Pregnant Alberta mothers on AISH and other income supports will be getting more prenatal benefits from the provincial government.
Starting in their second trimester, these mothers-to-be will get an additional $100 a month from the government, to a total of $600, to help pay for their extra expenses.
Premier Jason Kenney said this money will be on top of a one-time natal benefit of $256 for expectant mothers at 36 weeks of pregnancy. The idea is to help vulnerable expectant mothers and their babies be healthier and have better long-term outcomes.
“Providing more support … is a positive, common-sense step and compassionate step,” added Kenney, noting inadequate support during pregnancy can effect a child’s health and life chances.
Jason Luan, Minister of Community and Social Services, said research shows, providing early support in a woman’s pregnancy can make a big difference to a child and mother’s health even later in life.
Dr. John Lilley, co-chair, Pregnancy Pathways, said “A little extra cash enables the mother and her support staff to pay for all things a baby needs” — a car seat, good nutrition and helps create a lower-stress home environment.
“The baby with a great start becomes a teen finishing high school and an adult with job skills,” Lilley added.