Local Resources

We welcome the listings of local businesses and resources that pertain to the childbearing year. If you're interested in having your business listed below, there is a $40 fee for non-listed doulas. Please feel free to contact us here.

Breastfeeding Support | Emotional Support | Midwives
Postpartum Depression | Alternative Health Services | Childbirth Preparation |
Celebrating Pregnancy | Baby Supplies | Baby Services | Housing

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum Depression -

If you feel depressed and have a young baby at home, or someone you care about is in this situation, talk to one of the following for help:

  • Physicians or midwives
  • Prenatal class instructor
  • Public Health Nurses - Vancouver Island Health Authority. Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, VIHA nurses can help refer women in need to appropriate physicians or counselors for diagnosis and treatment (refer to your phone book blue pages for phone number of your local health unit or see here)
  • Best Babies Program-
    Esquimalt Best Babies 250-385-2635
    Victoria Best Babies 250-385-8979
    Peninsula Best Babies 250-656-0134
  • Postpartum Support Counsellor with Queen Alexandra Centre (referral through your doctor, nurse or midwife) Traci McGee: 250-885-6760
  • Maternity Social Workers (referral through your doctor or nurse while in Labour and Delivery, Mother-Babe or Special Care Nursery)
  • Mental Health Services (referral by physician) 250-370-8175

NOTE: Postpartum services are provided at no cost.



Websites:

For emergencies call: NEED Crisis Information Line (24 hours): 250-386-6323

Midwives

Access Midwifery - 250-380-6329

Westcoast Midwifery Care - 250-384-5940

Western Communities Midwifery - 250-589-3417

Housing

Kiwanis House Program, YM/YWCA's Youth Outreach
A housing program for 16 - 29 year old woman parenting one child under the age of five. Please call 250-382-1004 or email kiwanishouseprogram@shawcable.com for more information.

Emotional Support

International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) - local Victoria chapter. For more information, contact Kelly Milotay.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep - Organization volunteers are professionals that offer free "remembrance services" to parents of stillborn, terminally ill, or bereaved families. For more information, contact Heather Armstrong or call 250-391-4784 between 8am - 11pm; after hours only emergencies.

Empty Arms - a grief group for bereaved mothers who are mourning a birth or early infancy loss. We meet at 6:00pm every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month at Unit 137, 937 Dunford Ave. (Langford). Contact Heather Armstrong - 250.391.4784 or Rachel Hussain - 250.744.8604 or email: emptyarms.victoria@gmail.com

Childbirth Preparation

Mothering Touch is THE comprehensive resource centre for new and expectant parents. We offer support and services through every stage of pregnancy and early parenthood: childbirth preparation workshops, pre and postnatal yoga, doula services, breastfeeding support, infant first aid classes, parent-and-baby groups, baby massage, baby sign language. Our friendly and knowledgeable retail staff provide information and support to parents and grandparents as they select cloth diapers, nursing bras, breastpumps and breastfeeding accessories, wooden toys and much much more. Drop in for a chat, sit and nurse your baby in our lounge, borrow books from our library and experience the warmth of the Mothering Touch.
www.motheringtouch.ca

Camosun College Prenatal Education - Call 250-370-4770 for information. Bursaries available.

Island Mother - Offering Birthing From Within prenatal classes, Birthing Again & VBAC workshops, and Mama Renew Groups in Victoria and the Cowichan Valley. As you journey through the unknown of pregnancy, birth, and parenthood our classes support you in embracing the whole of your experience, finding trust within yourself and each other. Group and private sessions available.

Celebrating Pregnancy

Mothering Touch is THE comprehensive resource centre for new and expectant parents. We offer support and services through every stage of pregnancy and early parenthood: childbirth preparation workshops, pre and postnatal yoga, doula services, breastfeeding support, infant first aid classes, parent-and-baby groups, baby massage, baby sign language. Our friendly and knowledgeable retail staff provide information and support to parents and grandparents as they select cloth diapers, nursing bras, breastpumps and breastfeeding accessories, wooden toys and much much more. Drop in for a chat, sit and nurse your baby in our lounge, borrow books from our library and experience the warmth of the Mothering Touch.
www.motheringtouch.ca

