NRP 9th Edition Update: Attention NRP Instructors - The 9th Edition of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) was launched in Canada on June 1st, 2026. As part of the Canadian Pediatric Society’s (CPS) recommendations for the transition to the 9th Edition, NRP Instructors must complete the 9th Edition Online Learning Assessment (OLA), available at no cost until September 1st, 2026, AND attend a provincial education session.
To support this transition, the Atlantic NRP Advisory Committee has developed a webinar for NRP instructors across the Atlantic Provinces. A recording of the webinar will be posted to the RCP website following the first live session on June 25th, 2026. For webinar dates and to register click here.
Important Updates from the Rh Program of Nova Scotia:
The Rh Program have recently updated 2 of their existing guidelines:
- Guideline for Perinatal Antibody Screening and Rho(D) Immune Globulin Administration (June 2026)
- Rh Prophylaxis before 8 Weeks - Early Pregnancy Complications and Medical Abortions (June 2026)
Reminder: Rh immune globulin when required for appropriate indications at over 12 weeks gestation is now being given at the Adult Infusion Clinic located at the IWK. The Infusion Clinic phone number for bookings is 902-470-6576. The Rh Program has also communicated this change in location to health care providers. Note: Rh immune globulin is no longer being given in the IWK Obstetrical Day Unit (ODU).
The Rh Program is available to address your questions regarding the management of Rh-negative pregnancies and/or those complicated by antibodies. Please visit the Rh Program of NS website for information and/or reach out to the Rh Program for assistance when reviewing Laboratory results found within the Provider Portal. Rh Program Contact: (902) 470-6458
New RCP Webinars Coming Soon – The Reproductive Care Program will be hosting several practice webinars in the Fall.
The webinar series will be called Knowledge to Care: Advancing Perinatal and Newborn Care Practice Together. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months related to topics and dates.
Congratulations!
The RCP and Rh Programs would like to extend a sincere congratulations to:
Dr. Michiel VandenHof, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist at IWK Health as the recipient of SOGC’s Distinguished Service Award. Dr. VandenHof consistently given his time and expertise on behalf of the SOGC, contributed to the education of peers and trainees, and has actively elevated the profession and the community. This award is a prestigious national honor that recognizes a SOGC member who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, unselfish dedication, and longstanding contributions to the advancement of women's health.
Dr. Victoria Allen, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist at IWK Health as the recipient of SOGC’s Regional Achievement Award. Dr. Allen has demonstrated excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to promoting perinatal health at the local, regional, and provincial level. This award celebrates SOGC members who actively volunteer to advance women's health through education, practice, and community involvement.
Hypertension Study Opportunity – The IWK Anesthesia Research Department is conducting a study aimed at designing evidence based, shared decision referral pathways for persons who would benefit from cardiovascular risk reduction. If you provide care to pregnant persons and/or provide services in a department that cares for patients with a history of hypertension in pregnancy you are eligible to participate.
For details and/or to participate contact IWK Anesthesia Research at: 902-470-3865 or anesthesiaresearch@iwk.nshealth.ca
Changes in Referral to Healthy Recovery from Childbirth Clinic (HRCC) -
Effective May 20, 2026 HRCC referral criteria have changed, and the referral form has been updated to reflect the changes. The changes are intended to help prioritize access for patients requiring subspecialty Urogynaecologic assessment while continuing to support collaborative postpartum pelvic floor care across disciplines. For additional information call the HRCC at (902)470-7432.
Call for Submissions Re: Breastfeeding Committee for Canada (BCC) Presents: Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) 2026 National Symposium - Submissions are now open for the BCC’s BFI National Virtual Symposium 2026 (October 1 – 7, 2026). In solidarity with global efforts, the symposium aligns with the WABA World Breastfeeding Week theme: Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthening What Works. It will be held during National Breastfeeding Week in Canada. Breastfeeding is a cornerstone of our population’s health and a vital pillar for Canada's future. This symposium is a national invitation to share proven systems, Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) journeys, and collaborative partnerships. To submit click here.
Violence Against Women Research Newsletter - Check out the VAW Research Summer 2026 Newsletter for the latest updates from the team on this important research work.
SOGC’s Informed Consent Toolkit - The SOGC has launched a new informed consent resource page to support clear, respectful and trauma- and violence-informed consent conversations in obstetrical and gynecological care.
Informed by national discussions on consent, including Bill S-228, the page brings together new resources for urgent and emergency care, including:
- Emergency Consent Toolkit for Health Care Providers
- Patient-Facing Handouts to Support Informed Decision- Making
The toolkit includes practical guidance for urgent and emergency care, communication prompts, documentation considerations and point-of-care tools for time-sensitive clinical settings.
This is the first in a series of SOGC informed consent resources. Additional tools for non-urgent, elective and procedure-specific care will follow.
Smart Parent Pilot Extended - The SmartParent pilot program has been extended for an additional year. SmartParent is a free evidence-based text messaging program that sends information to support a healthy pregnancy and birth, timed and tailored to the specific stage of pregnancy. Please continue to support the pilot extension in sharing details of this valuable prenatal resource with colleagues, patients, and families. Additional information is available for parents on the IWK website and for care providers on the SmartParent website. SmartParent also provides posters which can be downloaded and posted in public spaces and online. Please encourage your perinatal patients and clients to sign up for SmartParent so they can benefit from the information shared throughout this transformational time in their lives. Enrollment can be completed by texting the keyword ‘Baby’ to 12323 or by going to www.smartparentcanada.ca and clicking ‘Enroll Now’.
Professional/Health-related Upcoming Awareness Events/Days:
Awareness events—whether they be days, weeks or months—are a great tool to promote your profession or advocate for a health-related cause.
July:
- Canada Day (July 1)
- Canadian Injury Prevention Day (July 6)
- International Non-Binary People's Day (July 14)
- National Drowning Prevention Week (July 19-25)
- International Drug Users Remembrance Day (July 21)
- International Self-Care Day (July 24)
- World Hepatitis Day (July 28)
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If you have any questions or comments, please contact the RCP office at rcp@iwk.nshealth.ca.
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