Pathways | Right From the Start - Prenatal Registration and Services

Right From the Start - Prenatal Registration and Services

Family / Parenting, Healthcare Providers, Pregnancy Care, and Public Health

Provided by Island Health

Provides support for pregnant people and new parents, their babies, children and families.

Created by women for women, this program is offered by public health nurses who work in partnership with patients. Nurses are available by phone or in-person at Island Health public health units across the region, and are available to listen and understand what is important for the patient, right from the start.

Services & Resources Upon Referral

Prenatal Services: Identify topics important during pregnancy such as nutrition, lifestyle factors, community support and your hopes for your pregnancy and birth. You may want information about getting ready for your baby’s arrival, including what to expect when feeding and caring for your new baby.
Postpartum Support: Being at home with a new baby can be an emotional time, Right from the Start offers physical and emotional support to new parents and their babies, including infant feeding, and you and your baby’s well-being and care.
Breastfeeding Support: Call or come by for clinic-based baby feeding assessments and breastfeeding support.
Family and Community Health: Assists the patient when locating the services in the community that could be helpful during their pregnancy. This includes transportation, housing and nutritional support. The patient will be provided with referrals to health and community resources as needed.
Child Health Clinics and Immunization: Starting at two months of age.
Baby's Best Chance, A Parents' Handbook of Pregnancy and Baby Care: Pick-up your free copy at any Public Health Unit.
Nurse-Family Partnership: A free public health program for women 24 years or younger having their first baby, and ensures both parent and baby receive support during pregnancy and after the child is born, up to two years of age. The nurse provides a safe space to ask questions, explore topics related to pregnancy, childbirth and child development, and any other topic of concern or interest. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, the nurse/public health unit will direct you to other programs.