Pregnancy, Birth & Babies

Island Health Magazine Summer 2017

In this issue we share stories about our volunteer baby hugging program at VGH and the amazing projects funded through Island Health’s Community Wellness Grants program.

We also look at COPD, Canada’s fourth leading cause of death and discuss how compassion can fight stigma. Summer safety tips, family activities and recipes are also featured.

Island Health supports fragile babies & caregivers during breastfeeding week

Victoria – It’s National Breastfeeding Week and Island Health is celebrating by promoting the benefits of breastfeeding and breast milk to support families and young children, especially babies who are sick and vulnerable.

Breast milk is the perfect food for all babies, providing optimal nutrients and antibodies to protect them and help them grow. Most mothers are able to breastfeed successfully with support from families, friends, relatives, employers, health-care providers and lactation organizations. 

New volunteer baby hugging program launches at Nanaimo General Hospital

NANAIMO, BC, January 15, 2018 – Island Health announced today the launch of the latest Huggies® No Baby Unhugged® program at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH). The volunteer baby hugging program aims to help ensure all babies, especially those in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), receive much-needed physical human interaction should circumstances prevent a parent from being at their side. 

Local Prenatal Classes

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Prenatal Registration

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.

Local Prenatal Classes

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.