Products & Services for New Parents

To help you as you journey through the unique experience of being a new parent, check out the following listings and the corresponding ads in this issue.


Bellies In Bloom Maternity. Visit us for the hottest products for mom and babe. You’ll find a great selection of clothing and accessories for maternity, nursing, and baby, many exclusive to Bellies in Bloom. We are famous for our nursing bras. We also have fun gifts and newborn essentials, from the most practical to the fun and unique. Visit our website to find out more about us and preview the newest styles. Shop from home with great deals and cheap shipping. www.BelliesInBloomMaternity.com.

The Burnside Gorge Community Association offers Parent & Tot drop-in programs throughout the week that are free or low-cost. Drop-ins allow parents to meet other parents while their kids play, learn, and meet other kids. Other Family Centre programs include: Mother Goose, Kindergym, Toddler Art, and a Community Family Dinner. For program days, times and cost, visit our website at www.burnsidegorge.ca or call 250-388-5251.

Choices Adoption & Counselling Services is a licensed non-profit, non-sectarian adoption agency that has been involved in adoptions and family counselling since 1989. We offer a range of services to birth and adoptive parents throughout British Columbia and can assist adoptive families from several other provinces with inter-country adoptions. Whether you wish to adopt a child born in B.C. or a child from another country, our experienced professionals will help you through the process. www.choicesadoption.ca.

Glowing Touch Doula Glowing Touch is a place where women and their families can feel supported during their journey through pregnancy, birth, and labour. Helping women, partners, and families get through the miraculous task of birthing is a true privilege. By supporting families as a doula, with emotional and physical support, my goal is to have every birth I attend, be a wonderful, positive experience. Doulas are for every pregnant woman. Even a woman who has a great supportive partner can benefit with the support of a doula.  Whether you have a doctor or a midwife, a doula will complement your birthing team, by helping to maintain the harmonious rhythm of everyone working together to create a positive birth experience. Consultations are always free. If you have any doula questions, please visit glowingtouch.ca.

Happy Island Diaper Service is the best choice for cloth diapering for your baby. Our modern diapers and products make using our service easy and cost effective. Once a week, our pink van will come and pick up the soiled diapers and leave you fresh clean ones. There is no rinsing or soaking required, and we will supply you with everything you need right at your doorstep. This is a great choice for your baby and for the environment. 1-866-922-7377. www.happyislanddiapers.com. www.facebook.com/happyislanddiapers.

Helping Hands Doula. A doula (pronounced doola) understands the physiological and emotional stages of childbirth. A doula will accompany a woman and her partner/family to the hospital or her home and offer continuous support throughout her entire labor and birth experience. The doula can offer a myriad of support from helping mom with position changes, using a variety of comfort measures, helping the family obtain information so that they can make informed decisions, and supporting their birth plans. Research shows that by a having a doula attend a birth, labours tend to be shorter, the need for pain medication decreases, and more women experience a satisfying and positive birth experience. Jay Duncan is a DONA trained Birth and Postpartum Doula as well as a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator with over 10 years of experience. Please feel free to call or email her if you need any more information. www.helpinghandsvictoriadoula.blogspot.ca. Find on Facebook Page by typing: Helping Hands Doula Services.

Hip Baby offers modern, organic and sustainable products for your newborn to four-year-old. Thoughtful toys, organic clothing, natural meal-time and bath-time products and much more. Find a great selection of Canadian crafted products and many cloth diaper brands. We offer free monthly workshops on cloth diapering to show you how to choose your diaper system, put them on and care for them. Come with an open mind, and you’ll leave informed. www.hipbaby.com.

Investors Group. RESPs are a good vehicle for education planning. However, there are other options, for the same or similar costs of RESPs, that are more flexible, less restrictive and have more significant benefits. Give me a call for a free review of your financial plan and/or a no-obligation, no-pressure presentation of options about which you should be informed. Michael A. Hemmings: 250-388-4234, ext. 507 or cell: 250-818-1119 or michael.hemmings@investorsgroup.com. Options, choices, planning for the future!

Montessori education understands that each child has a natural desire and ability to learn. Island Montessori staff members are committed to providing a rich, safe, developmentally appropriate, caring environment that establishes rapport with every child. Our child-centred program of individual and group activities promotes a sense of well-being, confidence and independence which fosters growth in all areas of development. We have children from a variety of economic, ethnic and religious backgrounds with a whole range of abilities and special needs. Our beautiful rural location is at 5575 West Saanich Road. For more information, call 250-592-4411 or visit www.islandmontessori.com.

