Being pregnant, giving birth and caring for a newborn is an important time in a person’s life. You might feel excited and happy but also perhaps a little anxious. There are often questions and concerns along with the excitement and expectation. Right from the Start is here to support you as you navigate this meaningful time of your life.
Right from the Start offers support for pregnant people and new parents, their babies, children and families. Created by women, Right from the Start recognizes that you are the expert of your life. This program offers services that will contribute positively to your pregnancy and new parent experience.
Program services are offered by experienced and caring public health nurses who will work in partnership with you. Nurses are available by phone or in-person at Island Health Public Health Units across the region. Once registered, the team is there to listen and understand what is important for you, right from the start.
Visit Right from the Start for more information.
The Nurse-Family Partnership is a free public health program for women having their first baby. Women enrolled in the program are visited by a public health nurse throughout their pregnancy, continuing until their child reaches two years of age. Over this time, a woman and her Nurse-Family Partnership nurse may explore topics such as: how to have a healthy pregnancy, preparation for childbirth, nutrition, exercise, parenting, child development, future life planning and accessing community resources.
Visit the Nurse-Family Partnership for more information.
SmartMom is a free prenatal education program that sends three current, evidence-based educational text messages per week to help guide women through each week of pregnancy.
Messages are tailored to gestational age and include links to websites, phone numbers and videos on topics such as fetal growth and development, options for screening in pregnancy and preparation for labour and delivery.
ENROLL TODAY
With SmartMom in your pocket, you’ll have an information guide, a prenatal cheerleader and a record of topics you might want to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Visit SmartMom for more information.
The CRD Perinatal Counselling Program is a private mental health program that delivers funded counselling to eligible new and expectant parents in the Greater Victoria area.
Visit the Perinatal Counselling Program for more information.
Fernwood Best-Babies (Pre-natal)
The Fernwood Best-Babies (Pre-natal) is a group for pregnant people and their older toddlers (if applicable) and targets low-income families and those facing challenging life circumstances. Discussions are led by various members of the staff and the community. The Fernwood Public Health Nurse, Dietitian, Program Coordinator, and Family Support Worker are available for support.
This program provides:
Fernwood Pre-natal Classes run on Thursdays from 11:30am-1:30pm.
*Due to space restraints, we are currently only serving low-income families. If you are a parent in need, please call or text Laura for more information at 250-216-1938.
Contact Laura at 250-381-1552 ext.116for more information and how to register.
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Fernwood Best Babies (Post-Partum)
The Fernwood Best Babies (Post-Partum) Group is for parents and their babies ages 0 – 12 months and targets low-income families and those facing challenging life circumstances. Discussions are led by various members of the staff and the community. Our Public Health Nurse, Dietitian, Program Coordinator, and Family Support Worker are available for support.
Post-natal discussion groups run on Wednesdays from 11:30am-1:30pm.
Visit Fernwood Best Babies for more information.
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Quadra Village Best Babies
The Quadra Village Best Babies is a free pre- and post-natal program, in cooperation with Victoria Best Babies and Island Health, that aims to optimize nutrition and health in expectant and new parents. Offers one to one support, dietician, public health nurse and dental hygienist services in a safe and confidential setting. Meets weekly on Tuesday. Registration required.
Visit Quadra Village Best Babies for more information
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Saanich Neighbourhood House Best Babies
The Saanich Neighbourhood House Best Babies program is for all parents-to-be and their partner or support person. Find out what to expect during pregnancy and early parenting, and get information and resources to support you and your new baby. Open to parents from early pregnancy until your baby is six months of age. In person participation. Contact robin@snplace.org to register.
Visit Saanich Best Babies for more information.
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Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Best Babies (Prenatal)
Best Babies is a free registered program; for pregnant individuals looking for extra supports during the prenatal period and up until their babies are 8 weeks old. Partners and support persons are welcome. Weekly opportunities for group participation and individualized supports. This program helps parents-to-be prepare for labor and delivery, and for caring for baby during the precious first weeks.
Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Best Babies (Postnatal)
For families with infants 0-12 months. These programs offer opportunities for families to bond with babies, to gain new parenting skills and knowledge, and to share and connect with other families in the community, while learning about engaging topics around infant and family health, wellness and safety!
Visit Esquimalt Best Babies for more information.
