Resources
Disclaimer: The listed resources are for informational purposes only. I have not personally vetted each provider listed. This page is updated periodically, however, it is always possible that a link breaks or a business is no longer available. If you notice any mistakes, please let me know. Also, please let me know if you own a business related to birth/newborn care and I will be happy to add you.
Aboriginal Services
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First Nations Health Authority
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is a province-wide health authority that is governed by and serves BC First Nations individuals and communities. Services are largely focused on health promotion and disease prevention and include:
• Primary Health Care
• Children, Youth and Maternal Health
• Mental Health and Wellness
• Communicable Disease Control
• Environmental Health and Research
• First Nations Health Benefits
• eHealth and Telehealth
• Health and Wellness Planning
• Health Infrastructure and Human Resources
Abuse Support
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Victoria Women’s Transition House Society: Community Office #100-3060 Cedar Hill Road Victoria, BC V8T 3J5 Phone: 250-592-2927 Fax: 250-592-9279 Email: contact@vwth.bc.ca
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The Cridge Transition House for Women: 1307 Hillside Avenue, Victoria, B.C. Canada V8T 0A2 Tel: 250-384-8058 Fax: 250-384-5267
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HerWay Home: Located in the James Bay Community Project 211-547 Michigan St Victoria, B.C. V8V 1R4 250-519-3681 herwayhome@viha.ca
Acupuncture
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Stillpoint Community Acupuncture: #102-3212 Jacklin Road, Langford, Tel:250-590-7818
Birth Doula
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Doulas of Victoria
Listing of local Victoria Doulas -
DoulaMatch.net
Directory of doulas from the United States and Canada -
BC Doula Services Association
A non-profit association promoting Birth and Postpartum Doula support for families in BC -
DONA International
The world’s first, largest and most respected doula certifying organization in the world, with doula listings from Canada, the United States and other countries
Birth Pools
Birth Trauma
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Traci McGee: http://www.tracimcgee.ca/ Phone: 250.885.6760
Breastfeeding
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La Leche League Canada
LLL Canada encourages, promotes and provides mother-to-mother/peer-to-peer breastfeeding support and educational opportunities. Locally there are 4 groups:-
LLLC - Saanich Peninsula
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Tammy Timms, IBCLC – 778-432-4412 2988 Jutland Rd. Victoria, BC
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in private practice, Tammy is able to meet with you in the comfort of your own home (private pay) -
Dr. Laura Spratt is a GP who sees patients with breastfeeding concerns who have been referred by their healthcare provider (250)475-2251, 3491 Saanich Road, Victoria
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International Breastfeeding Centre
Dr. Jack Newman’s site is a source of reliable evidence-based breastfeeding information. -
KellyMom
Comprehensive evidence-based information on breastfeeding and parenting. -
BC Women's Milk Bank
The Provincial Milk Bank at BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre. -
Human Milk for Human Babies (HM4HB)
Dedicated to fostering community between local families who have chosen to share breastmilk. The local Human Milk for Human Babies - Vancouver Island group can be found here on FaceBook. -
Breastfeeding Matters – South Vancouver Island
A Canadian registered charity dedicated to protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding in the South Vancouver Island area. -
D-MER.org
Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex is a condition affecting lactating women that is characterized by an abrupt dysphoria, or negative emotions, that occur just before milk release and continuing not more than a few minutes. -
Also see Lactation Consultants
Child abuse protection services
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Victoria Child Abuse Prevention & Counselling Centre - VCAPCC - Mary Manning Centre, 210-1175 Cook St. VICTORIA BC V8V 4A1, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Phone 250-385-6111, Fax 250-386-8111, admin@vcapcc.com, Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888, Helpline for Children: 310-1234
Childbirth Education
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Doula Lena Birth Services – private one-on-one Lamaze Classes
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Baby’s Best Chance Website
The Government of BC “Baby’s Best Chance” website is filled with up-to-date and practical information, useful tools and resources for women, expectant parents, and families with babies and toddlers up to 3 years of age. -
Camosun College
We support clients of midwives and physicians. Our instructors are RN’s with specializations in lactation, childbirth, prenatal and post-natal care. Classes are taught in the newly renovated room at Victoria General Hospital and include a hospital tour led by the instructor. Phone: 250–370–4578 -
Mothering Touch Prenatal Classes
975 Fort Street, Victoria V8S 5J2, Phone: (250) 595-4905
Child Care
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Child Care Resource and Referral Center - Victoria Child Care Resource & Referral is a quality enhancement program funded by the Government of British Columbia and sponsored by the Single Parent Resource Centre.
