancy and beyond.

Following the birth of your baby, care and support continues for several hours. This time often includes assistance with baby's first feeding, frequent checks for both mom and baby, help with showering and mobility, comforting nutrition and hydration — and capturing some of those very first photos together. You'll be settled and resting before your support team leaves.

Please check your individual plan for coverage details and requirements. Nursing services provided by a Registered Nurse are reimbursed by many health insurance and benefit providers in Alberta, and health savings account funds may also be used. A detailed receipt outlining all services will be provided. If your plan requires a prescription for nursing care, a letter will be prepared to assist you in that process with your primary care provider.