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YOUR CANADIAN BABY STORE
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10-month-old Tobias is a smile a minute, and gave us one of his best for this year’s Baby Guide!
Photographed by Dylan Doubt www.dylandoubtphotography.com
www.baby-guide.ca
Managing Editor, Andrea Vance editor@westcoastfamilies.com
Assistant Editor, Kelly S. Thompson kelly@westcoastfamilies.com
Contributing Editor , Jodi Iverson jodi@westcoastfamilies.com
Art Director & Layout, Krysta Furioso studio@westcoastfamilies.com
Administration, Jennifer Bruyns admin@westcoastfamilies.com
It’s time for our annual Baby Guide, which offers new and expecting parents all the info, resources, and tips they need for raising their little one in the Lower Mainland. Parenthood is fraught with choices and decisions about how to raise the baby, what products to buy and what companies are trustworthy. Thankfully, we’ve done the work for you by finding some of the best local goodies that will make having a baby easier to manage.
We’re also featuring a discussion on midwifery in BC, as it can be hard to differentiate their services between doctors and doulas. We’re also bringing you a great article about local services, restaurants and meetups that help to soothe the isolation that can come with having a newborn, by getting new parents out of the house. We want to show you newborn-friendly spots that won’t make you feel alone in the parenting sleeplessness! And are you bored with typical bridal showers? We bring you some unique alternatives to the standard snacks and party game shower.
Whether you’re a new parent, an aunt or uncle or someone who values local products and services, we know that our Baby Guide will help you find all that you need to make welcoming your newborn a positive and exciting experience.
Contests
The GREAT Baby Guide Giveaway
Baby Shower Gifts Finding that special one of a kind item for baby
Get out of the House! Coping with post-natal Isolation
Accounts Receivable & Payable, Jennifer Brule finance@westcoastfamilies.com
Advertising, sales@westcoastfamilies.com
The Modern Midwife How midwives are surging in popularity 3 10 6 13 4 12 8
Baby Guide Annual Resource Listings
www.twitter.com/wcfmag www.facebook.com/westcoastfamilies www.pinterest.com/wcfmag
Not Your Average Baby Shower Unique Alternatives
Post-natal Programs Helpful Programs After Baby Arrives
Soothe to Sleep
The Sleeping Child is giving away a one-on-one Sleep Consultation, valued at over $500! Since these assessments are done virtually, parents all over the province will benefit from this prize pack. Let the Sleeping Child guide your family to a positive sleep plan for your little ones, with follow up and other resources! The whole family will benefit!
Deadline to enter: April 30, 2016
Enter at www.baby-guide.ca
Between You and Me Teething Rattle
These high-quality teething rattles are made from wood and silicone, perfect for cutting baby’s teeth. They’re made right in Vancouver with food grade silicone and sensorial sound and touch that babies will love using to soothe their angry mouths. Best of all, mom can wear it as a bracelet between gnawing! www.betweenyouandme.ca | $21
Petit Loulou Baby Toys
Made right in Vancouver, we can’t get enough of these soft, vibrant and unique baby toys. Parents can customize with added rattles and squeakers, while kids will be endlessly stimulated by the ribbons, nubs and colours of their special toy.
www.etsy.com/shop/PetitLoulouShop | $20-45
From the Seeds Fabric Bucket
Storage is made snazzy with these adorable fabric buckets. They come in a variety of colours and sizes and can be used to collect stray toys, clothes, or whatever your little one wants to fill them with. Home décor for the nursery has never been so cute.
www.fromtheseeds.etsy.com | $17
Matt and Nat Raylan Diaper Bag
Pack all of baby’s essentials in style with this bag from Matt and Nat. Made in Quebec, these products are all vegan but don’t skimp on pizzazz. No one will know that inside are diapers, handy pockets and everything else to keep you and your child on the go.
www.hipbaby.com | $190
Tanya’s Pick! From Snugglebugz.ca
Baby Jogger City Select Stroller
All new parents should have this Baby Jogger City Select Stroller, with the titanium colour unique to Snuggle Bugz! This easy-to-maneuver stroller includes 16 configurations, a second seat, and endless accessory options for new parents.
www.snugglebugz.ca | $900
Not Your Average Baby Shower
Unique Alternatives to Traditional Showers
by Kelly S. Thompson
w
e’ve all been to and loved baby showers. It is a time to celebrate a new mother, her partner and a soon-to-be welcomed child into the world, and to help the new family prepare for the little one. But if we’re all honest, we could think of better ways to spend our time than peering at melted chocolate bars in diapers or seeing who can drink the fastest through a bottle. WestCoast Families decided to explore some baby shower alternatives for the next time someone you love is about to welcome a newborn into the world.