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Best Babies Westshore
Best Babies Westshore is funded through the Island Health Authority (IHA) and offers support to pregnant families and their newborns up to 6-8 weeks of age. Participants attend weekly group sessions that cover topics including prenatal education, health, nutrition and infant care. Participants are provided with a nutritious frozen meal to take home. Parents also receive snacks, food vouchers, bus tickets, vitamins, information and other support when needed. Weekly discussions are led by a Public Health Nurse, Dietician, Dental Hygienist or BGC Youth & Family Counsellor.
Groups run on Wednesdays from 12:00 – 2:00 pm at 345 Wale Road on a drop-in basis.
Drop-in or contact bestbabies@bgcsvi.org or Jenn Berkley at 250-686-9123 for more information
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Westshore Baby Steps
Baby Steps is a group for families with babies between 8 weeks and 1 year. Participants attend weekly group sessions that cover topics including stages of development, safe infant sleep, introducing solids and maternal mental health. Participants are provided with a nutritious frozen meal to take home. Parents also receive snacks, food vouchers, bus tickets, vitamins, information and other support when needed. Weekly discussions are led by guest speakers, including a Public Health Nurse, Dietician, Dental Hygienist or BGC Youth & Family Counsellor.
Groups are run on Tuesdays from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm and 12:45 – 1:45 pm at 345 Wale Road on a registration basis.
Contact bestbabies@bgcsvi.org or Jenn Berkley at 250-686-9123 for more information.
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Peninsula Baby Groups
Peninsula Babies
Are you expecting? Or parenting an infant up to 9 months old? Then Peninsula Babies is for you! This Beacon program supports parents throughout pregnancy to help them with their goal of delivering healthy babies. And it provides a welcoming place for parents and infants to connect.
Island Health Authority public health nurses offer information and support, as does our program facilitator and various guest speakers (on topics such as prenatal education, new-born care, nutrition, health, and stages of child development). The free program includes lunch.
For registration information, please call 250-415-9794 or visit Peninsula Babies for more information.
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Peninsula – You and Your Baby Group
A free drop-in group for new parents and their babies with a chance to discuss specific topics surrounding the health and well-being of a new family. The program gives parents the opportunity to meet other parents and caregivers in a warm and inviting space, with a variety of guest speakers presenting from the community.
The group meets at Beacon’s Peninsula Early Years Centre (1649 Mt. Newton X Rd., Saanichton).
For further information and a list of upcoming topics,
please visit www.facebook.com/peninsulaearlyyears or call/text the Early Years Centre at 250-415-9794 or visit You and Your Baby for more information.
The first three years of life are the most important time in a child’s growth and development. Sometimes babies need extra support during the early years. The Aboriginal Infant Development Program (AIDP) works with families in respectful ways to support them and their infants through their early developmental stages. AIDP provides support to families where there is a child from birth to age six years who is showing developmental delays or is at risk of developing mental concerns. For these children, intervention and support can be the most effective when it is begun as early as possible.
8:30am – 4:30pm
Monday to Friday
231 Regina Avenue
250-384-3211
Contact Rebecca Mabee, Programs Manager at Email: r.mabee@vnfc.ca or visit the Aboriginal Infant Development Program for more information.
StrongStart BC is a free early learning program for all children aged 0 to 5. The StrongStart educators will lead a variety of learning activities designed to support children on their learning path before they enter school. Parents and caregivers attending a StrongStart BC Centre will enjoy play activities, circle time and a snack! StrongStart Facilitators are ECE-trained school district employees. There are six Strong Start Centres across Greater Victoria.
StrongStart is open Monday to Friday from 8:45-11:45.
Please use the booking app to select the day(s) you can join us! If you are a first time visitor, please register using the online registration form.
Visit Strong Start for more information on locations and registration.
Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve (AHSOR) is a program that supports activities focused on early childhood learning and development for First Nations children from birth to age six and their families.
The goal of the program is to support activities that are designed and delivered by First Nations communities to meet their unique needs and priorities.
Early life is critical to lifelong health. AHSOR focuses on early childhood development, in a culturally appropriate manner, to support the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of a child.
AHSOR supports and encourages children in enjoying life-long learning, and supports parents, guardians and extended family members as the primary teachers.
The program also encourages parents and the broader First Nations community to play a role in planning, implementing and evaluating the AHSOR program. It builds partnerships with other community programs and services to enhance the program’s effectiveness, and encourages the best use of community resources for children, parents, families and communities.
Visit Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve for locations and more information.