Since 1944, Island Farms has been proudly producing quality dairy products made entirely from fresh B.C. milk. From our first horse-and-buggy stocked with milk bottles, to today’s wide range of wholesome products, we’ve built a reputation for good things from good people close by. We also play an active role in the communities we serve, sponsoring hundreds of family events and charities. Because at the end of the day, we’ve all got a family to come home to. www.islandfarms.com.

JamTots. We specialize in cloth diapers and many other unique items for babies and children. Check out our large selection of puzzles and crafts and Melissa and Doug toys. We carry a variety of shoes, swaddles, sleep sacks, BOB and Britax strollers, and Britax Carseats. For mom, we have everything for nursing and a large selection of diaper bags and baby carriers. Gift registry and gift cards available. Visit our website as most of our products are available online with fast shipping on the Island. 2945 Jacklin Road (Westshore Town Centre), Victoria. 250-478-1737. www.jamtots.com.

Jody Watson is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who specializes in working with new parents, families and couples. Individual counselling, couples counselling, workshops and support groups are some of the services offered. Areas of practice include: supporting parents to be and new parents, prenatal and postpartum depression, parenting issues, couples and relationship issues and infertility.  Jody offers a variety of evidence based supports to meet your needs. For more information about services or upcoming workshops visit www.jodywatson.ca

Kinderbees carries a large selection of high-quality new and used children’s and maternity items including toys, books, shoes, clothing, furniture, strollers and more. You will not have to sift through items because we have already done that for you. We have a friendly, knowledgeable staff who will always greet you and your children with a smile. New and fresh stock daily. We bring out new products twice a day! 110-2763 Beverly Street, Duncan 250-748-2345  kinderbeez@shaw.ca

In a Kindermusik Village class, we take those special bonding moments between you and your baby and add in a unique blend of musical learning activities that stimulate and engage all of the senses. The educator will teach you how to encourage your baby’s learning through vocal play, object exploration, instruments, and creative movement. Babies under their six-month birthday get free tuition! Enroll today. Phone 250-667-8794.

Maxine Fisher M. Ed., MTA, RCC. Pregnancy and childbirth are stressful whether it is your first child or your fourth. There are ways to reduce your stress, and studies show that when you are more relaxed your baby experiences this as well. Counselling and music therapy can assist parents in stress reduction, and studies show babies perceive sounds and music in the womb. For more information and to set up an appointment, please call Maxine Fisher at Victoria Family Counselling. 250-686-7582, victoriafamilycounselling.com.

Mothering Touch Centre is the comprehensive resource centre for new and expectant parents. We offer support through every stage of pregnancy and early parenthood: childbirth preparation, pre-and post-natal yoga, breastfeeding support, parenting classes, parent-and-baby groups, baby massage, and baby sign language. Our friendly staff inform and support parents and grandparents as they select cloth diapers, nursing bras, breastpumps and breastfeeding accessories and much more. Drop in for a chat, nurse your baby in our lounge, and experience the warmth of the Mothering Touch. 975 Fort Street. 250-595-4905. www.motheringtouch.ca.

Planet Kids Comox is a child-centered store, offering a great play area, a washroom with a proper change table, and even extra diapering supplies if needed. We carry the latest in children’s clothing sizes—preemie to 10 years—and we are a full toy store with a little of everything for your newborn. Planet Kids Comox has a great consignment section, carrying maternity, and newborn to size 16 clothing, shoes, toys, and baby/children’s equipment. We have been lucky to serve our community for over 25 years. Please come and visit the next time you are in Comox, or checkout our active Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PlanetKidsToys.

Pumpkin Pie Kids Wear in Nanaimo has a great selection of quality shoes (baby to size 5 youth), clothes (preemie-8 years), toys and baby gear.  They are also a fitting shoe store featuring brands:  Stride Rite, Geox, Keen, Hatley, Kamik and Saucony. Whether it’s shoes, baby carriers, rain gear or organic layette, let Pumpkin Pie’s friendly, knowledgeable staff help you find the best product for your needs. 411A Fitzwilliam Street, Nanaimo. 250-754-3933. www.pumpkinpiekids.com.

Saanich Recreation classes for mom and babe allow parents and newborns to learn more about one another, establishing trust and routine. Once baby can walk, indoor and outdoor programs allow children to explore safely while the caregiver oversees their play. Encouraging independence comes with drop-off programs, including full-year preschools. All programs promote learning through play, and readiness for kindergarten via storytelling, dramatic play, circle time, art, music and physical skills. www.recreation.saanich.ca.

