First time parents - Vancouver area resources? tips etc?

[punker101]

Hello everyone! The wife and I just found out a little bit ago that we are expecting our first child. We are super excited and can't wait for the baby to come, but we're a little overwhelmed with getting ready. I was wondering what kind of getting ready for baby to come tip etc you all had to offer for someone who is new to this with neither of our parents near by (theyre in ontario, we are in bc) its a little much to think we will be doing most of this on our own. Also, does anyone know of any good parenting resources in the New Westminster to Vancouver area?

Any and all help, tips, suggestions would be greatly appriciated :)

Thanks everyone!

[porkchopbread]

got these from prenatal class

Dial 811 - It's the BC health non-emergency 23/7 hotline. They have nurses on standby that can give you info if you're like having contractions at 2am and your doctor's office is closed

1877-247-5551 - BCAA new parent workshop. I think this is just for how to install car seats and stuff.

Baby's best chance - http://www.bestchance.gov.bc.ca/
- resource for parents on babies. apparently there is a printed copy out in circulation. still trying to find a copy myself

good luck. that's a start.

[punker101]

That looks like some good info! :) thanks for the reply

[DonnyFenn]

Hello from a fellow New West-er! I can't recommend prenatal classes strongly enough. Learning about having babies from your Mom is like having your Dad teach you how to drive. :lol: Learn from a professional. Other than that, join a parents group after your wee one is born. There are always peer groups of new parents starting up every couple of months. That way you're part of a group that has kids very close in age to yours. Later on, think about Queen's Park Preschool. My daughter is just finishing up her second year there. It's great.

[punker101]

Thanks as well for the info. Are there any parenting groups in particular in New West that you would recomend checking out? We're both very new to this and neither have any family out here so a group could definitely be a big help. :)