Our Services

Prenatal & Pregnancy Care Services

Services

1. Acupuncture

Registered acupuncture in Victoria, BC.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has promoted specialized treatment for women in pregnancy care and postpartum recovery for over 3000 years. Pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal recovery are viewed as essential to and as a window of opportunity to enhance a woman’s well being and health. Therefore if proper care is not taken the resulting problems may affect a woman for her whole life. Thus, prevention is essential to strengthen the mother and baby and all problems are dealt with as they occur during pregnancy. Today this care is becoming increasingly widespread and is used by acupuncturists and specially trained midwives in countries such as Denmark, England, France, Germany, Holland, Norway, Sweden, and New Zealand. In these countries acupuncture is available in specialized antenatal clinics and maternity hospitals.

Learn more about our acupuncture services +

  • Pregnancy Acupuncture

    Miscarriage, Threatened miscarriage, Early pregnancy supportive care, Nausea and vomiting, Constipation and hemorrhoids, Varicose veins and vulval varicosities, Headaches and migraines, Musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, pelvic and hip pain, Fatigue and exhaustion, Anxiety and depression, Itching in pregnancy, Hypertension disorders including Pregnancy-induced hypertension, Gestational diabetes, Breech and posterior positioned babies, Preparation for a medical Induction, Pre-birth acupuncture to prepare the body for an efficient labour, Acupressure taught to support people to use for pain relief during labour, Postpartum recovery

  • At our clinic we happily treat individuals of all varied genders and life stages. This includes (but is not limited to!) male, non-binary, non-gestating, early life, and late life folk.

    Each therapist at Lagoon Prenatal has specified training in all things reproductive health, pregnancy, postpartum and beyond, and as such we have a special focus on perinatal acupuncture.

    Click here to learn more.

  • We take extra care to ensure your comfort through pregnancy with enhanced pillowing, semi-reclined bed positions, and any other adjustments you might need.

    Initial consultation

    Your journey begins with an initial consultation in a private treatment room with a member of our acupuncture team. During this one-on-one discussion, you'll have the opportunity to share your health concerns, medical history, and any specific symptoms you're experiencing. This conversation helps us gain a comprehensive understanding of your unique needs.

    Assessment

    After the initial consultation, your therapist will perform a physical examination, which may involve checking your pulse, tongue, and feeling for any areas of tension or discomfort. These diagnostic tools allow the practitioner to identify imbalances in your physical body and its energy, or Qi.

    Prepare for treatment

    Based on the information gathered from your intake form, interview, and assessment, your registered acupuncturist will create a personalized treatment plan. You will lay, or sit comfortably on a treatment table. It's advisable to wear loose-fitting clothing to ensure easy access to acupuncture points, but you are welcome to snuggle in fresh sheets and blankets if needed.

    During treatment

    The heart of the acupuncture session involves the gentle insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on your body. The needles are extremely thin, and the sensation is typically minimal, often described as a slight pinch or tingling. Your practitioner will place the needles strategically to address your unique concerns. Your therapist may also use other strategies such as acupressure, cupping, moxibustion, and other traditional healing methods. Once the needles are in place, you'll have the opportunity to relax and unwind. The duration of your treatment will vary depending on your specific condition but typically lasts around 40 minutes.

    Post treatment discussion

    Following your acupuncture session, you'll have a post-treatment discussion with your acupuncturist. They may offer lifestyle and other recommendations to complement your treatment plan and promote overall well-being.

2. Birth Photography

Capturing your story as you bring your baby earth-side.

Freeze those precious once-in-a-lifetime moments of personal and familial evolution. We will document the hours and moments before your baby arrives, and savor the memories as you smell, hear, see your little one for the first time.

  • Each birth photographer sets their own rates. To view their rates and packages please visit our staff directory to find their websites and price guides.

3. Childbirth Education

Prenatal Education Classes Featuring Lamaze Safe & Healthy Birth Practices

“Born to Birth Prenatal Education” is a comprehensive 12-hour prenatal education experience filled with interactive content, evidence-based education, and hands-on practice in Victoria BC’s Westshore (Colwood BC) at Lagoon Prenatal.

Our belief is simple: every birthing person and family deserves a safe, empowering, and joyful experience.

Whether you choose to give birth at Victoria General Hospital or at home, our approach to pregnancy, labour, and postpartum care is grounded in compassion, respect, and evidence-based practices relevant to maternity care in BC.

  • What sets us apart is our focus on navigating and self-advocating within the healthcare system at Victoria General Hospital, adding a distinctive layer to our comprehensive approach.

