Pregnancy Resources in Calgary (and Beyond): Free, Inclusive, and Actually Helpful

Because this journey is big—and you shouldn’t have to Google it all alone.

If you’re on the pregnancy path—whether you just peed on a stick, you’re deep into your third trimester, or you’re figuring out life after loss—you’ve probably realized one thing: the internet is loud, and a lot of it doesn’t apply to us here in Calgary (or even Canada).

And if you’ve ever thought, “Is it weird to want this kind of support?”—let me tell you: it’s not weird. You’re not too much. You’re just human. And you deserve resources that feel inclusive, gentle, practical, and a little more real.

I’m Kat (she/her), a full-spectrum doula based here in Calgary, and I want to share some actually helpful, free, and inclusive pregnancy resources—plus some personal faves I offer to my own clients.

Let’s get into it.

Local Calgary Pregnancy Resources You’ll Actually Use

We’re lucky to have some incredible community offerings here in Calgary, beyond just your OB or midwife. Here are some real-deal supports that are often under the radar:

• Calgary Birth Essentials

An amazing hub for prenatal classes, postpartum prep, and birth planning. They lean toward holistic care, and classes are small, local, and people-centred.

• Birth & Babies Calgary

Alberta Health Services offers free prenatal and parenting classes—yes, free. Their “Birth & Babies” program covers everything from early pregnancy to newborn care.

Pro tip: You don’t have to wait until the third trimester to register. These fill up!

• Calgary Counselling Centre – Perinatal Mental Health

Affordable therapy options for those experiencing pregnancy-related anxiety, depression, grief, or overwhelm. Sliding scale fees are available.

• Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Clinics

Nope, it’s not “too soon” or “too weird” to ask about this! Your pelvic floor goes through a lot during pregnancy and birth. Local faves:

• Calgary Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

• Kaaiaa Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

• Resilience Pelvic Health

• Holistic Institute of Health

• Mahogany Physiotherapy and

Ask them about prenatal assessments, not just postpartum rehab!

• The Centre for Sexuality – Inclusive Parent Resources

Whether you're LGBTQIA2S+, co-parenting, solo parenting, or exploring family in non-traditional ways, this is a judgment-free zone with practical resources.

• Embracing the Journey – Calgary-Based Doula & Childbirth Education

I also offer personalized childbirth education—perfect for anyone who wants a real-world, inclusive, and flexible approach to birth prep.

Whether you're looking for online group classes or 1:1 in-person sessions (yes, even in cozy cafés or your living room), I've got you.

My classes go beyond the basics and make space for:

• Trauma-informed care

• Queer-affirming and body-positive language

• Birth partner involvement

• Exploring options without judgment

• Addressing fears + building confidence

Online workshops launching soon! Private in-person sessions available in Calgary

Plus, contracted clients get exclusive access to my full resource portal

Want to be the first to know when classes open? Join my mailing list or DM me kat@embracingthejourney.ca

Canadian Pregnancy Resources That Aren’t U.S.-Centric

We love our Canadian healthcare system (mostly), but we also need better, relatable info tailored to us. Here are a few solid ones:

• Best Start by Nexus Health

Ontario-based but with cross-Canada resources—especially great if you're exploring pregnancy after loss, TTC over 35, or using donor conception.

• Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC)

Evidence-based, up-to-date info on prenatal care, medication safety, and birth prep.

• Caring for Kids – Canadian Pediatric Society

Great for the transition to parenting, especially those early days with a newborn when you’re googling “is this rash normal?” at 3 a.m.

Apps I Kinda Like (But Don’t Worship)

Let’s be honest—apps are helpful, but they’re not gospel. And they certainly don’t replace human connection. That said, here are a few worth exploring:

• Glow

Great for TTC and early pregnancy tracking. Clear interface, cycle tracking, and a decent info bank.

• Premom

Especially helpful if you’re using ovulation strips or charting. Good for trying to conceive or monitoring cycles postpartum.

• Contraction Timer Apps

You don’t need anything fancy—just something simple to track early labour. I often recommend Contraction Timer - Time Labor (iOS) or (Android).

Just a heads up: Most apps are U.S.-based and not super inclusive when it comes to gender, birth experience, or language. That’s why I keep my own curated list of better options for my clients.

Virtual Support Groups: Helpful but Not the Whole Story

We’ve all leaned on virtual connections, especially since 2020. But I want to be real with you—while Facebook groups and forums can be helpful, they’re not always trauma-informed, inclusive, or even accurate.

That’s why I believe in real connection—meeting in person, laughing over tea, sitting on the floor during postpartum visits, or walking through grief side-by-side. You deserve more than just a message board.

Contracted clients with me get access to a private resource portal packed with localized tools, videos, worksheets, and handouts curated to your journey—TTC, IVF, pregnancy, loss, birth, or postpartum.

Because Google can’t give you everything. But connection can.

You’re not the only one wondering...

• “Is it okay to want a queer-affirming birth space?”

• “Am I weird for needing support after a loss no one talks about?”

• “Do I have to go to pelvic floor therapy even if I’m not leaking?”

• “Where can I find someone who gets my cultural postpartum traditions?”

• “I feel alone. Is that normal?”

YES, it’s okay. YES, you’re normal. YES, support exists.

And if you don’t know where to start—I’ve got you.

A Few More Free Resources Worth Checking Out

• My Prenatal Nutrition Cheat Sheet – ask me about it during our consult!

• Podcasts like “Pride in Birth,” “Birth With Power,” and “The Well-Nourished Mother”

• Books I love:

  • Queer Conception by Kristin Liam Kali

  • Awake at 3 a.m. by Suzannah Neufeld, MFT

  • Magical Beginnings, Enchanted Lives by Deepak Chopra, M.D., David Simmon, M.D., and Vicki Abrams

  • What No One Tells You by Dr. Alexandra Sacks and Dr Catherine Birndorf

Final Thoughts from Kat

Pregnancy isn’t just a checklist of milestones—it’s a whole, messy, beautiful, emotional journey. And while apps and articles can help, it’s people that make the difference.

Whether you're craving hands-on care, someone to talk with, or just a friendly face who knows what it's like, I’m here. With resources, with time, with heart.

Let’s build your support team. Let’s make space for your story.

Ready to connect? Message me, DM me on Instagram @embracingthejourney_yyc or book a free consult here. You’re not in this alone.