Maternity and Babies Advice Line (MaBAL)

Provides services to expectant mothers and new parents, guardians, or caregivers of newborn babies in rural and remote First Nations communities in BC via Zoom or phone. Family members and health care providers can also receive support. Zoom or phone calls are answered by midwives and family doctor obstetricians experienced in providing culturally safe care. Offers guidance on urgent and non-urgent questions related to any aspect of reproductive and sexual health, pregnancy, birth, postpartum wellness and caring for an infant, including: contraception, sexually transmitted infections, infant feeding, bleeding, cramping, options for termination, complications, and depression. Can also arrange referrals to obstetricians or pediatricians, if needed. To access the line, individuals should contact a health care provider (a health care provider may be a physician, nurse, midwife, doula, or physician through the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day program); the provider will set up an appointment and attend the appointment along with the individual. Health care providers can access the service by going to the MaBAL page on the Rural Coordination Centre of BC website and following instructions. Service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.