Smart Mom 

SmartMom is a Canadian prenatal education program that provides trustworthy educational text messages to help guide you through the weeks of your pregnancy. Our information is current, evidence-based and has been developed by maternal and child health experts. We will suggest topics to discuss with your health care provider and offer recommendations for more information and resources available online and in your own community. SmartMom is endorsed by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC).

Optimal Birth BC

Optimal Birth BC is a team of clinical practitioners and researchers who work with health authorities in BC to critically review rates of cesarean birth and associated patient and practice-related factors. We work with policy planners and care providers to optimize the rate of cesarean birth. We do this by synthesizing best evidence to inform practice, providing tools for change, and informing the public about options.? Normal vaginal birth is the safest and best option for both moms and babies in BC.

BC Prenatal Screening
Phone: 604-877-2121 ext 223772   |  Fax: 604-872-1987
Address: West Tower, 3rd Floor, 555 West 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3X7

Prenatal screening is available for all pregnant women in BC, but the decision whether to have screening is a woman’s choice. This screening is a part of the overall prenatal care offered free of charge to all pregnant women in the province.  The BC Prenatal Genetic Screening Program is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority’s Perinatal Services BC.

Optimal Fetal Positioning (aka “Spinning Babies”)
E-mail: gail@gmail.com
Phone: (952) 888-6929

Spinning Babies Website is a project of Gail Tully, a home birth midwife in Minnesota, USA. She is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), credentialed by North American Registry of Midwives. From observations and study, Gail adds her contribution to the topic of Optimal Foetal Positioning (Fetal Positioning in the US). Read more about the background of Spinning Babies and where the techniques came from by clicking Read About…

Kamloops Breastfeeding Services
Kamloops Breastfeeding Services offers convenient, professional and personalized clinic and virtual appointments for families to support and assist them to meet their infant feeding goals. Booking available online for clinic and virtual appointments.

Kamloops Breastfeeding Clinic

Located at the Kamloops Public Health Office, IH Breastfeeding Clinics and Support Programs provides one-to-one consultation for individuals experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding. Access to services may be drop in or by appointment.  Call 250-851-7300

Breastfeeding Matters in Kamloops
(Facebook page)
Non profit local organization to promote and protect and support breastfeeding in Kamloops.

La Leche League Kamloops
LLLC Leader: Kelly

La Leche League is a non profit program offering parent-to-parent support for pregnant individuals, new parents and beyond.  Their mission is to encourage, promote and provide support for breastfeeding, chest-feeding, and human-donor milk feeding families. Local LLLC Leader Kelly: 250-579-8299

After reviewing the scientific evidence for and against circumcision, the CPS does not recommend routine circumcision for newborn boys. Many paediatricians no longer perform circumcisions.

The most current information on sexual and reproductive health — a quick reference for what you need to know.

Birth Matters Doula Services – Jodi Anderson
E-mail: jodi@mightyoakmidwifery.ca
Address: Kamloops, BC, Canada
Phone: bus. 250-372-3733 cel: 250-819-2099

Jodi has been a Doula and Childbirth Educator since 1999, supporting hundreds of families through pregnancy, labour, birth and post-partum.   She offers group prenatal classes in person and virtual, and hosts many guest instructors and special classes such as infant CPR and grandparents’ classes! As a doula Jodi provides dedicated support during labour, and has worked closely with Mighty Oak Midwifery since 2009.  Jodi’s team now includes professional doulas Kayla Wolfe and Jasper Bailey.

Special Delivery Doula Services
Janet Harder

Janet is a certified doula, lamaze educator and breastfeeding counsellor. She believes that all women, no matter how or where they choose to give birth, should hav continuous support, encouragement and respect.

Yelál Birth Collective
Sage Thomas

Providing Chiropractic Care, Rehabilitation, Soft Tissue Therapy, and Registered Massage Therapy for Prenatal and Postnatal Care. We also provide Pediatric Chiropractic Care including newborn/infant treatments.

