Derek Neary
Northern News Services

NNSL (Feb 19/99) - Cheryl Bonnetrouge would like you to know at least two things about the Sa Naeah Pre-natal Program: it's free and it involves more than just nutrition.

Bonnetrouge, the program co-ordinator, and her assistant Leah Davidge, provide a holistic approach to health for pre-natal women as well as post-natal women who are breast-feeding their children up to a year old.

The program doesn't focus on any one aspect of a person's well-being, rather it examines parenting skills, nutrition, exercise, first aid, personal and financial management skills and the negative effects of drug and alcohol use.

Guest speakers are occasionally invited to speak on these topics and specialized workshops are sometimes held, Bonnetrouge noted.

Sa Naeah means "sunset" in South Slavey. The program, which is funded by Health Canada and sponsored by the Liidlii Kue First Nation, is run by a local steering committee of 10 volunteers.

Bonnetrouge began the job two years ago and said, "I was really interested in helping other women, finding out things they needed to know, and just being supportive." She added that she wished such a program existed when she had her two daughters, now ages 11 and 12.

Talking circles are scheduled on Tuesday evenings and cooking circles run each Thursday and Saturday. Nutritious snacks are provided for the moms and moms-to-be.

She said some women may not be aware that a taxi service is offered for those who need transportation to get to and from the pre-natal building located along Antoine Drive in Fort Simpson. There is also babysitting available for those who have to bring their children while they participate in a discussion or exercise.

"It's also a good place to come and meet other women in the community," she said.

It also offers a variety of resources that can be borrowed, such as books, video tapes, breast pumps and baby-food grinders.

"I think more women should take advantage of it. It's all a free program," she said. "All they have to do is show up...come learn, have some fun and take stuff home."

Women don't always have to make their way to the building either, as the employees will make home visits as well. There, women are asked about their thoughts on the program and their individual needs are addressed. One-on-one counselling can be arranged as can referrals to specialists if required.

Bonnetrouge said nutrition assessments are also conducted during home visits. Clients are asked to recall what they have consumed over the past 24 hours. Based on that, they are issued vouchers to obtain any lacking nutrients. They can redeem these vouchers at no cost at the Northern store for products such as cheese, milk, eggs, yogurt, etc., to ensure they get enough vitamins and minerals. Bonnetrouge said it isn't uncommon for women to have calcium deficiencies while pregnant and in need of more fruit and vegetables.

"You have to live a totally different way of life than you're normally living," she said of pregnancy, adding that maintaining a physical and emotional balance is the goal.