Getting your information by reading books is great, but you might be someone who learns better through action, involvement, and socialization. Here are 5 awesome, activity-based ways to prepare to welcome your new baby!

1. Take a prenatal education class.
   Alberta Health Services offers many different options for these, from weekend intensives to 8-week courses. They’re a bit of an investment (around $200/couple) but they cover childbirth and postpartum basics including stages of labor, postpartum depression awareness, and basic baby care. Depending on your interest in being a social butterfly, you can also get to know other new-parents-to-be in these classes and stay in touch after your babies are born.
   

2. Attend a carseat installation clinic.
   It’s outdated common knowledge that your local firehall or hospital will help you with car seat installation. Instead, you can often find free carseat safety clinics in Alberta, hosted by a Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada (CPSAC) certified technician. Car Seat Techs of Alberta posts upcoming events on their facebook page, or you can send them a message if you’re interested in organizing a private session.
   

3. Take an infant first aid course.
   There has been a newly recognized need for one-off infant first aid and CPR courses in Calgary, which is great news for expecting parents. You might feel you don’t need to know infant CPR until you start introducing solid foods, but during pregnancy is a great time to take a class because once baby is choking on their first bite of oatmeal, it’s too late! The Canadian Red Cross, St. John’s Ambulance, and First Aid Calgary all offer in-class sessions, and you’ll find many independent, in-home providers too by doing a quick google of “infant first aid Calgary.”
   

4. Learn more about babywearing.
   Beautiful pictures of rainbow wrapped babies, snuggled to their mother’s chest, flood your facebook feed; that’s DEFINITELY something you want to do! But you’ll find that even though the idea of babywearing is hundreds of years old, it’s actually pretty complicated these days! You have a lot of choice in terms of style of carrier - wraps in multiple sizes and materials, ring slings, buckle carriers, and more - and it’s hard to figure out which one might work best for your body, your baby, and your personal babywearing activities. Babes in Arms Calgary is ready to help you demystify babywearing with their class, Babywearing 101! Class dates are listed on their website and registration is just $10. You’ll learn more about your options, try on different styles of carrier, and probably leave with a wish list a mile long!
   

5. Hire a doula.
   Did you know that doulas don’t just attend your birth; they actually meet with you 1-3 times before your baby’s arrival? Interviewing and hiring a doula will spark discussions about your birth plan, postpartum preparation, and overall readiness for baby. Many doulas also offer great tip sheets and checklists for hospital packing, bringing-baby-home-prep, breastfeeding resources, and more. Regular meetings with your doula will ensure you have all the tools ready to go for baby’s arrival!

Ready to start your preparations right now? You keener!