I had my baby, now what?
While you may just want to get home and snuggle that baby, don’t forget these important details within that first week home.
Register baby’s birth online* to get a birth certificate, enrol baby in the Medical Services Plan, apply for Canada Child Benefits, and apply for baby’s Social Insurance Number.
- Note: Registration is free but there is a fee to request a printed birth certificate which requires a credit card. You can also pay in cash or in person at the Service BC Office located at 115-1180 Ironwood Street, Campbell River or call (250) 286-7555.
If applicable, add baby to your or your partner’s medical benefits with work – many benefit providers only allow a 30-day window after the birth to register.
Follow up with your care provider about dates for post partum check ups, vaccination schedule & location, public health contact for support first 6 weeks.
Babies do all sorts of weird things at weird hours! From oddly coloured poops to gassy tummies, a funky looking rash, running a temperature or an accidental bonk on the head.
When you have a concern and it’s “off hours” for your care provider or clinics, call Healthlink BC at 8-1-1 for 24/7 help with non-emergency situations. You will have the option to speak with a registered nurse if you have concerns about baby and aren’t sure whether you should see your care provider or go to the ER. These amazing nurses will be able to help guide you to the appropriate resources. There is also access to speaking with doctors and some specialists if they aren’t able to answer your question. Make sure to have baby’s healthcare number on hand when you call in.
Breastfeeding Support
Check the website for current dates and times for drop ins.
Breast Milk Depot
Nanaimo General Hospital
Parenting Support
Period of PURPLE Crying
Information to help parents understand this time in their baby’s life, from 2 weeks of age and continues until about 3 to 4 months.
Baby Bed Program
The Baby Bed program is a safe-sleep initiative that provides a bed for baby.
CR Family Services
Campbell River Family Services Society, a non-profit, charitable organization has been providing quality services to individual, children, and families living in the Campbell River area since 1977.
Baby’s Best Chance
If you are about to have a baby, or just had a baby, this handbook is for you. Baby’s Best Chance is a reference guide for parents. Topics covered include pregnancy, birth and parenting a baby up to six months of age.
Laichwiltach Family Life Society
Creating a community service hub for Aboriginal Children and Families.