Stock the Library Party
Sometimes, showers in general can feel like a bit of a gift grab. For those strapped for cash, receiving an invite to a shower can bring feelings of anxiety and for the parents-to-be, this can make a celebratory event something stressful. Instead, why not have a no-gifts get together with simple food and drinks, or set a theme that allows guests to easily afford a coordinated gift. This is why many mothers are suggesting “Stock the Library” parties, where guests are encouraged to bring their favourite children’s book for the new baby. Not only is this a loving and sentimental way to give something special to the new family, but also gives insight into each guest as they explain why a book made an imprint on their own lives. Guests will love knowing that the new child will also be given the gift of literacy as their parents read from a library stocked by the people who love her.
Gender Reveal Party
For parents who choose to know the sex of their baby in advance, this can be one of the most exciting details to share with family members. But more and more people are choosing to have an event dedicated to letting loved ones know if the baby is a boy or a girl. Sometimes the parents don’t know and it is a friend who is told the gender and then coordinates the party accordingly. Guests can hedge their bets and there is lots of fun to be had surrounding guessing the sex. Think of creative ways to reveal, such as cutting a cake (to find blue or pink cake inside), wrapping a gift with several layers of paper until the final reveals the appropriate colour, or doing a digital montage of photos that culminates in the gender reveal. Whatever method chosen to reveal the baby’s gender, everyone will love being part of the surprise and helping the new parents celebrate their little boy or girl.
Have a Bro-Shower
It’s hard to deny that men are a big part of making a baby! So why shouldn’t the father and his friends be invited to the baby shower or even have one of his own? If the event is going to be decked out in crustless sandwiches and fluffy pink pillows, men are likely to retreat to the basement like boys and girls separating at a junior high dance. So if males are invited, make the event friendly to both genders. Why not play a game of poker, with the winner getting a certificate to a nice dinner out? Or operate a Guitar Hero competition while snacking on traditional pub fare that everyone will love? Whatever games or events you choose, men don’t have to be excluded from the fun if they’re considered part of the party.
Spa Party
Showers can sometimes feel like work. Between the planning and the buying, the shopping and the cooking, hosts and parents alike often slip into a state of exhaustion once the event is over and the final plastic cup has gone in the trash. Prevent this party fatigue with a spa party, using one of the many mobile spa services that operate in the Lower Mainland. Let the mother-to-be sit in the comfort of her own home while her closest female (or male!) friends also get pampered with manicures, massages or even a little hair updo. Everyone will leave feeling relaxed and most importantly, the mother will be preened and prepared to welcome her baby into the world.
Sip and See
When a baby is born, everyone wants to see the little one and congratulate the parents on a job well done. But this is a hectic time for the new family and countless visitors can feel daunting when sleep deprived, although parents are often keen to show their baby to their loved ones. Sip and Sees are a type of shower held after the baby is born, usually several weeks later (to give mom a chance to get used to her new routine), allowing everyone
to meet the baby at one scheduled time, instead of a consistent trail of wellmeaning visitors. Consider a two-hour open house where family and friends can come and go as they please, cuddle the baby, and have a small bite to eat before wishing the family well.
Mother Blessing
Baby showers are often a reason to give gifts for a new baby, but rarely does the new mother receive something that helps her to relax and prepare for this large change in her life. That’s why some people are considering Mother Blessings, events held before the birth of a child and designed to support and offer blessings to the mom-to-be. This is traditionally a female only event, where loved ones share their own birthing stories, advice and well wishes for the new mom in a loving and supportive environment. Mother Blessings usually involve some sort of spiritual ceremony, whether it is an offering to the mother or perhaps a bead ceremony, where each guest procures a special bead to be made into a bracelet to give the mother strength during her birth. These events sometimes blend a type of spa party too, with massage or spa services for the mother to help her prepare for the work of raising a child.
Whatever method you choose to celebrate a new baby, be sure to do it with the ones you love, as it takes a village!