Children With Special Needs Support Groups
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Provincial Outreach Program for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (POPFASD) 1270 2nd Avenue, Prince George, BC V2L 3B3, ph: 250-564-6574, fax: 250-563-5487
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Canadian Down Syndrome Society - The Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) is a national non-profit organization providing information, advocacy, and education about Down syndrome.
Chiropractors
Community Services/Programs
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Mustard Seed Food Bank - This is the largest food bank on Vancouver Island and is located within the walls of the Mustard Seed Street Church at 625 Queens Ave Victoria, BC. The food bank’s goal is to provide good nutritional food to people in need.
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Goldstream Food Bank
761 Station Ave. (Basement), Langford, BC, Phone: 250-474-4443 -
Neighbourhood Market – Free Dinners, Food Markets and more, various locations around Victoria
Community Kitchens and Family Dinners
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Rainbow Kitchen 250-384-2069
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Fernwood Community Centre Society 250-381-1552
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Shelbourne Community Kitchen 250-590-0980
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Saanich Neighbourhood Place Family Dinner & Community Kitchen 250-360-1148
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The Salvation Army Family and Community Services
250-384-8412 -
Victoria Women in Need Community Cooperative
250-480-4006
Counselling
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Cascadia Counselling Clinic: Cascadia is a full service counselling clinic in Victoria, offering support with major life crises, difficulties at home (including parenting, substance abuse issues, and non-drug related addictions) and difficulties at work.
300-755 Queens Avenue, Victoria V8T 1M2, Phone: 250-590-7050, Fax: 250-598-8465, E-mail: info@cascadiaconsultation.com -
Melanie Hart Counselling & Coaching Services
250-804-6922, e-mail
Craniosacral Therapist
Electric Breastpump Purchase or Rental:
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Carol Arndt, The Breastpump Lady – 250-812-7370
Mobile breast pump service provider who rents, sells and delivers breast pumps all over the Greater Victoria Area. -
Mothering Touch – 250-595-4905
Medela Symphony Breast Pump rentals. -
TJ's The Kiddies Store (Victoria) – 250-386-2229
Medela Symphony Breast Pump rentals.
Family Doctors/Pediatrician
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Call Health Link 811 for a list of Family Doctors that are currently accepting new patients in Victoria
Health Food Stores
Hospitals
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Victoria General Hospital - 1 Hospital Way, Victoria, BC V8Z 6R5, Phone (250) 727-4212, Visiting Hours 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm daily
La Leche League
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La Leche League Canada
LLL Canada encourages, promotes and provides mother-to-mother/peer-to-peer breastfeeding support and educational opportunities. Locally there are 4 groups:-
LLLC - Saanich Peninsula
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Lactation Consultant
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Tammy Timms, IBCLC – 778-432-4412 2988 Jutland Rd. Victoria, BC
An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in private practice, Tammy is able to meet with you in the comfort of your own home (private pay) -
Dr. Laura Spratt is a GP who sees patients with breastfeeding concerns who have been referred by their healthcare provider (250)475-2251, 3491 Saanich Road, Victoria
Libraries/Infant Programs
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Victoria Literacy Connection
Helps children, youth, and adults improve their literacy skills, including reading, writing, and math, by providing tutoring and a variety of other programs.
306-620 View St., Victoria V8W 1J6, Phone: 250-385-0014
Massage therapist
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Shena Craig, RMT
Westshore Massage Therapy Clinic – 250-478-1120, 112 – 2800 Bryn Maur Rd.
Victoria, BC -
Amie McColl, RMT - Amie is accepting new patients of all genders and family structures who are pregnant, postpartum, seeking cesarean birth scar treatment or breast/chest massage.
