South Island Resources

Here are a few local and online resources for new parents. This list is by no means exhaustive. It is intended to be a helpful start to reaching out and connecting with others going through a similar experience. When we do so we feel less alone and more compassionate towards our struggles. Parenting was never meant to be a lonely journey.

If you have any questions, please reach out. I’m happy to discuss it with you.

Parent/Baby Groups - Drop In

Mothering Touch

New Baby Drop In Group – for parents and their newborn to 6 month old babies
Older Baby Drop In Group – for parents and their 6-18 month old babies.

Saanich Neighbourhood Place offers several weekly drop in support groups for new parents, including fathers.

Sooke Family Resource Centre

Pregnancy Groups - Drop in

Mothering Touch

Pregnancy Happy Hour

Postpartum Wellness Support Group

Requires a referral or public health nurse intake

Facilitated by public health nurses, weekly peer support groups offer helpful tools, resources and a chance to connect for those experiencing postpartum depression/anxiety or difficulty adjusting to the transition to new parenthood.

West Shore Health Unit

Cook St Health Unit

Resources for Fathers

Centre for Men’s Excellence – specializing in paternal mental health.

Resources, online new dad group and research about the transition to fatherhood

For Couples

Parenting

Living in Families Effectively

South Island Child Resources

A thorough website listing drop-in programs, centres and resources for parents of children 0-6 months.

Online / Text Support

Pacific Postpartum Support Society

Phone and text-based support, online resources and online support groups

Postpartum Support International

US-based but has a broad range of online support groups and accurate and helpful information about perinatal mental health.

Books

To help normalize the challenges some experience during the transition to motherhood.

The Birth Of A Mother: How The Motherhood Experience Changes You Forever
Daniel N. Stern

To Have And To Hold: Motherhood, Marriage And The Modern Dilemma
Molly Millwood