We also offer personalized exercise and stretching programs for prenatal and postnatal rehab AND fitness!

Chiropractic Care can help with the following issues relating to pregnancy: Low back pain or hip pain, mid back pain, headaches, and general stiffness.

Chiropractic Care may also help with the following newborn/infant issues: Birth trauma, torticollis, colic, and trouble feeding.

Karuna’s Wellness Studio
E-mail: karuna.cox@gmail.com
Address: 405 Railway Ave, Ashcroft, BC, Canada
Phone: 778 207 4108

Karuna is an AAH Certified Hypnotherapist specializing in Birth trauma, (cesarean, miscarriage, still birth, etc) anxiety, phobias, smoking cessation and a host of other concerns.Whether you are looking for support in having the most joyful birth possible or are needing some support with concerns in your own birth or the birth of your children, Hypnotherapy and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) will assist you in your gentle birthing goals. By clearing out any emotional and energetic blockages, Hypnotherapy and EFT serve to wipe the slate clean so that you are able to focus 100% on THIS birth.

Karuna has studied midwifery since 1999 and served as a DONA certified Doula in that time. Her own personal birthing history covers the spectrum of C/S to gentle home birth, surrounded only by friends and family who trusted in her and baby.

Let Karuna assist you in achieving the birth YOU want..

Mother Ease Cloth Diapers, Made in Canada
E-mail: diapers@mother-ease.com
Phone: 905 988-5188

All In One cloth diaper. With an exclusive side ventilation system, it combines an outer waterproof cover with an inner absorbent cotton material. Plastic snaps make cloth diapering easy and it fits a baby’s bottom snugly.

Spooner Sisters Designs
E-mail: spoonersistersdesigns@gmail.com
Phone: 250-299-5339

We sew hand-made products for mom and baby. We use designer cotton and create things such as large nursing covers with built in pockets, car seat canopies, burp cloths, crocheted hats, diaper clutches, change totes, luxurious baby minky blankets, custom onesies and so much more!

Naturopathic Physician
Address: Total Health Clinic, 735 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC, Canada
Phone: (250) 374-9700

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the underlying cause of disease. Symptoms of disease are seen as warning signals of improper functioning of the body, and unfavourable lifestyle habits.

Treating both acute and chronic conditions, naturopathic treatments are chosen based on the individual patient. In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, natural therapies including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, may also be used during treatments.

• Pre and Post-Natal Health
• Infertility
• Childhood Nutrition
• Immunization/Vaccination Questions
• Alternative treatments for common childhood ailments

The Best Chance

You are going to have a baby. Congratulations! Use this section of the website to help you understand pregnancy, including what to expect in each trimester, steps you can take to support your health, and how to prepare for your baby’s arrival.

While the majority of women in the United States give birth in the hospital setting, some families prefer to plan a home birth or birth in an out-of-hospital birth center. In the context of midwifery care, women are encouraged and supported to make informed choices regarding the type of maternity care experience that will best meet their individual needs, including location for the birth experience.

BMJ study on planned places of birth

To compare perinatal outcomes, maternal outcomes, and interventions in labour by planned place of birth at the start of care in labour for women with low risk pregnancies.

BMJ article on home birth 

To evaluate the safety of home births in North America involving direct entry midwives, in jurisdictions where the practice is not well integrated into the healthcare system.

CAM statement on home birth

The Canadian Association of Midwives believes that women have the right to make an informed choice regarding their place of birth.  Home birth should be an available option for all childbearing women in Canada.

CMAJ research article home birth

Planned home birth attended by a registered midwife was associated with very low and comparable rates of perinatal death and reduced rates of obstetric interventions and other adverse perinatal outcomes compared with planned hospital birth attended by a midwife or physician.

College of Midwives BC, statement on home birth

The CMBC supports a woman’s right to choose to give birth in her own home with her family. The World Health Organisation describes health as multi-dimensional. Decisions about health are based on many factors including physical, emotional, social, spiritual and cultural considerations. Women must be free to make decisions regarding birth based on all of these factors. Birth is more than a physical or medical event.