    Diane, our prenatal educator, is an experienced labour and delivery registered nurse and a certified Lamaze childbirth educator. She designs each class to fit the unique needs of the birthing team, following Lamaze International’s Six Healthy and Safe Birth Practices, and emphasizing trauma-informed and family-centred care. With expertise spanning prenatal, labour, delivery, breastfeeding, postpartum, newborn care, mental health and trauma, she guides individuals with confidence and compassion through the transformative experience of childbirth.

    Through personalized, hands-on techniques and open communication, our goal is to foster a trusting and supportive environment where individuals can make informed decisions and feel empowered throughout the entire birthing process. Our hands-on training covers breathing techniques, pain management, labouring, birthing and breastfeeding methods. We collaborate closely to address your newborn's needs.

    The handouts provided after each class are designed to summarize all the key information and skills we discussed and practiced, reinforcing your confidence. They are beautifully designed as handy references, making it easier for you to access essential knowledge and feel ready for labour, birth, and postpartum experiences in your journey to parenthood.

    This program is designed to provide exceptional value, ensuring expectant parents receive a truly extraordinary and unique educational journey.

  • Lamaze International is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote safe and healthy pregnancy, birth, and early parenting through evidence-based education and advocacy. Their vision is to be the trusted global leader, ensuring all parents make confident and informed decisions for safe, healthy births. The goal is to empower parents, making them feel confident and supported as they navigate pregnancy, birth, and parenthood.

    Our extensive prenatal education program is built upon the principles of the Lamaze 6 Healthy and Safe Birth Practices, with the initial four practices developed by the World Health Organization (WHO):

    • Let labour begin on its own.

    • Walk, move around and change positions throughout labour.

    • Bring a loved one, friend or doula for continuous support.

    • Avoid interventions that are not medically necessary.

    • Avoid giving birth on your back and follow your body’s urges to push.

    • Keep mother and baby together; it’s best for mother, baby and breastfeeding

  • We are pleased to offer a completely free consultation with Born to Birth instructor, Diane, prior to booking to learn more how this unique and individualized course can serve you on your journey to parenthood.

    Your investment in Born to Birth includes:

    • Enrolment for 2x students (birther and their support)

    • Free initial video consultation

    • 12+ hours of in-person, evidence-based prenatal education

    • 3 comprehensive courses—Childbirth Preparation, Postpartum and Newborn Care, and Breastfeeding Education—for the cost of just one.

    • Course material personalized to your learning needs

    • Classes taught by a LDR trained RN from VGH and a Lamaze certified childbirth educator

    • Email and ongoing support

    • Private Facebook group

    • Access to beautifully designed handouts for your ongoing reference and review.

    • Discounted (15% off) rental fees at Lagoon Prenatal for ElleTENS Machines, and/or The Birth Sling.

4. Physiotherapy

SUPPORT FOR PELVIC HEALTH, prenatal CARE, PELVIC PAIN CONDITIONS, URINARY CONCERNS AND MORE.

Pregnancy is a time of major change to the pelvic floor and core, which can lead to common pelvic health concerns (ie. leaking, heaviness/pressure, pain, etc). Together we’ll focus on beneficial pelvic floor and core work that will serve you throughout pregnancy and into postpartum. Increasing your resilience and adaptability to support your body and well-being.

Learn more about our physiotherapy services +

  • Pelvic health physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy that addresses the pelvic floor muscles, and concerns such as incontinence, urinary urgency and/or frequency, retention, constipation, diastasis recti abdominis, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, as well as prenatal, postpartum, and perimenopausal pelvic health.

  • Your sessions may include the following:

    • Learning about you and your health history

    • Internal assessment of pelvic anatomy, tissue, and muscles - this is only done if necessary with informed consent by you

    • EMG Biofeedback

    • Pelvic floor and core muscular retraining

    • Education

    • A home exercise program

    During a subsequent appointment we discuss how you have been feeling since the previous visit, we will reassess, evaluate progress, review the treatment plan and make changes as appropriate.

5. Registered Massage Therapy

Perinatal Massage Therapy — Through preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum

Massage therapy with a unique and specific focus on supporting the pregnant body. Each of our RMT's have extended training in pregnancy and birth, and are deeply passionate about creating a safe and satisfying experience for you and your baby. We take care to offer a variety of positions, bolsters, and pillowing options to ensure you feel relaxed and secure through each stage of pregnancy, and we are prepared to treat any conditions that may arise for you along the way. Prenatal massage can begin as soon as you find out you are pregnant, and can continue throughout the entire duration of pregnancy.

  • Yes!

