Phone line for new parents rural regions launched by PCA

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on March 4, 2025.

Primary Care Alberta has launched a service that helps refer new parents to postpartum care.

The service helps connect Health Link 811 callers in North, South and Central zones to registered nurses who are skilled in postpartum care, and is available on a 24/7 basis to those with babies under two months of age.

“Parents often have questions related to care for their newborn. The New Parent and Newborn Line provides expert postpartum information free of charge, to all parents in North, South and Central zones who have a baby under two months of age,” says Patricia Chambers, executive lead of patient navigation and system integration with PCA.

Albertans can reach the New Parent and Newborn line by calling 1-833-805-BABY (2229).

“This is the newest line to be added to the vast suite of virtual health services offered by Primary Care Alberta through Health Link 811,” says PCA CEO Kimberley Simmonds. “Offering virtual health services empowers Albertans to seek out their own appropriate care options without having to go to the emergency department or their primary care provider, ensuring Albertans continue to receive the right care at the right place at the right time.”

All three lines answer questions including caring for baby, breastfeeding, mother’s health and baby’s health.