College of Midwives Ontario on home birth

The purpose of this statement is to affirm the College’s support for midwives providing care to women choosing a home birth.

College of Physicians & Surgeons of BC

The College supports a woman’s right to personal autonomy and decision making in obstetrical care. When a woman is considering planned home birth, physicians play an important role in providing advice and information so that it is an informed choice, considering all the benefits and potential adverse outcomes.

Home Birth: An annotated guide to the literature

This bibliography is offered as a resource for clinicians and others (researchers, educators and policy makers) who must, within their own context for work, assess the quality of the available evidence on planned home birth, for the purpose of clinical decision making or to contextu- alize the current international debate on safety, access, ethics, autonomy, and resource allocation with respect to birth place.

Outcomes Associated with Planned Home and Planned Hospital Births in Low-Risk Women Attended by Midwives in Ontario, Canada, 2003–2006: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Midwives in Ontario, Canada, provide care to low-risk women in a model of continuity or case-based care whereby a woman is attended by the same small group of midwives throughout pregnancy, birth, and the post- partum period. Women who meet selective criteria have the choice of a hospital birth or a planned home birth.

Outcomes of planned home births versus planned hospital births after regulation of midwifery in British Columbia

The choice to give birth at home with a regulated midwife in atten- dance became available to expectant women in British Columbia in 1998. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of home birth by comparing perinatal outcomes for planned home births attended by regulated midwives with those for planned hospital births.

Outcomes of planned home birth with registered midwife versus planned hospital birth with midwife or
E-mail: cmamsc@cma.ca
Address: 1867 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 5W8
Phone: 866-971-9171 x2295

Canadian Medical Association Journal -CMAJ showcases innovative research and ideas aimed at improving health for people in Canada and globally. It publishes original clinical research, analyses and reviews, news, practice updates and thought-provoking editorials. CMAJ.ca, a full-text website, allows people to use the latest health information. CMAJ has an impact factor of 7.3 and its website receives over 30 million requests a year.

Canadian Paediatric Society

Canadian Vaccination Risk Awareness Group

Our website is designed to provide you with more information about risks and potential side-effects of vaccines, to get support if you or someone you know may have suffered adverse reactions from vaccines, and to foster a mufti-disciplinary approach to child and family health.

Health Canada

Health Canada

Immunize BC

Immunize BC is a collaborative project of the Ministry of Health, BC Centre for Disease Control (an agency of the BC Provincial Health Services Authority), regional health authorities, First Nations and Inuit Health and HealthLink BC. Our mission is to improve the health of British Colombians by continuing to reduce the number of infections by vaccine-preventable diseases, along with the illness, disability and death that they cause.

Access Kamloops is a free, regularly updated directory connecting residents of Kamloops with a wide variety of not-for-profit resources.

Alive and Well Massage Therapy Clinic
E-mail: lonihorsley@gmail.com
Address: 790 Seymour St, Kamloops, BC, Canada
Phone: 250-374-6325

Alive and Well Massage Therapy Clinic Massage Therapists are registered with the College of Massage Therapists of BC, recognized as health professionals under the Canada Health Act. Many extended medical plans will cover the cost of some or all of the massage therapy session for mom or baby. BC MSP can cover $23 for up to 10 treatments per year for those in low income households; we are happy to help determine qualification for this benefit. The office is equipped with a bodyCushion designed specifically to accommodate pregnant women, adequately supporting the stomach so that back massage can be performed comfortably and safely.

To book your prenatal, post-natal or infant massage appointment with one of our RMTs, please call us at 250-374-6325and see our website for more information.

Dragonfly Counselling
Address: Kamloops, BC, Canada
Phone: 250 – 819 – 0268

Face-to-face and “E-Counselling” services for individuals and couples regarding grief & loss, peri-natal depression, marriage and family counselling, divorce and separation, addictions, and other services.