The Modern Midwife
How midwives are surging in popularity
by Heidi Turner
there are a few questions that are typically asked of a pregnant woman, including whether she’s having a boy or girl and if she’s planning on a natural birth. Nowadays, pregnant women are also being asked whether they’re using a doctor or a midwife. While childbirth was traditionally the doctor’s domain, more British Columbian women are turning to midwives for pregnancy care. The reasons for this trend are plenty, including personal preference, lack of access to doctors, and a desire for at-home care following birth. So what are midwives and why are women turning to them?
Midwives provide primary care to women throughout pregnancy, including during childbirth. They offer a full range of services and are able to monitor the pregnancy, identify issues and, if necessary, refer the expectant mother to a doctor or specialist for treatment. Additionally, midwives assist during preconception and post-birth, providing care for the mother and infant. This allows women to give birth in a hospital, at home, or in a clinic, with at-home care visits offered in the first week following pregnancy.
“Midwives offer education and support, and show mothers different options for their pregnancy,” says Michelle Butler, Ph.D. and director of the UBC midwifery program. “They monitor the pregnancy and ensure everything is going well. The midwife supports the mother to achieve her goals during birth. She also prepares the mother for parenthood and gives initial care to the baby. It’s a similar role to a family doctor, with the midwife making referrals if issues arise.”
A Complicated History
Although midwives have been around in some form since women have been giving birth, it was not long ago that midwifery was maligned and women were discouraged from using anyone other than a doctor for pregnancy care. In the 1990s, after decades of lobbying from midwives, the tide began to change and the B.C. government announced it would legalize midwifery. In 1995, the College of Midwives of British Columbia was established to regulate the profession and in 1998, the college gave out the first licenses.
Midwives Speak
We asked some midwives for information about their jobs, the choices women have in their birthing experience, and more.
What should I look for in a midwife?
Once you have decided on having a midwife, you will need to find one in your area. There is a high demand for midwifery care and most practices book up quickly, so you should call early in pregnancy. Practices vary in sizes. Some have a larger team of midwives and some practices consist of only one or two midwives. At your introductory appointment you will want to ask questions about these practice specifics, and who will be available for your birth. You also will want to get a sense of the midwife’s communication style, and make sure you feel comfortable with her willingness to answer your questions and listen to your personal concerns.
Janice Robinson, RM, Heart Centered Birth www.heartcenteredbirth.net
Shortly after, in 2002, UBC began offering a midwifery program—a four-year undergraduate degree. In 2012, the university expanded the program from 10 spaces to 20, a sign of the program’s success. The Bachelor of Midwifery is in such high demand that in the past year, 180 people applied for the 20 available placements. Today, there are 249 midwives actively practicing and licensed in British Columbia, according to Alixandra Bacon, president of the Midwives Association of British Columbia.
Bacon says she knew she always wanted to be a midwife. “I was dedicated to women’s health and reproductive rights. I wanted to work in a holistic model that sees women and pregnancy as normal.”
Why Women Use Midwives
There are many reasons women turn to midwives for care during pregnancy. Some cite the personalized care and the ability to give birth at home. Others refer to the ability to have at-home follow-ups after birth, rather than going to a doctor’s office. Another factor is the continuity of care provided by midwives. Continuity of care means the midwife present at the birth is known to the mother-to-be—not a stranger who happens to be on duty when the mother goes into labour.
Under the midwives Continuity of Care Policy, pregnant women can be cared for by a group of up to four midwives, with one of those four on-call at all times so there is always someone available who is known to the motherto-be. In cases where a group of midwives is responsible for the mother, the mother must have the opportunity to get to know each of them to develop relationships. Because midwives offer continuity of care, many choose to work in practices of up to three or four, to help share the responsibilities of being on-call and available for emergencies or births.
For some women, the ability to use a midwife is a practical matter. Michelle Butler says midwifery provides vital services in areas where there is a healthcare vacuum, such as in remote, northern communities. “There is an unmet need in the province,” Butler says. “There are communities that don’t have maternity services. Midwives can fill that void.”
Midwives are sometimes confused with doulas, although there are some important differences. Doulas do not have medical responsibility for the pregnancy. A doula can provide support, but does not provide the assessment or clinical care offered by a midwife.
What is the benefit of choosing a midwife for pregnancy and delivery?
