Community Resources
There are many services and organizations in our community for expectant and new parents. If you would like to submit a listing for a relevant service or organization, please contact us.
Breastfeeding Support Services
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La Leche League
Tammy Kozoris, Prince George La Leche League Leader
250-612-0085
Breastfeeding phone support, plus meetings for anyone seeking breastfeeding support and information.
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Lactation Consultants
Eunice Finch and Jeanne Hagreen, Lactation Consultants
PGRH Lactation Consulting Services
250-565-2327
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Northern Health Breastfeeding Support Network
- Thursday mornings 9:30 to 11:30 at the Northern Health Unit
- Peer-to-peer support
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Northern British Columbia Breastfeeding Support Network
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Health Services
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AimHi Infant Development Programme
250-564-6408
The Infant Development Programme is a home-visiting programme serving children with families from 0 to 3 years who may be looking for extra support. AimHi's Infant Development consultants have knowledge and experience in all areas of developement.
Participation is voluntary, at no cost to families. Families can refer themselves or be referred by another professional. Visits are usually once or twice monthly in the family home at an agreed-upon time by the family and the consultant.
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AimHi Infant Massage and Toddler Playgroup
250-564-6408
Come and enjoy the infant massage group or the parent-participating playtime for children up to age 3.
When: Tuesday evenings, 6 to 8 pm.
Where: The AimHi building at 950 Kerry Street.
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Healthiest Babies Possible
A pregnancy outreach programme of the Northern Family Health Society
2666 Queensway Place, Prince George, BC
250-561-2689
Some aspects of this programme:
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HypnoBirthing
Check out the newest prenatal classes in Prince George! Thousands of women have taken HypnoBirthing classes and attribute them to their experience of a birth without fear or extreme pain--most proclaiming that their bodies are designed to birth their babies with ease and comfort! If you are interested in learning techniqes for gentle birth, then these are the classes for you! For further information on HypnoBirthing, please visit www.hypnobirthing.com.
HypnoBirthing® The Mongan Method is a childbirth philosophy that helps expectant couples to get in touch with their innate resources for birthing their baby in a peaceful, loving environment. With a carefully prepared programme that includes techniques for relaxation, breathing, visualization, and self-hypnosis, you will gain a tool box full of skills for bringing forth your baby with calm and confidence. Locally, HypnoBirthing classes are taught in small groups or privately to interested couples.
For more information, contact a HypnoBirthing practitioner:
Erin Hunter
Birth Doula
HypnoBirthing Practitioner
250-563-9684
250-552-4249
Jane Hedges, B.MW, RM, Breastfeeding Counsellor
Registered Midwife
HypnoBirthing Practitioner
250-562-0834
Jocelyn Logan
Birth Doula
HypnoBirthing Practioner
250-963-0244
250-301-0052
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Midwifery Services
Did you know that midwifery care is covered by your BC Medical Services Plan? Midwives are highly trained specialists in pregnancy, labour, and the first six weeks postpartum.
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Jane Hedges, B.MW, RM, Breastfeeding Counsellor
Registered Midwife
Northern Midwifery Care
250-562-0834
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Judy DeFreitas, B.MW, RM
Registered Midwife
New Beginnings Midwifery
250 613-1492
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Karin Gerlach, RM
Registered Midwife
Bona Dea Midwifery
250-964-6473
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Sarah Hilbert-West, B.MW, RM
Registered Midwife
West Hill Midwifery (Quesnel) **Sarah will be working in Prince George for a one year term, and is accepting clients in Prince George who are due from September 2011 onward.
250-992-3988
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Parenting Support and Education
The following services are offered through Parent Support Services of BC, a non-profit, volunteer-based society and registered charity founded in 1974.
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Active Parenting Canada
- Active Parenting Canada programs empower families by providing parents with the skills to help their children survive and thrive in our changing world. Active Parenting has programs for parents of babies to teens.
- Active Parenting programs are available on an ongoing basis at locations throughout Prince George.
- All programs are offered free of cost, and childminding and transportation assistance are available at some locations.
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Parent Support Services of BC
Creating a world where children and their families are nurtured, valued, and safe
A non-profit organization that offers a variety of support services for a wide range of parenting issues and challenges.
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S.T.E.P. (Systemic Training for Effective Parenting) Programmes
- This is a course for parents who wish to improve the relationships within their families. Parents will learn simple parenting, discipline, and communication skills.
- S.T.E.P. Programmes are offered through Parent Support Services in Prince George twice annually, in the Fall and Spring, at Pine Street Community House.
- Each session meets weekly for 8 weeks.
- The program cost is $25 and includes a workbook (these costs are subsidized fully for participants with low-incomes). Childminding is provided for participants.
- Visit www.parentsupportbc.ca for more information
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The Village
Parent Resource Registry (updated monthly)
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Parents of Multiples
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PG Twins & Triplets
- Support with the many challenges of raising a family that includes multiples
- Contact Jen for more information, and to find out about getting a membership
250-964-4641 Jen
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Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Services
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Postpartum Depression Support Group
A programme of the Northern Family Health Society
- Weekly meetings on Mondays, from 11:am to 1:pm
- The programme runs on an 8 week topic schedule
- Childminding available, but please contact Angel by the preceding Friday to take advantage of the childminding service
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Prenatal Education Classes
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Expecting Miracles Childbirth Classes
Whether you are first-time parents or have already been through it all once or more times, these are classes that are tailored to what you need! Learn from experienced and skilled women who have worked in our birthing community and have earned very respected reputations from many years of supporting women through their birthing journeys. For more information or to register, please check out their website, or contact the instructors.
Allison Crick, CD(DONA), LLCCE(candidate)
250-561-0014
Erica Bowler, RN, CD(DONA)(candidate)
778-416-6964
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Prenatal Classes - Presented through Northern Health
It's so important to feel informed about your choices and what to expect as your baby's birth nears! These classes are offered in the hope that prenatal education will be easily accessible to all families in our community. The dedicated instructors are pleased to offer a very thorough curriculum that covers the things that expectant parents most hope to learn about before their baby's arrival. The main portion of these classes are held in the Northern Interior Health Unit auditorium for six consecutive weeks on either Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. For those who are running out of time to attend a six week session, there is the option of one day-long class on a Saturday which covers most of the curriculum in a slightly more condensed format. The Saturday class may also be an option for those who are unable for other reasons to attend weekday evening classes. Attendees of the Saturday class are also asked to attend one weekday evening class which covers the breastfeeding portion, with a Tuesday or Wednesday group. There are also early pregnancy classes twice a month on Monday evenings. Please email for more information and for a class outline. These classes are taught according to the Douglas College's curriculum which is based on the Lamaze program.
To register, please contact:
250-565-2910
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Prenatal and Postpartum Fitness Classes
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Dancing For Birth™
A fun class that incorporates a variety of dance styles with education about pregnancy and birth. With no experience necessary, the classes are open to all expectant women and new mothers are also encouraged to participate, with their babies in a sling. Classes are held at Chinook Yoga with Cindy Black, who is a certified Dancing For Birth™ instructor. Please contact her for more information and for details about class times.
Cindy Black
Certified Dancing For Birth™ Instructor
250-564-9605
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Yoga
Chinook Yoga offers a variety of yoga classes that may be of interest to expectant and new moms, including Yoga for Fertility, Prenatal Yoga, Mom & Baby Yoga, Preschool Yoga, and more.
For information about times and descriptions of classes, please see their website or call and leave a message.
250-564-YOGA (9642)
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