Midwives
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Arbutus Midwives: Address: 2820-A Jacklin Road, Victoria BC V9B 3X9
Phone: 250-590-9610, Fax: 250-984-8145
E-mail: info@arbutusmidwives.com
Serving: Langford, Colwood, and area -
Birth Partnership Midwives of Victoria: Address: 2823 Dysart Road, Victoria, V9A 2J7, Phone: 778-265-1959, Fax: 778-265-3905
E-mail: info@birthpartnershipvictoria.com
Serving: Victoria and area -
Cook Street Community Midwives: Address: 101 – 1005 Cook Street, Victoria, BC V8V 3Z6, Phone: 250-386-4116, Fax 250-386-4122
E-mail: cookstmw@shaw.ca
Serving: Victoria and area -
Dandelion Midwifery: Address: C1 – 7159 West Saanich Rd, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1P7, Phone: 778-351-4441, Fax: 778-351-4442
E-mail: dandelionmidwifery@gmail.com
Serving: Saanich Peninsula and surrounding areas -
Roundhouse Midwives: Address: 1506 Burnside Ave W, Victoria, BC V8E 2E2
Phone: 250-800-0909, Fax: 250-800-1608
E-mail: admin@roundhousemidwives.com
Serving: Victoria, View Royal, Langford, Saanich -
Salt Spring Health Centre – Salt Spring Island: Address: 164 Kings Lane, Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2P7, Phone: 250 537-1828,
E-mail: saltspringmidwives@gmail.com
Serving: Salt Spring Island and Gulf Islands -
Sooke Midwifery: Address: 2050B Townsend Road, Sooke, BC V9Z 0H2
Phone: 778-425-0780, Fax: 778-425-0781
E-mail: utaherold@yahoo.ca
Serving: Sooke and area -
The Midwives Collective: Address: #107 – 1120 Yates Street, Victoria, BC V8V 3M9, Phone: 250-590-7605, Fax: 250-483-3826
E-mail: info@themidwivescollective.ca
Serving: Victoria and area -
West Coast Midwives: Address: 2823 Dysart Road, Victoria, BC V9A 2J7
Phone: 250-384-5940, Fax 1-888-513-1629
E-mail: westcoastmidwives@gmail.com
Serving: Victoria and area -
Access Midwifery & Family Care: Address: 208 – 2951 Tillicum Road, Victoria, BC V9A 2A6, Phone: 250-380-6329, Fax 250-380-6436
E-mail: info@accessmidwifery.ca
Serving: Victoria and area
Mother/Parent Centers/Resources
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Victoria Pregnancy Center - Our free and confidential services include
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Counselling Services:
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Pregnancy tests
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Pregnancy options counselling
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Post-abortion counselling for men and women
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Family/Relationship Support (related to pregnancy and transitioning to parenthood)
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Pregnancy loss support
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Practical Helps:
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We provide regular access to maternity and baby supplies for individuals who sought out our services during a crisis-related pregnancy.
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We also offer single use access by referral to individuals with children under 18 months of age who encounter a crisis situation. Please contact us for more information.
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Support Services:
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Resource information for community services
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Education:
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Childbirth Education Classes ($10 Class Fee)
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Sexual Health Programs for Youth
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For more information please call us at 250-380-6883 or e-mail us at
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Island Parent - Kids In Victoria (Island Parent Online) is a local, online community for moms and dads. Island Parent Online fosters relationships between parents in your real-life community, and helps you connect and share with these other, often busy parents. Check out their Directory listing for lots and lots of local resources
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1Up Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre
Building strong families and bright futures for single parents. -
Mothering Touch
975 Fort Street, Victoria V8S 5J2, Phone: (250) 595-4905
The Mothering Touch Center is an owner-operated, family-run enterprise in Victoria BC. Our mission is to provide prenatal and postnatal support, classes and information to new and expectant parents. We offer a wide range of classes and drop-ins for parents and their children, from pregnancy to age 3. Our retail store features products to make pregnancy and early parenting and babyhood more comfortable, more convenient and more fun!
Multiple Birth Association/support
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Twins, Triplets & More! Resource Guide for Multiple Pregnancy & Parenthood, January 2018 Edition
Multiple Births Support Program - University of British Columbia -
Karen Kerkhoff Gromada – Mothering Multiples
Website for parents of twins, triplets and other multiple birth children. -
When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy – Dr. Barbara Luke and Tamara Eberlein
This book outlines a practical, nutrition-based program to keep you and your babies healthy, and provides a comprehensive tour of what you can expect during your unique pregnancy and childbirth experience.
Naturopathic/Homeopathic Stores and Clinics
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Aaronson’s Pharmacy - With an emphasis on holistic, integrated and natural healing to ensure a 360 degree approach to our patient's health, we provide prescription medications, specialty compounding, and a full array of natural remedies including vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies and homeopathic medicines. Aaronson's Pharmacy carries the largest selection of homeopathic remedies available, offering the top brands including Boiron, Homeocan, and Hyland's.
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Flourish Naturopathic – Natural Health Solutions for Women, Children, Family Dr. Shannon Sarrasin 778.406.1177
New Mother/Father/Parent Groups
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Mothering Touch
975 Fort Street, Victoria V8S 5J2, Phone: (250) 595-4905
The Mothering Touch Center is an owner-operated, family-run enterprise in Victoria BC. Our mission is to provide prenatal and postnatal support, classes and information to new and expectant parents. We offer a wide range of classes and drop-ins for parents and their children, from pregnancy to age 3. Our retail store features products to make pregnancy and early parenting and babyhood more comfortable, more convenient and more fun!
