Motherhood changes with every season, and so can the kind of support you need. The resources below are offered as starting points for trustworthy information, professional guidance, and community connection. Some are available across Canada, while others are specific to Alberta. You may not need every resource today. Keep this list nearby for the seasons when you or another mother may need it.
This is here to offer reputable starting points for information, health guidance, parenting education, and community support across different seasons of motherhood. It is primarily designed for Canadian readers, with Alberta-specific services clearly identified.
1. Preconception and Pregnancy
Government of Canada: Pregnancy [Canada-wide]
A central federal resource covering healthy pregnancy, maternity and newborn care, immunization in pregnancy, and preparation for a baby’s arrival.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/pregnancy.html
Healthy Parents, Healthy Children [Alberta]
An Alberta Health Services guide covering pregnancy, birth, newborn care, parenting, and child development through the first five years.
https://www.healthyparentshealthychildren.ca
Family-Centred Maternity and Newborn Care Guidelines [Canada-wide]
National guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada on safe, respectful, family-centred maternity and newborn care.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/maternity-newborn-care-guidelines.html
2. Birth, Newborn and the First Two Months
New Parent and Newborn Line [Alberta]
A 24-hour telephone service staffed by registered nurses for parents and caregivers of babies under two months. Call 1-833-805-BABY (2229).
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/releases/2025/Page18917.aspx
Healthy Beginnings Postpartum Program [Alberta]
Public-health nursing support for families with babies younger than two months, including parent and newborn assessments, feeding support, newborn-care information, and referrals.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/service.aspx?Id=5808
Safe Sleep Tips [Canada-wide]
Health Canada guidance on creating a safe infant sleep environment, including sleep position, sleep surface, and room-sharing recommendations.
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/safe-sleep/safe-sleep-tips.html
Caring for Kids [Canada-wide]
Parent-friendly child health and well-being information developed by the Canadian Paediatric Society.
3. Postpartum Recovery and the Fourth Trimester
Your Guide to Postpartum Health and Caring for Your Baby [Canada-wide]
A comprehensive Public Health Agency of Canada guide covering physical recovery, emotional well-being, infant care, feeding, nutrition, relationships, and family support after birth.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/child-infant-health/postpartum-health-guide.html
Postpartum Services [Alberta]
Alberta Health Services support for families with infants from birth to two months, including newborn assessments, feeding support, maternal recovery guidance, and referrals.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/service.aspx?id=1000961
Postpartum Care Instructions [Alberta]
MyHealth Alberta information about postpartum healing, follow-up care, warning signs, emotional changes, and when to contact a health-care provider.
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=uh4197
4. Feeding and Breastfeeding Support
La Leche League Canada [Canada-wide]
A registered Canadian charity offering free peer-to-peer breastfeeding support, virtual and in-person meetings, prenatal education, and access to trained volunteer Leaders.
Postpartum, Child and Infant Health [Canada-wide]
Government of Canada information on breastfeeding, postpartum care, infant health, parenting, nutrition, and safe sleep.
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/child-infant-health.html
5. Perinatal and Postpartum Mental Health
Postpartum Support International Canada [Canada-wide]
Education, support, and connection to resources for people experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety concerns during pregnancy and after birth.
https://postpartum.net/canada/
Alberta Health Services: Postpartum Depression [Alberta]
Information about emotional changes after birth, postpartum depression, signs that support may be needed, and resources for families.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/services/page15072.aspx
Health Link 811 [Alberta]
Free, confidential, 24-hour health advice and navigation from registered nurses and other health professionals. Dial 811 within Alberta.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/page12630.aspx
6. Infancy: Approximately Two to Twelve Months
Healthy Parents, Healthy Children: Baby and Parenting Guidance [Alberta]
Practical information on feeding, sleep, safety, development, attachment, play, health, and everyday care during a baby’s first year.
https://www.healthyparentshealthychildren.ca
Your Child’s Development: What to Expect [Canada-wide]
A Canadian Paediatric Society overview of developmental milestones from birth through age four, with reminders that children develop at different rates.
https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/behavior-and-development/your_childs_development
Alberta Health Services: Parents [Alberta]
A collection of parent resources on immunization, injury prevention, nutrition, pregnancy, child health, and family well-being.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/parents.aspx
7. Toddler and Preschool Years
Healthy Parents, Healthy Children [Alberta]
Guidance through the first five years on language, behaviour, toilet learning, sleep, nutrition, safety, play, and preparing for school.
https://www.healthyparentshealthychildren.ca
Behaviour and Development [Canada-wide]
Canadian Paediatric Society articles on attachment, positive discipline, self-esteem, child care, mental health, development, and family relationships.
https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/behavior-and-development
Child Care: Making the Best Choice for Your Family [Canada-wide]
Practical guidance from the Canadian Paediatric Society on choosing safe, responsive, developmentally supportive child care.
https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/behavior-and-development/child_care
8. School-Age Children and Growing Independence
Caring for Kids [Canada-wide]
Evidence-informed information on school-age health, behaviour, nutrition, physical activity, sleep, mental health, online safety, and family communication.
Family Resource Networks [Alberta]
Prevention and early-intervention services for children and youth ages 0 to 18 and their families, including parenting support, child development programs, and referrals.
https://www.alberta.ca/family-resource-networks
Family Resource Network Service Finder [Alberta]
A searchable directory for locating Family Resource Network agencies and services across Alberta.
https://www.alberta.ca/lookup/frn-search-map.aspx
9. Community, Connection and Ongoing Support
MotherByFaith [Community resource]
A faith-anchored, volunteer-led community supporting mothers through safe community spaces, peer-to-peer support, meaningful connection, and intentional rest.
Family Resource Networks [Alberta]
Local programs and supports that help families build resilience, strengthen parenting capacity, and connect with community services.
https://www.alberta.ca/family-resource-networks
Health Link 811 [Alberta]
A practical first point of contact when a parent is unsure what type of health service or professional support may be appropriate.
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/page12630.aspx
About This Resource
This resource was compiled by Dayo Olubunmi, author of To All the Moms I Have Ever Been and Founder of MotherByFaith.
It was created as a companion resource for the book, offering mothers a starting point for finding trusted information, practical support, and community through different seasons of motherhood.
Resources and links may be updated over time as new information and supports become available.