The concept of “Dragonfly” as a therapeutic philosophy, is derived from a story of a dragonfly nymph who lives life in the mud, content with what is, afraid to “climb the stalk” and become the beautiful, free-flying creature, he/she is intended to be. I chose this symbol because I believe that life is about transition.

Make Children First Coalition 

Address: 396 Tranquille Rd, Kamloops, V2B 3G7
Phone: 250-554-3134
Fax: 250-554-1833
E-Mail: jdtreherne@gmail.com Judy Treherne – Early Identification Coordinator, Make Children First

Make Children First (MCF) is a community coalition of individuals and organizations who believe that it takes the whole community to raise a child. The Make Children First coalition strives to make Kamloops the best possible place to raise young children by following their mission: “To enhance the ability of our community to support the healthy development of children and their families.”

Wild Roots Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture Clinic
E-mail: dr.andreahansen@gmail.com
Address: 260-546 St. Paul Street, Kamloops, BC, Canada
Phone: 250-682-7289

Wild Roots provides reproductive health services, including fertility awareness methods (FAM), acupuncture for IVF/ICSIcycles and acupuncture in pregnancy.

Baby Buddha Slings
E-mail: info@babybuddha.ca
Address: 11643 Campion Street Mission, BC V4S 1C9
Phone: 604.406.2013 FAX: 604.406.0044 TOLL FREE: 1.877.712.2299

Baby Buddha, the stretchy bamboo carrier.available in bamboo colours: Java Brown, Cocoa Brown, Raisin Brown, Forrest Green, Moss Green, Plum, Stormy Grey , Midnight Black

Our Modern Family Boutique
Phone: 250-374-8706

Inspired to create a fantastic convenient on-line place to shop for your children, your children’s children, and other important children in your life! We feature a unique selection of hard to find, quality items from around the planet, maintaining our focus on one of the most important aspects of being a baby: diapering!

Our Footprints Shop

Local family owned store offers eco-friendly, un-packaged, sustainable and zero waste products. “We are constantly growing our inventory and we would love to hear from our community about the products that you want to see.”

Midwifery Supplies Canada
Email: admin@canadianbirthproducts.com
Telephone 1 (866) 843-4909 (please note, we are in Vancouver, BC – PST time zone).

Midwifery Supplies Canada (a division of Canadian Birth Products Inc) is owned by Jill Colpitts. Jill is a CPR/first aid instructor, doula, and general birth enthusiast.

Mother Ease Cloth Diapers, Made in Canada
E-mail: diapers@mother-ease.com
Phone: 905 988-5188

All In One cloth diaper. With an exclusive side ventilation system, it combines an outer waterproof cover with an inner absorbent cotton material. Plastic snaps make cloth diapering easy and it fits a baby’s bottom snugly

Ovio Organic Skin Care Products, Kamloops
E-mail: abarker54@gmail.com
Phone: 250-376-8331

Pure Products for Your Skin.

Since January 2010, we are the leading society integrating disciplines and professions interested in nutrition in Canada.

Exercise in Pregnancy: SOGC Guidelines
E-mail: helpdesk@sogc.com
Phone: 613-730-4192

As the SOGC strives to advance culturally-safe health and healing for Aboriginal women, it welcomes the Government of Canada’s official endorsement of this important UN Declaration. This document sets out a number of principles to guide harmonious and cooperative relationships between Indigenous peoples and States — such as equality, partnership, good faith and mutual respect. In Canada, this show of support is a significant step forward in strengthening relations with Aboriginal peoples.

Fish & Seafood Consumption in Pregnancy
E-mail: Info@hc-sc.gc.ca
Phone: 613-957-2991

Canada’s Food Guide recommends that Canadians consume at least 150 grams (5 ounces) of cooked fish each week as part of a healthy pattern of eating. Experts around the world agree with this recommendation (WHO/FAO, 2003; US 2005 Dietary Advisory Committee, 2005; UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition, 2005; European Food Safety Authority, 2005). Yet, many women may avoid eating fish altogether because of concerns about the safety of fish intake during the pregnancy.