Women receiving care from midwives:
• Are less likely to have a caesarean section (19% vs provincial average of 30%)
• Have a lower rate of preterm births
• Are less likely to be hospitalized prenatally
• Spend an average of 18 hours less in hospital
Other benefits of midwifery care include:
• Longer prenatal appointments (30-60min)
• At home labour assessments
• One-to-one care in labour
• Choice of home or hospital birth
• Postpartum home visits, including breastfeeding support
• At home labour assessment
• One-to-one care in labour
• Choice of home or hospital birth
• Postpartum home visits including breastfeeding support
Alix Bacon, Midwives Association of British Columbia , www.bcmidwives.com
“We encourage women to have a doula and a midwife,” Alixandra Bacon says. “Midwives are there for the active part of the labour—when the woman is dilated from four to six centimetres—but early labour can go on for days. A doula comes earlier in the process and provides support during that time.”
Heidi Maxwell has used a midwife for multiple pregnancies. She made this choice because of the personal experience the longer appointment times afforded and because of the aftercare. She also appreciates that midwives allow women to take control of their own birth experiences and prenatal care. “A midwife is the best type of birth attendant for me,” Maxwell says. “I would definitely use a midwife again and aim for another home birth. With a doctor you don’t have the option of home birth, which is where I feel most comfortable. I think more women desire a birth with fewer interventions, more care, and a lower chance of cesarean section.”
Women can turn to a midwife at any stage during the pregnancy and can even engage their services during preconception, but Bacon cautions that midwives tend to book up quickly, so finding one on short notice can be difficult. Midwifery care is covered by MSP and midwives have hospital privileges, so women who are more comfortable giving birth in a hospital are able to do so.
Anyone interested in learning more about midwives can visit the Midwives Association of B.C. website at bcmidwives.com.
Get out of the House!
Coping with post-natal Isolation
By Nicola Enright-Morin
being a parent of a newborn is one of the most magical experiences there is. When your baby first arrives, the constant stream of wellwishers and visitors means you hardly have time to yourself. But once the initial excitement wears off, being at home all day can be overwhelmingly lonely. With only a newborn, daytime TV and the seemingly never-ending laundry for company, the walls can feel as if they are closing in. Therefore, getting out of the house is vital to any new parent’s sanity.
Public health nurse Andy Timmerman says, “So much of being a new mom is very solitary, just talking to your baby, or to your partner, who is often tired at the end of a work day, so the chance to speak with other adults is vital. I couldn’t put a price on how valuable it is for new moms to get out of the house, it absolutely is that important.”
Getting out of the house is also a chance to make friends with other new parents. “Just having another person that understands the challenges your going through and who can celebrate your baby’s developmental milestones is so therapeutic.”
Being social with other parents and families is also a great way to extend your mommy network further, as other parents are full of information about the latest hot spots for you and your baby. In the meantime, WestCoast Families has rounded up some of the best mom and baby resources across the Lower Mainland to get you started.
Fitness
One of the best ways to feel like your old self again is to include some fitness in your routine. Gone are the days when you could use a newborn as an excuse to lounge and watch TV in your pajamas all day; now there are all kinds of classes to get you and your baby moving.
Fit4Two Fit4Two has classes at locations all over the Lower Mainland. They have something for all fitness levels, including mom and baby aquafit,
bootcamps, and stroller fitness classes. You can pay drop-in prices, or sign up for a full block of classes. Prices vary, depending on the location, or the type of class.
www.fit4two.ca
Baby and Me Yoga Restore your pre-baby Zen by getting your yoga on. Yoga is perfect for gentle stretching and it also benefits digestion, circulation and balances your hormones: all of which are important for new moms. Community centres across the Lower Mainland offer mom and baby yoga classes, as do many private yoga studios.
www.semperviva.com | www.yogawithlorilucas.com
Aqua Fit Aqua fit classes for mum and baby are a great way to get your baby comfortable in the water and help you regain your pre-baby fitness in a fun and supportive environment.
www.mommymoves.ca
Bare Fit and Pregnant Offering pre and post-natal classes, moms will love connecting with other women in similar life stages while getting an excellent workout with well-trained coaches. And of course, baby is welcome to classes with new mommies.
www.barefitandpregnant.com
Eating Out
One of the hardest things about toting a newborn is the anxiety you feel in a restaurant or café. You finally get out of the house - and then your baby needs to nurse or cry. Cue swathing your baby in a blanket the size of a tent and death glares from other patrons. But take heart. Venturing out is much more enjoyable if you go where the food is not only awesome, but babies are positively welcome too.