    From the moment your baby is conceived until the moment they are born (and beyond) massage therapy is safe during pregnancy. When you choose a registered healthcare provider who is educated in pregnancy specific conditions, indications, and contraindications, they will know how best to assess you to have a safe, effective treatment, no matter how far into the pregnancy you are.

    Each massage therapy session is tailored to fit your specific needs, much like any other massage therapy appointment. Be sure to update your therapist on any news or medical check in’s you’ve had since you’ve seen them last.

    • General aches and pains

    • Pelvic girdle pain (SI joint, low back, hips, pubic symphysis)

    • Rib pain

    • Postural changes

    • Plantar fasciitis (foot pain)

    • Labour preparation

    • Pre-partum anxiety and depression

    • Prenatal insomnia

    • Breast pain and tenderness

    • Carpal tunnel syndrome

    • Leg cramping and spasms

6. Reiki

harnessing the power of "universal life force energy" to restore balance and ignite healing

Reiki is a revered Japanese stress-reduction technique, delves deep into the essence of our being, harnessing the power of "universal life force energy" to restore balance and ignite healing across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual realms. This vital life force, ever-flowing within us, dictates our well-being, vitality, and resilience.

  • Reiki offers holistic support for individuals navigating reproductive health challenges. It promotes overall well-being, balances energy flow, and enhances the body's natural healing abilities.

  • During pregnancy, Reiki provides gentle and nurturing support for both the mother and the developing baby. It promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and fosters a deep connection between the mother and the unborn child.

    Reiki can also be a supportive tool for reproductive health, postpartum support, and for general wellness.

7. Somatic Sound

Bathing in the healing sound frequencies and vibrations is like getting a massage for your mind, body, and spirit.

Immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of various instruments and vibrational sound tools, as they bring about deep peace and relaxation in your whole being, raising your frequency, balancing the energy in your body, and promoting a sense of harmonious re-balancing.

  • Sound baths are deep listening experiences crafted to support restful states, curiosity, presence, nourished imagination, and somatic rejuvenation through immersive soundscapes. The purpose of sound meditation is not entertainment, but entrainment to unique and unusual overtones that support our brain and nervous system functions. Sound meditation can occur in many ways—whether tuning into the symphony of nature, listening to a live sound bath, meditating on a piece of music, or intentionally creating sound ourselves.

  • Offering gentle and nurturing support during pregnancy, promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and fostering a deep connection between the mother and the unborn child. Sound travels faster through liquid, which enhances the effectiveness of sound baths for children. Typically, sound baths promote the release of hormones associated with happiness, well-being, and love.

    Sound baths can also be a supportive tool for reproductive health, the postpartum period and general wellness.

8. Labour Support

“Birth is not only about making babies,
it’s about making parents.”

Labor support in massage therapy is the focused practice of caring for a family in the months and weeks leading up to the birth, supporting them during the birth journey (in home, or hospital), and helping them transition postpartum. They will guide you to identify your values, goals, and thoughts of what a satisfying birth experience looks like, help you develop a plan or strategy to meet these goals, and ensure you feel as physically prepared and empowered as possible.

  • Before your baby’s birth the treatment focus is preparation. Your labor support massage therapist will provide unbiased and evidence-informed education along the way, practice hands-on treatments for you (and your birth partner!), and design homecare techniques to optimize your body’s innate stamina and resilience.

    When it comes time for the birth journey to begin your RMT will be on-call and ready to join you at your chosen birthing and laboring locations. During labor your RMT will offer continuous support to your family through means of hands-on massage care, positioning suggestions, hydrotherapy, verbal encouragement, coaching, and guiding you through the comfort strategies you practiced together in the preparation sessions prior. They will remain with your family until after your baby is born and until you feel ready for quiet bonding time.

    You and your massage therapist will schedule your postpartum support in the days and weeks after your child has arrived. They may offer in-hospital treatment, gentle home-based body work, infant massage lessons, and general personalized care designed to reorient you back into your body, nervous system, and new family.

  • A massage therapist as a doula:

    As a registered massage therapist in British Columbia there are specific techniques and care models that fall within our scope of practice that are permitted by our by-laws. According to the College Of Massage Therapists in which they are governed, “doula” services are not within our scope, and therefore cannot provide direct billing or registered receipts for those services.

    A massage therapist providing labor support:

    A massage therapist who provides support to you during labor through means of massage, physical support, education, position coaching, verbal guidance, encouragement, hydrotherapy, and resource sharing, is providing a service to you within the context of a massage therapy. We are happy to provide direct billing services and receipts for applicable services defined in our specifically designed birth packages .

