Maternity care

There are 11 maternity care units in Northern Health

They offer:

• Labour and birth care for vaginal births and vaginal births after C-section (VBAC)
• Obstetrical care for C-sections and surgical procedures
• Postpartum and newborn care

Not all maternity care units are equipped to deliver all services noted. Talk with your maternity care provider (including family physician, registered midwife, or obstetrician for higher risk pregnancy) to support your individual labour and birth plan.

Doula support

If you are interested in including a doula (also called a birth coach) in your birth experience, learn about your options from Doula Services Association of BC. There is a grant program available for Indigenous families living in BC to access up to $1,000 of coverage for full spectrum doula support with each pregnancy. Learn more about Doulas for Aboriginal Families – BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC).

Featured resources

• Doulas and support during childbirth – HealthLink BC
• Find a doula in BC – Doula Services Association of BC
• Find a maternity care provider – Pathways Medical Care Directory
• Find a midwife – Midwives Association of British Columbia
• Labour and birth – HealthLink BC

For more information

• Email us at HealthyStart@northernhealth.ca
• Contact the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Maternal and Child Health Program for labour and birth supports in local First Nations communities.
• Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (or 1-604-215-8110) to reach a nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, or exercise professional.