Circus Play This is a new play café on East 12th where kids can play and grown-ups get to enjoy quality beverages and food. With workshops, music, art classes and story telling events, this little gem has something for both kids and parents alike.
www.circusplaycafe.com
Sweet Salt Cafe A family-focused bakery and café, Sweet Salt Café is home to carefully crafted breads, pastries, organic sodas and an array of teas and specialty coffee. The perfect spot to hang out with your new mommy friends. www.sweetsalt.ca
Big Feast Bistro Downtown Vancouver is brimming with trendy eateries that are willing to accommodate kids. The outlying suburbs? Not so much. Well not anymore. The Big Feast Bistro in Maple Ridge not only has a gourmet menu but is all about family. Check them out if you want something a little more up-market.
www.bigfeast.ca
Entertainment
Le Petit Spa For a real mom indulgence, check out Le Petit Spa, where you can get a pedicure for yourself, or a reflexology package for both you and baby. It features all the usual spa trimmings, in a baby friendly environment. www.lepetitspa.ca
Movies Fed-up of daytime TV and binge watching Netflix while your little one naps? Going out to watch a movie is a great way to feel human again. www.facebook.com/movies4mommies
Parent and Infant Drop-ins Parent and baby drop-in groups are a chance to connect with other parents, while getting support from healthcare professionals. There are groups all over the Lower Mainland and each session includes a topic of interest covered by an expert, as well as time for parents to socialize.
www.vch.ca/your-health/infants,-children-&-youth/parent-and-child-drop-in-groups
Post Natal Programs
Helpful Programs After Baby Arrives
by Nicole Breit
There are many classes for preparing for baby but for brand new parents, a newborn can be a daunting addition to the family as much as a welcome one. Today there are many post natal programs that help parents hone their parenting skills, learn about baby care and also develop social relationships with other new parents. Take a Kindermusik class, drop in to a breastfeeding group or join a baby and me story time! You’ll find a host of learning opportunities among these local programs that support new parents and their babies. Check out your library and recreation center to seek out more parent-friendly educational programs in your neighbourhood.
The Childbearing Society Post Partum Classes
3569 Commercial Street, Vancouver
Dates: Mondays, 12:30-2:00 pm
Ages: 0 - walking age
Cost: $10/class
www.childbearing.org
Bring your baby along for a group learning session designed for new parents. Recommended by midwives and physicians, post partum classes cover infant feeding, sleep, health and safety, colic and crying, attachment and infant development, as well as topics suggested by participants. The Childbearing Society also offers breastfeeding clinics.
Family Place Drop-In Programs
West Side: 2819 West 11th Avenue
East Side: 1655 William Street
South Side: 7710 Nanaimo Street
Dates: Ongoing
Ages: 0+
Cost: $1-2/drop ins
www.westsidefamilyplace.com
www.eastsidefamilyplace.org
www.southvancouverfamilyplace.org
The mandate of a Family Place is to act as a community resource center, offering inclusive, affordable and accessible support for parents and their children. Register for a Mother Goose early literacy class or sign up for a parenting class. A learning library and childminding are also available at some family places.
La Leche League Breastfeeding Support Various locations in BC
Dates: Ongoing
Ages: 0+
Cost: Free
www.lllc.ca
The mission of La Leche League is to “encourage, promote and provide mother-to-mother breastfeeding support and educational opportunities.” Support is available by phone, email or at a monthly La Leche meeting, with partners welcome to attend. Meeting participants share experiences, give suggestions and offer support and encouragement in an accepting atmosphere. Call the Breastfeeding Referral Line at 1-800-665-4324 or visit the website to find a group near you.
Phoenix Gymnastics Active Play Programs
Millennium Sports Facility
4588 Clancy Loranger Way
St. James Facility
3214 West 10th Avenue
Dates: Check website
Ages: 6 months to 3 years
Cost: $129 - $214/9 to 15 week classes
www.phoenixgymnastics.com
These parent participation programs introduce babies to active play in a fun and safe gym environment. Infants and toddlers enjoy songs and free play while developing their motor skills through games, creative movement and circuits. Registration is required for weekly 45-minute classes, which offer progressive skill development under the guidance of trained coaches.
Notable Kids Kindermusik Classes
3063 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver
Dates: Check website
Ages: 0 - 24 months
Cost: Free for babies under 4 months; $72/4 week session
www.notablekids.ca
You and your baby will love singing, dancing and exploring a variety of props and instruments with a caring and trained Kindermusik instructor. Registration in a 45-minute Cuddle and Bounce or Sing and Play class also includes digital tools to continue the fun and learning at home or in the car. Sign up online for a free preview class!