Nutritionists (RD) & Nutrition Consultants
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Victoria Best Babies - Victoria Best Babies is a Canadian Prenatal Nutrition Program sponsored by Fernwood NRG with funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada. What we provide:
- Educational sessions
- One-on-one support
- Monthly food vouchers and Good Food Box produce
- Prenatal vitamins and Vitamin D drops
- Baby food demos
- Healthy snacks and lunches
- Hospital tours and hospital pre-registration
- On-site access to a Public Health Nurse, a Dietitian, and a Dental Hygienist
Online Resources
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www.kellymom.com - Breastfeeding and Parenting
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www.evidencebasedbirth.com - great resource with the most up-to-date articles on evidence based practices in maternity care
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www.fit2b.us – Pelvic Floor Health
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www.milescircuit.com - This series of positions is excellent at helping relieve pressure on the low back, and possibly turn a malpositioned baby if the pregnant person is having back labor
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www.spinningbabies.com - Easier birth with fetal positioning. Use site & videos to improve fetal position (breech, transverse, posterior) and birth. Reduce the chance of cesarean.
Parenting Classes
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Mothering Touch
975 Fort Street, Victoria V8S 5J2, Phone: (250) 595-4905
The Mothering Touch Center is an owner-operated, family-run enterprise in Victoria BC. Our mission is to provide prenatal and postnatal support, classes and information to new and expectant parents. We offer a wide range of classes and drop-ins for parents and their children, from pregnancy to age 3. Our retail store features products to make pregnancy and early parenting and babyhood more comfortable, more convenient and more fun!
Perinatal Loss Support Groups/ Bereaved Families Support Groups
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Healing Hearts Foundation - It is Healing Hearts Foundation's aim to provide support and resources to local families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. Through building community awareness, it is our goal to help families feel less isolated, and give them a safe place to talk about the deep emotions they are experiencing without fear of judgement. (Local Resource)
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Stillbirthday.com – online support resource
Postpartum Depression Resources
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Postpartum Support International Phone: 1-800-944-4773 Postpartum Support International is dedicated to helping women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, the most common complication of childbirth. We also work to educate family, friends and healthcare providers so that moms and moms-to-be can get the support they need and recover. You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.
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Traci McGee – Registered Clinical Counselor (RCC) / Registered Marriage & Family Therapist (RMFT)
Traci is the primary counselor for the Postpartum Support Program in the Greater Victoria area. Typically, mothers access therapy services under the Postpartum Support Program by a referral from a public health nurse, physician or midwife, but mothers can also contact Traci directly. -
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. -
Vancouver Island Crisis Line
A non-profit service operating in cooperation with The Vancouver Island Health Authority to provide 24-hour support to anyone who needs it.
1-888-494-3888.
Postpartum Doulas
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Doulas of Victoria
Listing of local Victoria Doulas -
DoulaMatch.net
Directory of doulas from the United States and Canad -
BC Doula Services Association
A non-profit association promoting Birth and Postpartum Doula support for families in BC -
DONA International
The world’s first, largest and most respected doula certifying organization in the world, with doula listings from Canada, the United States and other countries -
Lena Ware - Doula Lena Birth Services
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Janice Miles – Heart Doula Services
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Sarah Wauthy – Sage Roots Doula Services
Postpartum Exercise/Mother Baby Classes/Yoga
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Mothering Touch
975 Fort Street, Victoria V8S 5J2, Phone: (250) 595-4905
The Mothering Touch Center is an owner-operated, family-run enterprise in Victoria BC. Our mission is to provide prenatal and postnatal support, classes and information to new and expectant parents. We offer a wide range of classes and drop-ins for parents and their children, from pregnancy to age 3. Our retail store features products to make pregnancy and early parenting and babyhood more comfortable, more convenient and more fun!
Physiotherapy
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Shelbourne Physiotherapy, Cook Street Clinic – This clinic offers specialized pelvic floor support and treatments.
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Laura Werner, BSc.Kin., MPT
Shelbourne Physiotherapy Health Solutions – 250-598-9828
100B – 3200 Shelbourne St.
Victoria, BC -
Core Connectio Mobile Physiotherapy - Lauren Sutherland, (250) 858 5601, in home physiotherapy, specializing in pelvic floor physiotherapy
Teen Parent support/education services
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Young Parents Support Network - 3100 Tillicum Road Victoria, BC V9A 6T2 Phone: 250 384 0552 Email: familysupport@ypsn.ca
Young Parents Support Network (YPSN) is a small, non-profit organization. Our mission is to support and empower young parent families in the Coast Salish Territories (Victoria, BC). -
Kiwanis House
Supportive, transitional housing program for single, young mothers (ages 16-29) parenting one child under the age of 5 years.