Find a Doula
A doula accompanies women and their partners, friends and family during labour to facilitate a satisfying birth experience.
Having a doula at a birth is a very old idea. Long before there were midwives or doctors to deliver babies, there were knowledgeable, compassionate, friendly women who were there to keep the labouring mother happy and comfortable.
Use the resources below to find the perfect doula for your family. If you have any questions, give us a call at The Mothering Touch Centre – we have many caring, experienced doulas on staff that would be happy to chat!
Click here to learn more about doulas.
Doulas of Victoria
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 B.C.
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.
Find a Midwife or Doctor
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 midwives and doctors 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.
Midwives in Victoria
Serving Greater Victoria and the Southern Gulf Islands.
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.
Midwives Association of British Columbia
Learn about midwifery, and find a midwife in your area.
The Victoria Medical Society
Visit this website to find a family physician who provides maternity care in your area.
Fertility & Pre-Pregnancy
Victoria Fertility Centre
The VFC is a small, personalized, yet modern centre where a holistic approach is taken to fertility care.
Elements of Health Centre
Offers treatments in Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Massage Therapy.
Areli Hermanson, Registered Dietitian
Areli has a special interest in assisting clients to develop and maintain a healthy relationship with food and has a passion for working with women with fertility issues as they work toward their family goals.
Island Naturopath
An integrated health clinic offering Naturopathic Medicine, Counselling, Massage Therapy, Acupuncture and Primary Health Care.
Family Passages To Wellness
Sue Dumais runs a mind-body studio where she offers Yoga for Fertility, Couples Yoga for Fertility and Pregnancy and Beyond.
Clare Blanchflower
Clare Blanchflower is a holistic, natural health practitioner offering Maya Abdominal Therapy, Sacred Balance, Yoga Therapy and Yoga for Fertility.
Pregnancy & Birth
The Five Trimesters of Pregnancy
Didn’t know there were five of them? Read our list of things to do for each trimester.
The Mothering Touch Pregnancy Happy Hour
Join us on Fridays from 5-6:30pm to chat with other pregnant women. The groups is facilitated by a doula.
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 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.
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.
Pregnancy Place
All sorts of great resources for parents to be.
Twins, Triplets & More
Vancouver Island Multiple Birth Association
Are you expecting twins, triplets or more? Are you wondering what to expect? What do you need? VIMBA has been here for families with multiples for over 30 years.
Multiple Birth Canada
Multiple Births Canada strives to improve the quality of life for multiple-birth individuals and their families in Canada.
Twins, Triplets and More – UBC
A resource guide published by UBC for Multiple Pregnancy and Parenthood
Breastfeeding
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.
Great streaming video on the hand-expression of breast milk.
So much easier to learn if you see someone do it!
INFACT Canada – Infant Feeding Action Coalition
Protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding in Canada.
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. 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. Call (250)475-2251 to make an appointment.
Cloth Diapering
Cloth diapers have come a long way – no more pins or folding – today’s cloth diapers are easy to use, easy to wash and gentle on babies’ bottoms.
You can learn more about cloth diapering by attending one of our Introduction To Cloth Diapering Workshops.
At The Mothering Touch Centre, we’re proud to offer a full range cloth diapers and accessories – including liners, covers, diaper pails, citrus discs and even sprayers for your toilet!
And if you still feel intimidated by the prospect of washing loads of newborn diapers… why not try a service, such as Victoria Diaper Service Rachel uses all natural cleaning methods and soaps and will either rent diapers to you or wash the ones you purchase!
Questions? Give us a call- we’re always happy to help!
Emotional Support
Everyone needs a little support sometimes. Joining a parenting group in your area is a good first step, here are some other resources you may find helpful…
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
The GRG support network coordinates groups who meet regularly and a toll free line to assist grandparents and other relatives raising children to navigate advocacy, family law, and government services pertaining to kinship caregiving; to find the answers, the assistance, and the resources they need to prevent or solve problems; and to learn about benefits and services that will support the whole family.
International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN)
ICAN’s mission is to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Click here to visit the Cowichan Valley Chapter of ICAN’s Facebook page.
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.
The Pacific Post Partum Support Society
Offers postpartum depression screening, referral if necessary and individual and group support.
HealthLink / BC Nurse Line
Call 1-866-215-4700 OR 811 (from anywhere in BC) for 24-hour, toll-free access to registered nurses specially trained to provide confidential health information and advice on the telephone.
Traci McGee – Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) / Registered Marriage & Family Therapist (RMFT)
Traci is the primary counsellor for the Post Partum Support Program in the Greater Victoria area. Typically, mothers access therapy services under the Post Partum Support Program by a referral from a public health nurse, physician, midwife, but mothers can contact Traci directly too.
Vancouver Island Crisis Line
A non-profit service operating in cooperation with The Vancouver Island Health Authority to provide 24/7 support to anyone who needs it. 1-888-494-3888.
Still Birthday
Because a pregnancy loss is still a birthday.
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.
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.
Local Kids & Parents Stuff
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.
Kids in Victoria & Island Parent Magazine
KIV is a fantastic online community for parents and caregivers, with a great classified section and Island Parent Magazine is a monthly publication covering everything an Island parent needs to know!
Chatterblock
Updates on great family-friendly events and resources in and around Victoria.
Victoria Mom
A local blog.
Today's Group:
