The Strathmore Pregnancy Care Centre is all about the babies, but they are also about the moms and dads.

It is a tiring life for both new mamas and babies! Photo courtesy of Drinda Hyde.

The pandemic has caused significant stress on mothers-to-be. The centre offers assistance and support for any pregnancy care need, but Manager Drinda Hyde said that COVID-19 has added a lot of unneeded anxiety for expectant mothers.

For example, COVID-19 restrictions have forced pregnant mothers to go through baby milestones such as ultrasounds appointments alone. In some cases, Hyde has helped support a mother over the phone while she was giving birth in the hospital alone.

In light of this, the care centre has been trying to make returning home with a new baby as easy as possible for mothers with baby boxes.

“We wanted to make things extra special. We have always gifted our clients that have had a baby with some baby blankets. But then we got this idea of making these baby boxes. The Baby Box company actually donated these boxes to us that can be turned into beds. It had a starter pack with some clothes, diapers and baby books, but we want to fill them up with extra items. Even items for mamas like spa items.”

The boxes that have been donated are very large and the care centre has been doing their best to fill them with any extra items they have.

Hyde explained that she really hopes these boxes can make a world of difference to new moms trying to make sense of COVID-19, “In the best of the days, new mamas are struggling, and we are able to support them, but now we are in a worldwide panic and now these things can be even more overwhelming for them.”

She said that in some cases, the clients she supports have really tough situations they are dealing with. She explained that one of her clients felt judged for taking her newborn to get groceries with as she is the only care provider.

Hyde said these situations can really affect the mental health of moms after they give birth. That is why adding in some extra gifts for the mamas in the baby boxes is very important to her.

“Essentially, what we are looking for is clothing, we take 0-2 years for clothing. We also take baby soaps, lotions, and diapers. Gift cards also make the world of difference too and little items such as bubble baths for new moms.”

If interested in donating items for the baby boxes, please call 403-934-3017, or visit the Strathmore Pregnancy Care Centre Facebook page.