Parenting Resources
SHORE Centre is a pro-choice organization that supports your choices in all situations. Our Pregnancy Options Program offers safe, confidential, non-directed and non-judgmental information and support for all pregnant people. We treat everyone who comes to SHORE Centre as an individual. There is no “one size fits all” approach to making reproductive health decisions. We will support you no matter what you decide and then help you through the pregnancy and parenting process.
At SHORE Centre we can guide you through the early steps pregnancy and connect you with the appropriate health care providers and agencies to assist in your journey towards becoming a parent.
On this page you can learn more about:
• Emotional support during pregnancy
• Emotional support after giving birth
• Parenting resources
Prenatal Care
Choosing a prenatal care provider is an important first step during pregnancy. When choosing a prenatal care provider you may consider the following options: family doctor, nurse practitioner, midwife, or obstetrician. Your prenatal care choices may depend on a couple of factors like your health, your pregnancy, and who you already receive care from. You can learn more about your prenatal care providers by clicking here.
Support During Pregnancy and After Giving Birth
We offer a safe, non-judgemental space to ask questions, explore your options, and talk about how you are feeling with a counsellor who will support your needs and goals.
Support During Pregnancy
Support, information, and referrals for pregnant people who are looking for assistance with the next steps of being pregnant.
Some of the things you may want to talk about at this appointment are:
• How you are feeling
• Prenatal care options
• How to have conversations with your healthcare team
• Community resources for parenting support and information
• What to expect at each stage of pregnancy (emotions, body changes, fetal development)
• Support you have from family, friends, your community
• Questions you have about pregnancy
Support After Giving Birth
Support for anyone who has given birth within the past 2 years. These sessions are tailored to address your individual needs.
Some of the things you may want to talk about at this appointment are:
• Your experience and life transitions after giving birth
• Unpacking your emotions about changes to your body, your life, and your relationships
• The “baby blues”
• Postpartum mood and anxiety concerns
• Sharing your birth story in a supportive, pro-choice environment
• How to talk to family, friends, and others about your emotions and needs
Parenting Resources
Prenatal
These resources can assist you during while you are pregnant:
• Empowering Pregnancy at SHORE Centre
• Region of Waterloo Online Prenatal Program
• Preparing for Parenthood
• Parenting Now
• Breastfeeding Buddies Prenatal Workshop
Expecting Twins, Triplets, or More?
• Kitchener-Waterloo Parents of Multiple Births Association
Postpartum
These resources can help you after your baby is born:
• Region of Waterloo Programs and Services
• Stork Secrets (postpartum support)
• House of Friendship Family Outreach Program
Chest/Breastfeeding
• Region of Waterloo Support
• Breastfeeding Buddies