VCH Parent & Baby Drop In Groups
Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Squamish, Pemberton and Whistler
Dates: Call for details
Ages: 0 - 12 months
Cost: Free but must register www.vch.ca/your-health/
Connect with other parents and get support from health care providers (public health nurses, community nutritionists, etc.) through Vancouver Coastal Health. Together you’ll learn about health-related issues like breastfeeding, immunization, safety, dental care, adjusting to parenthood and preparing for return to work.
Man in the Moon Dad and Baby Story Times
Vancouver Public Library and Surrey Public Library
Ages: 0 - 24 months
Dates: Ongoing
Cost: Free www.vpl.ca www.surreylibraries.ca
This story time and sing-a-long for male caregivers and their little ones is offered at several branches of the Vancouver and Surrey Public Libraries. Search the library program listings for story times.
Nobody’s
Perfect Parenting Classes
Various locations
Ages: Parents of children 0 - 5 years
Dates: Ongoing
Cost: Free
www.nobodysperfect.ca
Learn about child development, safety, health and behaviour with the support of a trained facilitator. You’ll also meet with other parents, discuss your concerns and discover positive ways of parenting.
Roundhouse Community Post Natal Programs
181 Roundhouse Mews
Dates: Check website
Ages: 0+
Cost: Varies by program
www.roundhouse.ca/programs/post-natal/ Sing and dance to international folk songs and lullabies. Learn baby sign language. Practice gentle, mindful movements in a dance class. Explore toys, mats and a bouncy castle at a gym drop-in. The Roundhouse offers supervised fun and interactive programs for wee ones year-round. Check the website for current offerings.
Safe & Sound Infant CPR
3170 Tory Avenue, Coquitlam
Dates: Check website
Ages: 0+
Cost: $45/person
www.learnfirstaid.ca/courses/baby-and-childcprsafety/
Designed for parents and caregivers, the Baby and Child CPR/Safety workshop will introduce you to the techniques you need to know to save an infant who is choking or having difficulty with breathing/circulation. The four-hour class also covers information on safe sleeping, falls, poisoning, car safety and more.
Strong Start Early Learning Program
Schools throughout the Lower Mainland
Dates: September - June
Ages: 0 - 5 years
Cost: Free drop in
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/ early-learning/learn/strongstart-bc
Parents, grandparents and caregivers are all invited to participate with young children for stories, games, music, art, circle times and free play. At no cost to families, this early learning drop-in program offers young children a chance to meet new friends and prepare for success in Kindergarten.
• ATTRACTIONS & ENTERTAINMENT
My Bella Baby Events gathering exhibitors relevant to new parents www.mybellababy.ca
Baby & Tot Show
BC’s largest baby and toddler expo www.babyandtotshow.com
Belly Baby & Kid Show www.bellybabykidshow.com
Burnaby Village Museum www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca
Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch www.hazelmerepumpkinpatch@shaw.ca
Healthy Family Expo www.healthyfamilyexpo.com
Imagine Children’s Museum www.imaginecm.org
Living Magic www.livingmagicentertainment.com
Richmond Country Farms www.countryfarms.ca
Rocky Mountain Flatbread www.rockymountainflatbread.ca
Taves Family Farms www.tavesfamilyfarms.com
• BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT
BC Lactation Consultant Association www.bclca.ca
BC Women’s Hospital Breastfeeding Clinic www.bcwomens.ca
Breastfeeding Online www.breastfeedingonline.com
Bright Future Lactation Resource Centre Ltd www.bflrc.com
La Leche League www.lllc.ca
Vancouver Breastfeeding Centre www.breastfeedingclinic.com
• CHILDCARE
AB Mack Immigration www.abmackimmigration.ca
Child Care Resource and Referral www.ccrr.bc.ca
Child Care Choices Online Resource www.childcarechoices.ca
Spare Time Child Care Society www.sparetimesociety.org
