Pregnancy, childbirth and new parenthood bring physical and emotional changes. Knowing what to expect can make these changes easier to handle and enjoy.
Parent and child services include prenatal and newborn follow-up, child health clinics, parent-infant drop-in groups, audiology, dental, and speech/language services for children up to age five. Our services are generally free-of-charge to people living in the VCH region, although some programs have eligibility criteria like age and income.
Mothers who give birth in a hospital will receive a phone call from a public health nurse within 24-48 hours after discharge from hospital.
Mothers who receive care from a midwife will receive care in the first few days from their midwife and will be contacted by a public health nurse within six to eight weeks.
If you are not contacted, you can find your local health unit and give them a call.
For additional information on caring for yourself and your baby, visit our parenting website.
VCH maternity services, find care that is specialized to a woman's needs and as close to home as possible
Baby and Me Parenting Drop-in Groups, a chance for new parents to connect with and get support from other parents and health care professionals to discuss infant growth and development, nutrition, safety and adjustment to parenthood
Parenting Resources website, a one-stop resource for pregnancy and caring for children from birth to age five
Healthy Families BC's Pregnancy and Parenting website has up-to-date and practical information, useful tools and resources for women, expectant parents, and families with babies and toddlers up to three years of age.
Healthiest Babies Possible (HBP) Program provides nutrition counselling, health education, food access and social support to pregnant women facing challenging life circumstances in Vancouver or Richmond.
Download Baby's Best Chance or pick up a printed copy from your local community health centre.
Download Toddler’s First Steps or pick up a printed copy from your local community health centre.