Youth Prenatal & Parenting Program (YP3)
The Youth Prenatal & Parenting Program (YP3) helps young women (aged 16-29 years) who are pregnant or in the early months of parenting. The program helps them to improve their chances to have healthy pregnancies, develop safe, positive parenting skills and increase coping and decision-making skills. The program specifically supports vulnerable youth who are at risk of becoming homeless and who may have substance use issues. By placing them in a stable Care Family suite for up to 1 year, they are supported as they learn independent living, parenting and life skills.
Contact Jennifer Stone at 250-686-9118 or by email at yp3@bgcsvi.org for more information
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The Cridge Young Parent Outreach Program
The Cridge Young Parent Outreach Program offers support, mentoring and advocacy to young parents as they endeavor to have healthy babies, develop their parenting skills, and pursue their educational and employment goals.
The staff of The Cridge Young Parent Outreach Program understand that young parenthood can be challenging, and are happy to meet parents either at the outreach office or at a location of your choosing.
Visit the Cridge Young Parent Outreach Program for more information
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Young Moms Program
The Y’s Young Moms Program at Kiwanis Family Centre offers safe, stable, affordable housing for young mothers (aged 16-29) and their child under the age of five years. The program offers an opportunity to live free of violence and substance use. Staff provides flexible individualized support to women working towards their goals including parenting, schooling or employment, emotional and physical wellness, and connecting with their community. Women retain their independence while building resilience, skills and strengths in a community living environment to transition successfully to independent living with their child.
Individuals can be referred or self refer to the program. Staff use a strength-based approach to support each young mom in identifying their own goals.
Call 250-382-1004 or Email: ymp@vancouverislandy.ca or visit the Y Young Moms Program for more information
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Artemis Young Parent Program
The Young Parent Program supports pregnant teens and young parents in a nurturing community while also providing a safe, stimulating environment for their children. In the on-site licensed infant/toddler centre the staff of experienced Early Childhood Educators provide responsive care for the children along with building respectful, trusting relationships with their families.
There are rich and varied experiences to support all aspects of children’s well-being while nurturing their cultural and familial traditions. The centre provides healthy snacks and lunches with a flexible schedule to meet the individual needs of the children.
The team of ECE’s, counselors and a Public Health Nurse offers pre-natal and parenting education, individual and group counseling, support and advocacy. Parents are also given the opportunity to connect with other students to share the joys and challenges of parenthood.
Visit the Artemis Young Parent Program for more information.
South Island Child aims to connect parents, caregivers and service providers on Southern Vancouver Island with tools and resources to help children get the best possible start in life.
This website was orginally created as the online home of the Victoria, Peninsula, and Sooke & Westshore Early Years Centres. Until 2019, B.C. Early Years Centres provided a convenient one-stop access to information, programs, services and referrals for families with young children.
Today, South Island Child is managed by the Coalition of Neighbourhood Houses Capital Region, a collaborative made up of neighbourhood based not-for-profit organizations that offer a continuum of supports and services to children and youth, individuals, families and seniors across the capital region of British Columbia.
There are over 200 centres, drop-in programs, support staff, and resources available through the South Island Child website.
Visit South Island Child for groups near you.
The BC Council for Families has partnered with Online Parenting Programs to offer parenting courses that families can complete at their own schedule and pace. There are eight cost-effective 12 unit courses available on parenting children from infancy to their late teens, conflict reduction and management and co-parenting.
The courses are designed for families facing challenges to better understand their situations and build skills that will have a positive outcome for everyone in the family. If you are unable, or feel uncomfortable attending a structured program with other parents, learning online will give you more control and autonomy.
Visit the BC Council for Families Online Parenting Programs for more information.
The Nesting Doula Collective provides care and support to Black, Indigenous and communities of colour including immigrants and refugees, at all stages of their reproductive journey from conception to postpartum. Their approach upholds the principles of informed consent, culturally appropriate care, and community connection. They are a growing collective of Black, Indigenous, and people of colour who are trained in providing professional, empowering, and anti-oppressive Doula support to our diverse clients and families.
Visit the Nesting Doula Collective for more information.
Dr. Wickens is available to provide breastfeeding support without referral at West Saanich Medical Clinic. There is no cost to patients with BC MSP and no restriction on the age of the baby. Space is held for Breastfeeding Medicine patients every Monday so most patients can be seen within the week. The clinic teaches UBC medical students so you may be asked to include a medical student in your visit. They also offer well baby visits or check ups for infants and toddlers who don’t have family physician.
Visit Breastfeeding Solutions for more information.