Pathways | Prenatal Education

Prenatal Education - Island Health

Family / Parenting, Pregnancy Care, and Public Health

Provided by Island Health

Prenatal classes and programs are excellent sources of information and peer support. As part of the Right from the Start program, Child, Youth and Family Health's prenatal education program for expectant parents is currently being revised and updated.

Your doctor, midwife or public health nurse can give you a list of prenatal education programs in your area.

While a referral is not required, please complete the Right From the Start form first.

Nanaimo/Ladysmith Prenatal Classes: Please contact the Nanaimo Public Health Nursing Intake line at 250-755-3388 for information regarding prenatal care.

First Nation members can also get information on prenatal classes from their community health worker.

Some communities have privately-run prenatal/birth preparation classes. For more options in your community, please contact your nearest public health unit.

A public health nurse may also provide:

one-to-one and group prenatal teaching and support for people with specific needs
prenatal teaching for pregnant adolescents
pregnancy Outreach Programs
pamphlets, brochures, books and videos on pregnancy and parenting

Questions to ask before registering for a prenatal class or program:

when, where, and how long are the classes?
how many classes are in the series?
how much does the series cost? Are bursaries available?
what are the instructors’ qualifications/experience?
what is the philosophy of the class regarding prenatal care and birth?
is a hospital tour arranged?
how many birth support people are welcome?
do birth support people have to attend?
what is the maximum number of participants in a class?
are refreshments and parking provided?

Look for the following topics:

physical and emotional changes of pregnancy
maternal care issues such as nutrition, exercise, activity, rest, and avoiding alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes
labour and delivery
medical assistance (ex. caesarean section, episiotomy, medications)
breastfeeding
baby care
infant safety
post-partum adjustment and early parenting
Community support

General Information

Public email: RFTS@islandhealth.ca

Website: https://www.islandhealth.ca/our...

250-519-3490 (Victoria - Westshore)

West Shore Health Unit - 345 Wale Rd, Victoria, British Columbia, V9B 6X2

250-388-2200 (Victoria)

Victoria Health Unit - 1947 Cook St, Victoria, British Columbia, V8T 3P7

250-725-4020 (Tofino)

Tofino and Ucluelet Public Health Unit - 265 First Street, Tofino, British Columbia, V0R 2Z0

250-519-3487 (Sooke)

Sooke Health Unit - 104 – 6672 Wadams Way, Sooke, British Columbia, V9Z 0H3

250-739-5845 (Nanaimo)