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

  • 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

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Abuse Support

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Acupuncture​

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Birth Doula

  • 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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Breastfeeding

  • Katie McNiven Gladman IBCLC katiemcniven.ibclc@gmail.com

  • 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

  • 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

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Child abuse protection services

Childbirth Education

  • Doula Lena Birth Services – private one-on-one Lamaze Classes

  • 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

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Child Care

  • 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

  • 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

  • Canadian Down Syndrome Society - The Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) is a national non-profit organization providing information, advocacy, and education about Down syndrome.

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Chiropractors

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Community Services/Programs

  • 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.

  • 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

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​Community Kitchens and Family Dinners

 

Counselling

 

Craniosacral Therapist

 

Electric Breastpump Purchase or Rental:

 

Family Doctors/Pediatrician

  • Call Health Link 811 for a list of Family Doctors that are currently accepting new patients in Victoria

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Health Food Stores

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Hospitals

  • Victoria General Hospital -  1 Hospital Way, Victoria, BC V8Z 6R5, Phone (250) 727-4212, Visiting Hours 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm daily

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La Leche League

 

Lactation Consultant

  • Katie McNiven Gladman IBCLC katiemcniven.ibclc@gmail.com

  • 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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Libraries/Infant Programs

  • 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

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Massage therapist                                             

  • 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.

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Midwives

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Mother/Parent Centers/Resources

  • Victoria Pregnancy Center - Our free and confidential services include 

    • Counselling Services: 

      • Pregnancy tests

      • Pregnancy options counselling

      • Post-abortion counselling for men and women

      • Family/Relationship Support (related to pregnancy and transitioning to parenthood)

      • Pregnancy loss support

    • Practical Helps:

      • We provide regular access to maternity and baby supplies for individuals who sought out our services during a crisis-related pregnancy.

      • 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. 

    • Support Services:

      • Resource information for community services

    • Education: 

      • Childbirth Education Classes ($10 Class Fee)

      • Sexual Health Programs for Youth

    • For more information please call us at 250-380-6883 or e-mail us at info@victoriapregnancy.org 

  • 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

  • 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!

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Multiple Birth Association/support

 

Naturopathic/Homeopathic Stores and Clinics

  • 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.

  • Flourish Naturopathic – Natural Health Solutions for Women, Children, Family Dr. Shannon Sarrasin 778.406.1177

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New Mother/Father/Parent Groups

  • 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!

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Nutritionists (RD) & Nutrition Consultants

  • 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

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Online Resources

  • www.kellymom.com - Breastfeeding and Parenting

  • www.evidencebasedbirth.com  - great resource with the most up-to-date articles on evidence based practices in maternity care

  • www.fit2b.us – Pelvic Floor Health

  • 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

  • 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.

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Parenting Classes

  • 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!

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Perinatal Loss Support Groups/ Bereaved Families Support Groups

  • 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)

  • Stillbirthday.com – online support resource

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Postpartum Depression Resources

  • 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.

  • 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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Postpartum Exercise/Mother Baby Classes/Yoga

  • 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!

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Physiotherapy

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Teen Parent support/education services

  • 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.