UBC Child Care Services www.childcare.ubc.ca
Vancouver Society of Children’s Centres www.vsocc.org
Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre www.wstcoast.org
YMCA of Greater Vancouver www.vanymca.org/childcare
Annual Resource Listings
• RESOURCES & SUPPORT
Burnaby Neighbourhood House Community programs and activities www.sbnh.ca
Adoptive Families Association of BC www.bcadoption.com
Association of Neighbourhood Houses BC www.anhbc.org
Baby Go Round www.babygoround.ca
BC Association of Family Resource Programs www.frpbc.ca
BC Council for Families www.bccf.ca
BC Housing www.bchousing.org
Canadian Pediatric Society www.caringforkids.cps.ca
Community Centres
Check your local municipality website
Family Services of Greater Vancouver www.fsgv.ca
Frog Hollow Neighbourhood House www.froghollow.bc.ca
Fussy Baby www.thefussybabysite.com
Langley Children www.langleychildren.com
Maxxine Wright Early Care and Learning Centre www.atira.bc.ca
Octopus Village www.octopus-village.com
posAbilities www.posabilities.ca
Provincial Government Education and family programs www.familiesfirstbc.ca
Surrey Early Childhood www.surreyearlychildhood.ca
• DIAPER SERVICES & SUPPLIES
Baby Footprint www.thebabyfootprint.com
Baby On The Way www.babyontheway.ca
Bumbini Cloth Diaper Company www.bumbini.ca
bumGenius www.bumgenius.com
Cozy Bums Diapers www.cozybums.ca
Green Bum Bum Cloth Diapers www.greenbumbum.com
Happy Baby Cheeks www.happybabycheeks.ca
Happy Nappy www.happynappy.ca
Kawaii Baby Diapers www.theluvyourbaby.com
Saucy Bottoms www.saucybottoms.ca
Tender Tushies www.tendertushies.ca
• MIDWIFE & DOULA SERVICES
Midwives Association of BC
Educating the public about midwifery care while supporting the growing number of midwives across the province www.bcmidwives.com
Mother Me
Home support for new mothers www.motherme.ca
Ostara Midwifery
Offering a full scope of personalized care for your pregnancy. www.heartcenteredbirth.net
All About Birth Boutique www.allaboutbirthboutique.ca
BC Women’s Hospital Pregnancy Birth & Newborns Clinic www.bcwomens.ca
Childbearing Society www.childbearing.org
Annual Resource Listings
Go to www.baby-guide.ca for full resource listings!
Our Kids Private School Expo www.ourkidsmedia.com
Reach for the Stars Montessori www.reachforthestarsmontessori.com
Department of Midwifery, BC Women’s Hospital www.midwivesinvancouver.ca
DONA International Doula Association www.dona.org
Doula Services Association of BC www.bcdoulas.org
Midwifery Associates www.midwiferyassociates.ca
Midwifery Care North Shore www.midwiferycare.ca
The Midwifery Group www.midwiferygroup.ca
Vancouver Doula Collective www.vancouverdoulacollective.org
• EDUCATION
CEFA Core Education & Fine Arts World leader in education for children ages 1-5 www.cefa.ca
Burnaby French Language Preschool www.bflp.org
Collingwood School www.collingwood.org
Elite Montessori Academy www.elitemontessori.ca
Garderie et Prematernelle les Moussaillons www.moussaillons.ca
James Cameron School www.jcs.bc.ca
Jewish Community Centre Preschool www.jccgv.com
Little Koala Montessori www.littlekoalamontessori.com
Meta Montessori House www.metamontessori.com
Millennium Learning Advantage www.millenniumlearningadvantage.com
Montessori Mes Petits www.ourpreschool.com
My Whole Earth Academy www.mywholeearth.ca
North Star Montessori www.northstarmontessori.ca
Sunny Gate Montessori www.sunnygatemontessori.com
Vancouver Bilingual Preschool www.vancouverbilingual.com
Vancouver Montessori www.vancouvermontessorischool.com
Westside Montessori Academy www.westsidemontessoriacademy.ca
Westside Montessori School www.westsidemontessori.ca
Write Choice Early Learning Centre www.writechoicelearning.com
• GEAR & CLOTHING
Boomers & Echoes
Quality conisgnmnet for eco-conscious parents www.boomersandechoes.com
Oyaco Products
Innovative solutions for today’s parents www.oyaco.com
Next Generation Distributors
