Expectant Parents & Families
Optimal Birth BC provides evidence-based pregnancy information and resources to support expectant parents and families in making decisions about childbirth.
Information Leaflets
Optimal Birth develops information leaflets about options for childbirth. You can download any of our leaflets below.
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) in BC
People who have had a previous cesarean birth often have questions about their next birth. Our brochure explains risks and benefits of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) in British Columbia.
When Labour Starts
Early labour is a normal part of the birthing process. Our brochure explains what early labour is, what you can expect, what to do, and when you should call your doctor or midwife and go to the hospital.
I want a Healthy Vaginal Birth
If you are planning to have a vaginal birth, you should be aware of ways to increase your chances of having a healthy and positive birth experience. This pamphlet highlights information about prenatal care to improve the likelihood of a healthy vaginal birth.
Having an Epidural
This pamphlet highlights information about managing pain during labour and specifically, information on epidural use.
SmartMom Canada
SmartMom® is a Canadian text messaging program offering evidence-based information and links to resources timed to stage of pregnancy.
For more information and to sign up, visit: www.smartmomcanada.ca
Links
College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC
Find a family doctor or obstetrician in BC.
Midwives Association of BC
Learn more about midwifery care and find a midwife in BC.
BC College of Midwives
Find out more about how midwives practice in BC.
Doula Services Association
Learn more about doulas and find a doula in BC.
HealthLink BC
Free 24/7 information and advice from nurses, registered dietitians, pharmacists, and exercise physiologists | Call 8-1-1
Prenatal Registry & Baby’s Best Chance
Register early in your pregnancy with your local prenatal registry for the best possible support and find a copy of Baby’s Best Chance.
Healthy Families BC
A website offering information about pregnancy, normal birth and child care from the Government of British Columbia.
Pregnancy Info – SOGC
The facts on pregnancy and childbirth from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC).
Perinatal Services BC
Provides information about care during pregnancy and giving birth in BC.
The Power to Push
A website from the BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre. Provides up-to-date resources for pregnant women and their families in BC. They also maintain a Facebook group to help support pregnant women.
BC Women’s – What to expect in pregnancy
What to expect and specific health information for each stage of pregnancy.
BC Association of Family Resource Programs
Provides a directory of free support groups and programs offered in your community.
The Best Start Resource Centre
Free online resources (booklets, videos, etc.) related to prenatal health and early child development.
Caring for Kids
Information for parents from Canada’s paediatricians. Includes a section on pregnancy and birth.
Having a Baby
Information for families about pregnancy, childbirth, and choosing the best care from the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM).
Place of Birth Handbook
Information about place of birth options, including home births and hospital births, from the College of Midwives of BC (CMBC).
Reproductive Mental Health
Mental health information and resources for women and their families from The BC Reproductive Mental Health Program at BC Children’s Hospital.
Pacific Post Partum Support Society
Offers counselling, support information and referrals via telephone and text messaging for women and families experiencing distress, depression or anxiety.
Lamaze International
Lamaze promotes a natural, healthy and safe approach to pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting.
Giving Birth with Confidence Blog
An online community, created by Lamaze International, with a variety of stories, articles and tips related to pregnancy, birth and parenting.
Childbirth Connection
A not-for-profit organization in the United States that has worked to improve the quality of maternity care for mothers, babies and families since 1918.
