Here are a few resources in Victoria and online that you might find helpful...
- Pregnancy & Birth
- Find A Midwife or Doctor
- Find A Doula
- Breastfeeding
- Kids Stuff In Victoria
- Emotional Support
Childbirth Connection
The Maternity Center Association's long-term national program using the best research about the safety and effectiveness of specific tests, treatments, and other interventions to help guide maternity care decisions. On this site, we recommend checking out the Guide To Effective Care In Pregnancy And Childbirth and the booklet titled, What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know About Cesarean Section.
Childbirth.Org
Pregnancy and childbirth information based on the belief that birth is a natural process, not a medical procedure.
Mothering Magazine
Pregnancy, childbirth and natural family living.
Complete Mother
A magazine focused on pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.
The American Pregnancy Association
A national health organization committed to promoting reproductive and pregnancy wellness through education, research, advocacy, and community awareness.
Penny Simkin's Site
Penny Simkin, PT, is a physical therapist who has specialized in childbirth education since 1968. She estimates she has prepared over 9,500 women, couples, and siblings for childbirth, and assisted hundreds of women or couples through childbirth as a doula.
The Online Post-Partum Depression Support Group
Being a mother is one of the hardest jobs anyone can do, and suffering from post-partum depression (PPD) can make the hard job feel impossible. Many women suffer silently from PPD, it is very common, but entirely treatable. This site is a great place to start if you think you may need help. You can also contact your local Vancouver Island Health Authority health unit for support and information.
In Victoria, under BC's Medical Services Plan, you can choose either a Family Physician or a Registered Midwife to be your primary caregiver during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Both professions have training and expertise in managing normal, healthy pregnancies, births and newborn care. If you experience a high risk pregnancy (e.g. multiple gestation pregnancy, pre-existing diabetes, history of obstetrical problems, among others), your primary care provider may also involve an obstetric specialist. In addition, should the need arise, both family physicians and registered midwives also refer to other specialties, such as pediatricians.
There are many factors which may influence whether you choose to see a registered midwife or a family physician for your pregnancy and postnatal care - it is important that you feel comfortable with them, as they will be assisting you and your baby through your pregnancy and the six weeks thereafter. Both are licensed professionals, and can deliver in hospital. Registered midwives can also offer you the option of home delivery and provide pre and post natal visits at your home. Whether you choose a midwife or doctor as your primary caregiver during your pregnancy and birth, you will still visit your family physician for non-obstetrical medical conditions. Six weeks postpartum, your caregiver will transfer your care back to your regular family physician, if you have one.
The Victoria Medical Society
Visit this website to find a family physician who provides maternity care in your area.
Midwives Association of British Columbia
Learn about midwifery, and find a midwife in your area.
The College of Midwives of British Columbia
CMBC is the regulatory body for the profession of midwifery in the province of British Columbia; they provide information and a listing of registered midwives in BC.
The Mothering Touch Doula Services
We're proud to have on staff many caring and experienced DONA-certified doulas. Visit us, or call us at (250)595-4905 for more information on our services and doulas in general.
Greater Victoria Doula Directory (GVDD)
A place where parents can access information about doulas in Victoria.
The Doula Services Association of BC
A guide to Birth and Postpartum Doulas in BC
Canadian Doula Association (CDA)
Listings of current Canadian birth professionals and support to the Canadian doula community.
DONA International (Doulas of North America)
The oldest, largest and most respected doula association in the world, with listings from Canada, the United States and other countries around the world.
Doula Network
Doula listings and information.
The Mothering Touch Breastfeeding Support
We rent and sell Medela breastpumps and pump parts. We also have trained and experienced Breastfeeding Counsellors on staff who are happy to talk to you on the phone, in the store or at your home. Visit us, or call us at (250)595-4905.
INFACT Canada - Infant Feeding Action Coalition
Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding in Canada - a great resource!
Quintessence Foundation
Breastfeeding education to health professionals and the public through venues such as the Breastfeeding Challenge.
Dr. Jack Newman's Site
Breastfeeding articles, information and video clips by Dr. Jack Newman, a Toronto pediatrician.
La Leche League - Canada
This is the Canadian chapter of an internationally recognized organization whose mandate is, "To encourage, promote and provide mother-to-be breastfeeding support and educational opportunities as an important contribution to the health of children, families and society." Contact them at 250-727-4384 to find a meeting happening near you.
Breastfeeding Matters - South Vancouver Island
A group of health-care professionals and interested individuals working since 1998 to protect, promote and support breastfeeding on Southern Vancouver Island.
The Vancouver Island Health Authority
A Public Health Nurse from the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) visits most first-time mothers soon after the birth of your baby. If you have not had a visit and would like to see a public health nurse, just call your local health unit; the visit is free and the nurse can provide you with information and hand-outs on a variety of topics from breastfeeding to immunization. VIHA also provides free breastfeeding clinics and support by phone. Click here to locate the health unit in your area.
Carol Arndt - The Breastpump Lady
Rents and delivers breastpumps all over the Greater Victoria Area. Call her at (250)812-7370
Alison Ranger
Rents and sells Medela breastpumps. Call her at (250)479-9413.
Dr. Jennifer Wickens
A General Practitioner and a member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, Dr. Wickens can be seen without a referral. Her office is at 201-1595 McKenzie Ave. Call 250-721-1188 to make an appointment.
Dr. Laura Spratt
A Family Physician and Lactation Consultant, Dr. Spratt sees patients with breastfeeding concerns who have been referred by their GP or Midwife. Her office is at 3491 Saanich Rd. Call (250)475-2251 to make an appointment.
Victoria Conservatory of Music - Children's Programs
Let your children discover the joy of music through music programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and older children. In Early Childhood Music classes, parents join their infants and toddlers for a special time exploring music together. In Orff classes, children aged 3 and up can move, dance, sing and play instruments, all while developing musical skills and enjoying the company of others their age.
BabyProofit
Babyproofit provides one-stop professional baby proofing services and high quality safety devices to help parents and care givers keep their most valuable asset - their child.
ParentPicks
Provides current, up-to-date lists of childcare providers with availabilities and parents seeking childcare in Victoria.
International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN)
You can contact Kelly Milotay at kellyeliz@yahoo.com for information on the local Victoria Cesarean Support Group.
Benjamin Boxes
Stillbirth and infant loss is a very difficult subject for families to deal with. Benjamin Boxes offer comfort during this very devastating time.
Empty Arms Victoria
Supporting moms and dads who have experienced a pregnancy or birth loss.
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep
For families overcome by the grief and pain of a stillbirth or loss of an infant, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. NILMDTS offers their gentle and beautiful photography services free of charge in a compassionate and sensitive manner. For more information, contact Heather Armstrong at heatherphoto@gmail.com or call 250-391-4784 between 8am - 11pm; after hours only emergencies.
