Pregnancy & New Parents

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Early Years Outreach Program:
Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council

Promotes healthy development for pregnancy, infants and children (ages 0-6) through home and community visits.

  • health promotion and support for women who are pregnant or have infants in their home

  • support to families whose children may be at risk for developmental delays

  • infant and child development screening

  • consultation support to childcare programs and caregivers to meet children’s individual needs

  • support and advocacy for families to access services for their children and family

  • strength-based parenting skill development

Southern Region

Unit B - 4835 Argyle Street, Port Alberni (map)
Phone: (250) 724-0202

Central Region

151 First Street, Tofino (map)
Phone: (250) 725-3367

Public Health Nursing

Services to support women and families during pregnancy and the postpartum period:

  • pregnancy classes in areas where community-based prenatal classes are not available

  • one-to-one and group prenatal teaching and support for individuals that have specific needs

  • prenatal teaching in school-based programs for pregnant adolescents and in Pregnancy Outreach Programs

  • provision of pamphlets, brochures, books and videos and other resources on pregnancy and parenting

  • telephone contact with all new mothers and follow-up home visit

  • breastfeeding support for mothers/families requiring assistance and information or experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding

  • postpartum depression screening for all new mothers; support for women experiencing difficulty with postpartum adjustment or postpartum depression; weekly Postpartum Depression support groups

  • education and support around issues such as infant care, safety, healthy lifestyle choices, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder/Fetal Alcohol Effect prevention, shaken baby syndrome, low birth weight prevention, parent support services, dental health, nutrition, hearing, and vision.

Phone: (250) 731-1315

 

Infant Development Program

Provided by: Port Alberni Association for Community Living (PAACL) 

Family-centred program for children from birth to age three who have or are at risk of having a developmental delay. Supports parents to understand and respond to children’s needs.

Home-based services include home visits, developmental assessment, gross motor screening, physiotherapy, infant massage, and referral to other community services.

Also offers parent-child group programs and social events, and a toy and resource library. Open referral.

Funded by Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

Phone: (250) 421-4404
Email: idp@paacl.ca

Right from the Start

The Right from the Start program offers support for pregnant women and new mothers, their babies, children and families.

A public health nurse works in partnership with you and your care team, offering services that include:

  • free health and pregnancy information

  • education and support

  • referrals to community resources specific to your individual needs

Phone: (250) 731-1315


 

Port Alberni Friendship Center Early Childhood Development Program

This program provides culturally appropriate programs to urban Aboriginal people and their families, such as parenting support groups, early literacy course for children, cultural/traditional teachings, and early childhood development

Phone: (250) 723-8281
Location: 3555 4th Avenue, Port Alberni (map)

 

Island Health Grow with Me 

Offering support with the health, feeding, growth, and development of your baby! 

Stop by for a weight check, and watch your baby grow! Talk to a Public Health Nurse about growth, feeding, your child's developmental milestones and any health related questions. It's a great opportunity to share the joys and challenges of parenting with other new parents. 

West Coast 

When: First Thursday of each month from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: 265 First Street, Tofino (map)
Phone: (250) 725-4020 press option 1

Port Alberni 

When: Tuesday afternoons from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: The Family Hub at EJ Dunn Elementary School, 3500 Argyle Street

Vancouver Island Car Seat Techs

Are you overwhelmed by the number of car seat choices? Do you wonder if the most expensive car seat is the safest? Are you totally confused by the car seat installation process? You are not alone!

Vancouver Island Car Seat Techs are local child passenger safety advocates.To find a technician or to ask a question about buying, using or installing a seat, visit their website or Facebook page.