Health Canada
Health Canada

Health Canada Guidelines for Nutrition in Pregnancy
A woman’s nutritional and overall health, before and during pregnancy, influences the health of her developing baby. Eating well, combined with taking a daily multivitamin, can give a woman the nutrients she needs to feel good, have energy, and support a healthy pregnancy

Health Canada Guidelines on Fish Consumption in Pregnancy
Women who eat fish while pregnant give their growing fetus important nutrients. Fish is a unique choice among the Meat and Alternatives food group because of its fat profile; compared to other choices, fish is generally lower in saturated fats and higher in the long chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Fish also contains high quality protein and other essential nutrients: vitamins (such as vitamin D and choline) and minerals (such as selenium, iodine, iron, zinc and copper). (See table 1.)

Health Canada Nutrition in Pregnancy Guidelines
E-mail: Info@hc-sc.gc.ca
Phone: 613-957-2991

A woman’s nutritional and overall health, before and during pregnancy, influences the health of her developing baby.Eating well, combined with taking a daily multivitamin with folic acid and iron, can give a woman the nutrients she needs to feel good, have energy, and support a healthy pregnancy.

Raw Nutrition
E-mail: info@rawnutrition.ca
Toll Free 1-888-649-8025
Address: Raw Nutrition, 250 Belmont Road, Otter Lake  J0X 2P0 Canada

Vegan Pregnancy Tips
E-mail: vrg@vrg.org
Phone: (410) 366-8343

The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public on vegetarianism and the interrelated issues of health, nutrition, ecology, ethics, and world hunger. In addition to publishing the Vegetarian Journal, VRG produces and sells cookbooks, other books, pamphlets, and article reprints.Our health professionals, activists, and educators work with businesses and individuals to bring about healthy changes in your school, workplace, and community. Registered dietitians and physicians aid in the development of nutrition related publications and answer member or media questions about the vegetarian diet. The Vegetarian Resource Group is a non-profit organization. Financial support comes primarily from memberships, contributions, and book sales.

Vegetarian Nutrition
E-mail: not@available.com
Phone: 416-544-9800

The Toronto Vegetarian Association is Toronto’s go-to resource for all things veg. We provide vital information through healthy eating workshops, our walk-in resource centre, our vegetarian business directory, and North America’s largest Annual Vegetarian Food Fair.

Dusty Rose Collective

Taylor is a family photographer based in Kamloops, BC. When she’s not behind her camera you can probably find her curled up at home with her husband, three children and their dog. She loves to explore around this beautiful city, take in it’s surroundings and community events that the city puts on. This is so much more than a job to her, it’s her passion and she feels lucky every single day to be able to pursue something that she loves.

Ann Weninger Photography

A Kamloops based photographer specializing in newborn, pregnancy, children and family photography. Vintage inspired images.

Life Unfolding Photography

Offering a variety of photography services, including experienced professional homebirth photography with the Mighty Oak Midwives!

Captured Memories Photography

Photography specializing in creating beautiful and timeless pregnancy, newborns, babies, children and families.

Our Prenatal Class is the most comprehensive series of prenatal & post-partum classes offered in Kamloops. Classes are taught by a facilitator with over 18 years experience in labour, birth and post-partum. Our classes are for everyone; whether you plan to birth at home or the hospital.Prenatal classes will include; group discussions, videos, demonstrations, and plenty of time to practice supporting techniques. And the PlumTree Baby curriculum binder.

Tiny Blessings Prenatal
E-mail: tinyblessingsprenatal@yahoo.ca
Address: 2164 Crescent Dr, Kamloops, BC, Canada
Phone: 250-819-0510

We offer interactive, individualized Prenatal Education focusing on coping in late pregnancy, labour and delivery, breastfeeding and newborn care. Classes are facilitated by a registered nurse.