Types of Birth (VBAC & TOLAC)

If you have previously had a cesarean section, this is an important topic to discuss with your midwives. You can find more information about cesarean birth in our late pregnancy section below. We include information about VBAC or TOLAC here, as this is an important topic to discuss early in pregnancy on Salt Spring. Since Salt Spring Island is a remote, midwife-led maternity centre, we do not recommend planning to give birth anywhere on Salt Spring Island if you have had a previous c-section. We will discuss this carefully throughout your prenatal care with us and we know this is a difficult topic for some folks. We endeavour to offer you informed choices and supportive care.

Late Pregnancy & Prepping for Birth

  • Types of Birth

    Read more about the different forms of birth in order to make an informed decision that is right for you.

    Read More

  • My Next Birth

    My Next Birth aims to give you clear information that supports your values and goals for your next birth after a cesarean delivery.

    Click Here

  • VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Caesarean Section)

    A helpful tool from the Association of Ontario Midwives to help in the decision.

    Read More

  • 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. A good source of resources.

    Click Here

  • Where Should I Have My Baby?

    Are you considering birthing on Salt Spring? Read through this and certainly discuss all your options with your midwife in order to make an informed decision. You can also read a study done on the outcomes of births on Salt Spring Island here

    Click Here

  • Childbirth Education

    A quick sheet with a number of resources for both free and paid classes for expectant parents

    Download Here

  • Fetal Movement Awareness

    Most people are aware of times during the day when their baby is typically “busy” or active from about 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. One way for you to be aware of your baby’s well-being is called Fetal Movement Awareness.

    In pregnancies with risk factors, you may be asked to do daily Fetal Movement Kick Counting. We use the handout linked below for people to track their Fetal Kick Counts.

    Download Here

  • Choice of Birth Place

    A helpful guide from the Ontario Association of Midwives to help you make your decision of place of birth

    Click Here

  • Home Birth

    If you're thinking about a home birth this is a great resource with lots of great information, and a helpful home birth supply list

    Click Here

  • Sanctuary Wood Farm House

    An affordable option for families facing displacement from their communities for birth Hosted by a former labour & delivery nurse

    Click Here

  • Childbearing Society

    Prenatal classes for expecting parents. Vancouver-based

    Click Here

  • Janeece Place

    Provided by the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island; Janeece Place offers a home for families to stay while receiving medical care in Victoria

    Check it Out

  • Mothering Touch

    Online and in-person prenatal, parenting classes based out of Victoria

    Click Here

  • Safe Beginnings

    Online courses and resources for child safety included care seat prep and infant CPR

    Click Here

  • Pregnancy, Childbirth & Your New Baby

    A step-by-step online program offered by the Pacific Rim Colllege

    Find out More

  • Antenatal Expression of Colostrum

    Mothers start to produce colostrum (early milk) while pregnant. Being able to express colostrum is a useful skill to have. Saving your expressed colostrum may also be beneficial if your baby is likely to need special care after birth.

    Find out more at La Leche linked below

    Find out More

  • Evidence on Inducing for Due Dates

    Information on going past your due date and induction of labour from Evidence Based Birth

    Click Here

  • Pregnancy Past the Due Date

    A resource from the Ontario Association of Midwives to help you make an informed decision about what the best next steps are should your pregnancy go past your due date

    Click Here

  • Spinning Babies

    A great resource for guidance with birth preparation and optimal positioning of the fetus for an easier birth

    Check it Out

  • Pelvic Floor Preperation

    The Pelvic Floor Project is a physiotherapy-led project to help expecting parents prepare for an easier birth. This physiotherapist is Kelowna-based and even has a YouTube channel with helpful videos like this perineal massage technique.

    Check them Out

  • Oxytocin During the Third Stage Labour

    Resources from Evidence Based birth regarding the third stage of birth or the ‘placental stage’ and the role Oxytocin plays. *Note this resource is US-based and they refer to Oxytocin as Pitocin

    Read More

  • The Miles Circuit

    A useful movement routine for pregnant individuals to get their baby in the optimal position for labour.

    Click Here