The Savvy Squirrel Coupon Book is your family-focused Go-To-Guide for shopping locally. Created by two local moms for families and caregivers living in Greater Victoria, including Sidney and Langford. Find coupons for wonderful local businesses including baby and maternity stores, diapering, clothing, health and wellness, groceries, cafés and more. Pick up your copy of the new edition in stores now. $100’s in savings for only $10! Sign up for our e-newsletter at www.SquirrelCouponBook.com.

Scallywags Children’s Boutique is your local destination for all your new parent goodies. Whether it is an organic onesie or kimono, a beautiful first dress, natural rubber soothers or stylish diaper bags, baby carriers or other accessories, we carry the best selection in town. We also have a great baby gift registry program. So stop by one of our two convenient locations, downtown at the Bay Centre or Broadmead Village, and our knowledgeable staff will help you make the best selection for your needs. www.scallywags-island.ca.

Sleep Sense Victoria believes that healthy sleep habits make for healthy happy children. I work together, either through private consultations or seminars, with parents to customize a sleep plan that fits for parents as well as meets the sleep needs of their child. Let’s get your child sleeping well through the night and taking adequate naps during the day! Please contact Sukkie Sandhu at 250-857-1408 or email sukkie.sandhu@sleepsense.net.
Spina Bifida. Something so small can make such a big difference. Folic acid reduces the risk of birth defects such as spina bifida. It is found in some foods but for most women, eating fortified food is not enough. To reach the recommended daily level you will need a vitamin supplement and it should be taken at least three months before pregnancy. Help protect your baby before it is born by getting enough folic acid daily. www.sbhabc.org.

Parents, have you heard that Thrifty Foods has a virtual store? We know you don’t always have time to get to the grocery store, so we’re ready to help you. You make the selections and your shopper chooses the best quality products and packages your groceries just like you would so they get to you in excellent condition. The convenience of Thrifty Foods Online Shopping is that you can shop any time of the day that suits you or your baby. Upon delivery of your groceries, our driver will accept payment at your door using a wireless terminal (VISA, MasterCard, Amex, “Smile Card” or Debit). Visit thriftyfoodsonline.com and let us do the shopping for you.

Whether it’s diapers or decor, TJ’s The Kiddies Store is the place to go for all your baby needs. Welcoming your new baby into the world is a wonderful and challenging experience; so many decisions and so little time. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to help make your decisions as stress-free as possible. Our selection varies from furniture sets to safety items and everything in between. TJ’s is also a great place for gifts—with a baby registry and many wonderful gift ideas, you will be able to find the right thing to make any new parent happy. We’re easy to find at 3045-c Douglas Street (enter off Larch Street)… we’re under Sleep Country. 250-386-2229.

Mark your calendar for September 28 & 29, 2013. The 7th annual Vancouver Island Baby Fair is happening at Pearkes Rec Centre. We’ll have an arena of exhibitors, a full lineup of informative talks on the main stage, great shopping and resources, fantastic prizes, our popular photo contest, baby races and more for families ranging from pregnancy through preschool. Exhibitor registration is on now. Visit VancouverIslandBabyFair.com for details or call 250-686-5693.
   
Victoria Midwives. Midwives care for women throughout pregnancy, birth and for six weeks postpartum. Midwives offer personalized care and provide education and counselling that address the physical, emotional, and cultural needs of women and their families. Midwives offer a choice of birthplace either in hospital, or at home. Midwives provide breastfeeding support, ensure the mother is recovering from the birth, and monitor the baby’s growth. Midwifery care is covered by your care card. See our ad on page 5. midwivesinvictoria.ca.

The Vitamin Shop. New and expecting moms need to know that diet is most important. Unfortunately, food is not what it used to be, therefore it is also important to take a good multiple supplement along with other nutrients to assure that both baby and mom receive the right nourishment along the way. Find the most comprehensive selection of everything you need for your pre- and post-natal “good health” at the Vitamin Shop, 1212 Broad Street. Phone 250-386-1212.

Welcome Wagon’s New Parent Market reaches new mothers with greetings and congratulations personally presented at home after the birth of their babies. A package of pertinent information on civic and community services is presented, followed by a directory of our sponsors and token gifts from participating businesses and, where appropriate, printed invitations for the family to redeem at their place of business. We also do Baby Showers for expectant moms. There we provide civic and educational information. It is given to mom before baby is born. For more information please visit www.welcomewagon.ca or call 1-866-518-7287.

West Shore Parks & Recreation offers a wide range of programs for young families and expectant parents. Our Toddler Social program is the perfect informal drop-in for you and your little one to explore music, activities and more. There are stroller fitness classes and pre-natal yoga, but if you are just looking to sneak in a workout, we offer child minding Monday-Friday 9am-12:30pm. For information, visit westshorerecreation.ca or call 250-478-8383. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westshorerecreation.•