Bellies in Bloom Maternity is your source for the best products for maternity, nursing, and baby! The products we have carefully chosen are designed to make your pregnancy and nursing as comfortable and fabulous as possible. From our comprehensive selection of maternity and nursing fashions to our most popular products like Bella Bands, Belly Bandits, Glamourmom nursing tanks, Bella Materna lingerie, and more, you will enjoy seeing what we have in store! Who could forget about baby? We carry unique baby items for that perfect shower gift or for your own little bundle! www.BelliesInBloomMaternity.com (250) 479-0803

Clothesline Clothing is a consignment store that's been around for over 20 years! In our store you’ll find quality clothing for everyday living. Moms, maternity, babies, kids and teens will find name brand and labeled clothes, along with baby equipment at great prices. We have a relaxed yet helpful atmosphere, so come in & see all the awesome fashions at great prices. We're located in the Royal Oak Shopping Centre. "Casual... fashionable...Affordable!" www.ClotheslineClothing.ca (250) 479-0800

Breastfeeding Support

A Public Health Nurse from the Vancouver Island Health Authority visits most first-time mothers. If you have not had a visit and would like to see a public health nurse, call your local health unit. All the local Health Units have lactation consultants available for telephone support.

Free Breastfeeding Clinics are provided by VIHA at the Public Health Units. They are staffed by public health nurses and appointments are not always necessary.
Please click here for pubic health unit information.

La Leche League provides meetings where breastfeeding mothers can get support and information. Call them at 250-727-4384 to find out about meeting times or to ask a leader to call you.

Dr. Laura Spratt is a Family Physician and Lactation Consultant. She sees breastfeeding patients who have been referred by their GP or Midwife. Call 250-475-2251 to make an appointment.

Dr. Jennifer Wickens is a General Practitioner and a member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. She can be seen without a referral. Call 250-479-6721 to make an appointment.

Baby Supplies

Mothering Touch is THE comprehensive resource centre for new and expectant parents. We offer support and services through every stage of pregnancy and early parenthood: childbirth preparation workshops, pre and postnatal yoga, doula services, breastfeeding support, infant first aid classes, parent-and-baby groups, baby massage, baby sign language. Our friendly and knowledgeable retail staff provide information and support to parents and grandparents as they select cloth diapers, nursing bras, breastpumps and breastfeeding accessories, wooden toys and much much more. Drop in for a chat, sit and nurse your baby in our lounge, borrow books from our library and experience the warmth of the Mothering Touch.
www.motheringtouch.ca

Bellies in Bloom Maternity is your source for the best products for maternity, nursing, and baby! The products we have carefully chosen are designed to make your pregnancy and nursing as comfortable and fabulous as possible. From our comprehensive selection of maternity and nursing fashions to our most popular products like Bella Bands, Belly Bandits, Glamourmom nursing tanks, Bella Materna lingerie, and more, you will enjoy seeing what we have in store! Who could forget about baby? We carry unique baby items for that perfect shower gift or for your own little bundle! www.BelliesInBloomMaternity.com (250) 479-0803

Clothesline Clothing is a consignment store that's been around for over 20 years! In our store you’ll find quality clothing for everyday living. Moms, maternity, babies, kids and teens will find name brand and labeled clothes, along with baby equipment at great prices. We have a relaxed yet helpful atmosphere, so come in & see all the awesome fashions at great prices. We're located in the Royal Oak Shopping Centre. "Casual... fashionable...Affordable!" www.ClotheslineClothing.ca (250) 479-0800

Alternative Health Services

Dr. Ellen Laine, Doctor of Chiropractic
I have practiced for 17 years. Treatments are modified for pregnant women, newborns and children. Pregnant women lie on their side during treatments. Also, treatments may help colic; asthma; bedwetting; ear infections; neck, back arm and leg pains; etc.
Contact Dr. Laine via phone (250-595-3989)
or visit her here:
#202, 1770 Fort St.
Victoria, BC V8R 1J5

CranioSacral Therapy
Pediatric & Family Practice,
Rosemary Brown-Tucker, RMT,
1740 Richmond Ave. Victoria, BC, 250 590-5403
www.rebalancecentre.ca

Julia Day, CST, CAEH, MMS
Advanced CranioSacral Therapy for pregnant moms, infants, postpartum, children, and life-long peace of mind. Certified Therapist with 15 years experience in CranioSacral Therapy and Spiritual Healing.
250-370-1380
www.iahp.com/julia--day