If you’re a pregnant woman who will be having your baby between September and April, you’re in high demand by University of the Fraser Valley nursing students.

Mothers-to-be in the Fraser Valley are once again invited to help a UFV nursing student learn about pregnancy and childbirth from the patient’s perspective. Women having their babies at Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Surrey Memorial, Ridge Meadows, Peace Arch, Langley Memorial or Royal Columbian hospitals are eligible for this program.

Countless UFV nursing students have had the opportunity to shadow a pregnant woman through doctor visits, prenatal classes, labour and delivery, and the postnatal period through the Moms-to-be program over the past 18 years.

“It’s been a wonderful opportunity for our students. It gives them a chance to experience the pregnancy and birth process up close from the perspective of the mother and her family,” said UFV nursing professor Marlene Upton.

The students complete this component of the program while they study the theory of maternity nursing and before they take clinical training in maternity wards.

If you participate, the student nurse will meet you (and your partner if applicable) for a “get to know you chat.” The range of prenatal experiences the student may be involved with include a visit to the doctor, a prenatal class, and providing support for you and your partner during all of your labour and delivery, and a visit afterwards.
For more information, or to volunteer, call UFV’s Health Sciences toll free at 1-888-504-7441.

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