  • Andrea Sanders: Andrea has been providing labor support since 2018 and has been honored to attend nearly 35 births and counting. Andrea is currently on hiatus from labor support and is only accepting birth photography clients she focuses on supporting her team in the clinic.
    Meet Andrea

    Sydney Crawford:  Sydney has achieved her Holistic Doula certification from Pacific Rim College, offers birth photography, and a unique learning program. Sydney is currently accepting labor support families.
    Meet Sydney.

    Holly Anderson: Holly is a full spectrum doula and trained with Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings on a scholarship. In addition to abortion and loss support, Holly began attending births and practicing birth photography in 2023. Holly is currently accepting labor support families.
    Meet Holly.

  • First, send us an inquiry through email with your due date so that we can see if we have a practitioner available for your timeline.

    Second, set up a free, no obligation to hire, meet and greet with one or all of the available practitioners. This meeting can include both the birthing parent and a partner, and will last about 45 minutes. We will discuss your pregnancy, thoughts on what you’d like your birth to look like, any questions or concerns you might have, and just get to know each other!

    Note: Choosing your labor support is a very individual process. It should not be rushed, and it should feel “right” for both parties.

    Last, pay the agreed upon retainer fee for the practitioner’s services to confirm your spot in their schedule.

  • Just like you, we are unique.

    Your package will consist of a combination of prenatal meetings, postpartum sessions, and of course the on-call period and birth day (or days). Specifics of each package (including tools and techniques) will vary depending on the individual practitioner. You will discuss all this in your free meet and greet. 

  • Similar as described above, your investment per practitioner will vary. There will always be a $300.00 non-refundable, non-insurance billable deposit to retain their services. You will discuss more details in your free meet and greet.

9. Clinical Counselling

Nurturing your mind and heart through a transformative time

Pregnancy is a time of anticipation, joy, and sometimes anxiety. Certified counselling provides essential support for expectant parents and families, helping you navigate the emotional and psychological changes that accompany this significant life transition. Counselling during the prenatal and pregnancy period is a valuable resource, ensuring that expectant families receive the emotional support and guidance they need for a healthy and positive pregnancy experience.

  • Some of the benefits of counselling during the prenatal period include:

    Emotional Support: Offers a safe space to discuss feelings of anxiety, fear, or excitement, ensuring emotional balance and well-being.

    Stress Management: Provides strategies to manage stress and anxiety related to pregnancy, childbirth, and becoming a parent.

    Preparation for Parenthood: Helps in preparing mentally and emotionally for the upcoming changes, fostering a positive mindset and readiness for parenthood.

    Coping with Physical Changes: Assists in adjusting to the physical changes of pregnancy, promoting a healthy body image and self-esteem.

    Relationship Support: Aids in maintaining strong relationships with partners, family, and friends, enhancing communication and mutual support.

    Addressing Pregnancy-Related Concerns: Offers guidance and support for any pregnancy-related issues, such as fears about childbirth or concerns about the baby's health.

  • We offer individual and couples counselling services for concerns and issues in the following areas:

    Perinatal Mental Health

    • Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders

    • Birth trauma 

    • Fertility and conception

    • Parenting challenges

    • Identity and role confusion

    • Relationship strain

    • Grief & loss 

    Trauma

    • First responder trauma 

    • Intergenerational trauma 

    • Childhood trauma 

    • Medical trauma

    • Intimate partner violence

    Interpersonal Relationships

    • Communication challenges in relationships

    • Intimacy and emotional connections in couples

    • Family dynamics and conflict resolution

    • Navigating boundaries in social relationships

    • Understanding and meeting emotional needs

    • Building healthy relationship patterns

    • Addressing codependency or unhealthy attachments 

    • Conflict resolution and negotiation skills 

  • While all of our practitioners are unique, they may utilize a combination of the following:

    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), somatic, humanistic, mindful self-compassion, feminist, solution-focused, client-centred, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) and dialectical informed (DBT informed) and cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT), and inner child work

  • Sessions are 50 minutes in order to maintain confidentiality between clients. For this reason, please respect the anonymity of the client before you and aim to not arrive early to your appointment.

    When appropriate, usually when working with couples or EMDR, it may be recommended to book a 90 minute sessions in order to allow enough time to complete session goals based on the type of therapy being offered.

  • Every plan is different. We always recommend that you contact your extended benefits provider directly and ask whether they would consider funding counselling with a specific provider. All our clinicians are certified with regulatory bodies of Canada.