Innovative and useful products that offer significant value to new and expecting parents www.nextgendistributors.com
Snuggle Bugz
The best selection of the highest quality brands for pregnancy, newborn and toddler www.snugglebugz.ca
Hip Baby
Sustainable toys, clothes and baby items www.hipbaby.com
Doidy Cup
The perfectly shaped cup to wean from a bottle www.doidycup.ca
Happy Baby Daily Needs Mom’s healthy choices for baby gear www.happybabydailyneeds.com
Active Baby www.activebaby.ca
Beansprouts www.beansprouts.ca
Crocodile Baby www.crocodilebaby.com
Dandelion Kids www.dandelionkids.ca
Frogs Hollow Children’s Boutique www.frogshollow.ca
Kids Market, Granville Island www.kidsmarket.ca
Lusso Baby www.lussobaby.ca
Once Upon a Child: Kids’ Resale www.onceuponachildlangley.com
Room for 2 www.roomfor2.ca
Sweet Charlie www.shopsweetcharlie.com
Wee Ones Reruns www.weeonesvancouver.com
Yaya Baby www.yayababy.ca
• HEALTH & NUTRITION
Olive Fertility Clinic Caring fertility treatment and education www.olivefertility.com
Pollock Clinics Infant circumcision and vasectomy www.circumcisionvancouver.com
Bonn Chiropractic www.cocochiro.com
Dial-A-Dietician www.dialadietitian.org
Fraser Health Resource www.fraserhealth.ca
Healthy Canadians Online Resource www.healthycanadians.gc.ca
HealthLinkBC www.healthlinkbc.ca
Kids Physio www.kidsphysio.ca
Leap Clinic www.leapclinic.ca
Logan Creek Counselling and Consulting www.logancreek.ca
Nourished with Alyssa Bauman www.nourished.ca
Pacific West Dental www.pacificwestdental.com
Peace Arch Maternity Clinic www.peacearchmaternityclinic.ca
Pediatric Dental Group PDG www.pdgdental.com
South Community Birth Program www.scbp.ca
Vancouver Coastal Health Resource www.vch.ca/your_health
Annual Resource Listings
Go to www.baby-guide.ca for full resource listings!
Music for Young Children www.myc.com
• MATERNITY CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
Boomers & Echoes Kids & Maternity www.boomersandechoes.com
Hazel & Jools
Locally made lifestyle collections for women, specializing in fabulous maternity wear www.hazelhipmoms.com
Bellies in Bloom www.belliesinbloommaternity.com
Motherhood Maternity www.motherhoodcanada.ca
Noppies Maternity www.noppies.com
Room for 2 Maternity & Baby, Vancouver www.roomfor2.ca
Thyme Maternity www.thymematernity.com
With Child www.withchild.ca
• PRENATAL EDUCATION
Adar Birth Services www.adarbirthservices.com
Belly to Baby www.bellytobaby.ca
Birthing from Within www.birthingfromwithin.com
Dancing Star Birth www.dancingstarbirth.ca
Healthiest Babies Possible www.vch.eduhealth.ca
Lamaze International www.lamaze.org
Lower Mainland Childbearing Society www.childbearing.org
The Birth Place www.thebirthplace.ca
• PROGRAMS
Phoenix Gymnastics
A club built on traditions and values and the love of gymnastics www.phoenixgymnastics.com
Arts Umbrella www.artsumbrella.com
Jump Gymnastics www.jumpgymnastics.ca
Place des Arts www.placedesarts.ca
Rhythm Gym www.rhythmgym.ca
Richmond Aquatics www.richmond.ca
YMCA www.vanymca.org
• SAFETY
Babysafe – St. John Ambulance www.sja.ca
Baby Secure www.babysecure.ca
BCAA: Infant/Child Care Seat Information Line www.bcaa.com 1-877-247-5551
Safety Station at BC Children’s Hospital www.bcchildrens.ca/safetystation
Safety Superstore www.safetysuperstore.ca
• SLEEP CONSULTING
Sleeping Child
Sleep programs to help children get the sleep they need for healthy development www.thesleepingchild.com
A Kiss Goodnight www.akissgoodnight.ca
Little Dreamers Consulting www.littledreamersconsulting.com
Sleep Stars Consulting www.sleepstars.ca
Sleepy Miracles www.sleepymiracles.com
• FINANCIAL
Amit Kent
Helping make post-secondary education possible for Canadian families www.knowledgefirstfinancial.ca/amit.kent
Hybrid Health
Get access to private health care, medical care, medical support and no-wait treatment options www.hybridhealth.ca
Mary Ann Clarke-Scott
BC Securities-licensed RESP sales representative www.knowledgefirstfinancial.ca/MaryAnn.ClarkeScott
