Welcome to our Postpartum Group Programs
We are so glad that you’ll be joining us!
Here is some information to help you prepare.
We’re here to support you.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We want to provide you with a safe and accessible space to find the support and advice that you need during this first year of baby's life. Our facilitators will lead discussions and activities, while ensuring there will be plenty of time to ask questions about whatever is on your mind that day.
If you registered for the Newborn Program you are welcome (and encouraged!) to attend sessions while still pregnant. We will provide plenty of information that will be helpful immediately after you deliver, and you can learn from the families who are a few weeks ahead of you in their journey.
How to get started.
YOUR FIRST SESSION
All sessions are held in the conference room at Ensemble Healthcare which is in Suite 312 of the Market Mall Professional Building (4935 40th Ave NW). There is plenty of free parking.
A maximum of two adults per family are welcome to attend.
Our space is limited so, if possible, please arrange childcare for any older siblings, and do not bring a stroller into the clinic.
Refer to the Postpartum Group Support Program page to find:
Links to the information page for each program where there is a list of the schedule and dates for your sessions.
Our cancellation policy in the FAQ section.
Our facilitators are excited to meet you!
WE HAVE BROUGHT TOGETHER A TEAM OF PASSIONATE EXPERTS
Dr. Jan Ooi, MD CCFP FCFP Jan is a Family Physician who specializes in low risk obstetrical care - she has been delivering babies at the Foothills Medical Centre for over 20 years. She is also the founder of Ensemble Healthcare, and the one who developed our Postpartum Group Programs.
Sarah Mateshaytis, MSW, RSW Sarah is a Registered Social Worker who loves working with perinatal families. She specializes in perinatal mood, adjustment and coping during the perinatal period, parental mental health, and parental relationship challenges.
Elle McAndrews, BAH, MTA Elle is an Accredited Music Therapist who has been facilitating Mom and Baby music classes for 9 years. She enjoys sharing her depth of experience and knowledge so that parents can incorporate music into their daily parenting practices.
Christine MacSween, PT Christine is a Physiotherapist with advanced training in pelvic floor health and breastfeeding/infant physiotherapy. She is thrilled to combine these offerings to support families in pregnancy and postpartum.
Dr. Laine Racher, MD FRCPC Laine is a Pediatrician with a passion for newborns and their families. On top of offering community pediatric care she is a member of the Newborn Nursery Team at the Foothills Medical Centre.
Dr. Katy Anderson, MD CCFP IBCLC Katy practices general family medicine and breastfeeding medicine. She has a passion for infant feeding, teaching new families how to breastfeeding, as well as following infants through their feeding journey. She is the medical director of the breastfeeding clinic at Circle Medical in SE Calgary.
Melody Patton, RN Sleep Sense Certified Melody divides her time between working as a Labour & Delivery nurse and her sleep consulting business where she works with families to develop strategies to support healthy sleep patterns.
Shannon Viczko, RN IBCLC Shannon has over 15 years experience as a registered nurse and lactation consultant in Calgary. It is her greatest privilege to share the knowledge families have taught her with other nurses, providers and families.
An added bonus for our participants.
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS AT ENSEMBLE
Marnie is a local Calgary photographer who will set up a studio in our clinic to offer Micro Lifestyle Photography sessions during group programs. She is also a nurse and a mom of three - so she knows how to put parents at ease and capture precious moments.
A word about confidentiality.
YOUR PRIVACY IS IMPORTANT
As a participating member, you should only share information that you feel comfortable sharing with others. You have the right to expect that what is disclosed will stay private and confidential. You also have the responsibility to respect and protect other participant’s privacy.
You may share useful information outside of the education sessions; however, the names and personal information of individual members are not to be disclosed.
We would love to learn from you.
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO FILL OUT OUR INTAKE AND EVALUATION FORMS
If you enrolled in the Newborn Program there is only an evaluation form to complete at the end. If you enrolled in the Infant or Baby Program there is both an intake and an evaluation form.
Information collected helps us to tailor and improve our programming.
All data is collated, and no personal information is requested or required.