  • Your counsellor strictly adheres to the BCACC Code of Ethics and the CCPA Code of Ethics, which clearly outline codes of conduct, scope and safe practice for registered members. Before we start therapy, we will review information and any questions you have that allows you to provide me with written, informed consent. Consent is always, always an ongoing conversation and can be revoked at any time. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you have any questions or concerns before and throughout counselling and we will do my utmost to ensure we are meeting your expectations. In the event that I, or another Registered Clinical Counsellor, behaves in a way that is in opposition to our ethical code please submit your experience and concerns to the BCACC Inquiry Committee.

    We will never share your personal information unless we have obtained your written, informed consent beforehand. Exceptions to this are situations where we am legally obligated to report including instances where we come to know that (a) a child is in danger of being harmed or has been harmed (b) you are at risk of harm to yourself or (c) you are at risk of harm to another person.

  • The truth is that not all clients and counsellors are a good fit and it is absolutely okay but healthy and recommended that you talk to several therapists before choosing to work with someone. Forming a strong therapeutic relationship is a critical part of counselling thus we offer a free consultation to discuss your counselling needs. In the event you think another practitioner or resources would be a better fit, we would be more than pleased to offer alternative therapists or other community resources. Likewise, sometimes while working with a counsellor it becomes apparent that the next step in a client's journey is outside of their current therapeutic relationship. In that case, we would work together to create a continuing care plan that better meets your needs at that time. Our ultimate responsibility as a counsellor is to help you access support that is relevant to you, regardless of whether we are a good fit or if we've worked together for a long or a short time.

Learn more about the counselling team

Meet codie
meet jeevan

10. Holistic Nutrition

Empowering your relationship with food

Working with a Holistic Nutritionist can help support managing symptoms or conditions through a food therapeutic based approach. Holistic nutrition looks at the body, as part of a whole picture that goes beyond what has been traditionally deemed as “healthy”. Considering food and how we eat, as part of a synergistic practice can transform how we perceive certain foods and how they make us feel. Therefore, we can shift how we digest and assimilate foods, making it more empowering and enjoyable. Together we will address any food allergies or sensitivities, explore how your food habits relate to self-care practices, creativity, and overall well-being.

Learn more about our holistic nutrition services +

Meagan includes discounted packages for postpartum support, nutrition for labour & delivery consultation + postpartum prep, as well as indepth educational seminars to support your pregnancy, hormones, and postpartum nourishment.

  • Our initial consultation will last one hour. During this session, we will talk about your symptoms, lifestyle, stress levels, activity levels, dietary history, and any questions or worries you may have about starting. Together, we will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your wellness journey. You will receive written recommendations from me to take home and put into practice. We will begin with gradual and manageable steps to support you in making small changes that will enhance your ability to nourish yourself. Included will be recipes, meal prep tips, and guided hand outs. Follow ups are recommended 3 weeks after our appointment to review, reassess, and go deeper on our recommendations.

  • Building success here through food + nourishment is an evolving relationship. We notice ebs and flows that change with routine disruptions, stress, sleep patterns, and energy levels that may fluctuate with responsibilities or life changes. Making changes to how and what we eat, is built successfully through approachable steps and takes time to integrate. My approach to building your treatment plan is to start with increments to help you stay consistent and feel these subtle changes in your body. To see these practices through I recommend three appointments for a proper nutritional assessment and to go deeper into these changes.

  • Many times, a dietitian concentrates on the illness or disease, while a Holistic Nutritionist tailors their focus to each client, emphasizing the root cause of health issues and offering preventative strategies. Naturopathic doctors can assist by analyzing lab results, conducting assessments, and recommending therapeutic doses of supplements or injections. Holistic Nutrition delves into the energetic aspects of food and centers on diet therapy, how you eat, and bringing nourishment and self care as a whole picture.

  • Appointments for Holistic Nutrition may be covered by your insurance, such as Manulife, Greenshield, iA Financial Group, or through a specific nutrition coverage option that you may need to choose as part of your plan. Additionally, you may have health spending benefits for designated nutritional coverage. Some plans only cover dieticians and naturopaths, please check with your provider for more information. Invoices can include registration numbers for coverage.

11. Harmonic Resonance

Harmonic Resonance Woven with Sound Bath

Enter the healing realm of sound bath therapy and acupuncture. Allow the gentle touch of acupuncture and the melodic vibrations of sound therapy to guide you back to your natural state of harmony. 

The combined therapies improve the overall effects of each treatment, blended into one harmonious session. You will be taken on a deep journey of relaxation, activating your body’s innate healing capacity. 

Learn more about our harmonic resonance experience +