Rewriting the End of the Postpartum Visit
When motherhood begins, a new chapter of health needs often starts as well. Island Health’s Birth Related Cardiovascular Health Clinics (BiRCH) are changing the script by extending cardiovascular care for new moms beyond the traditional six-week postpartum checkup. Located at Campbell River Hospital (CRH) and West Coast General Hospital (WCGH) in Port Alberni, these clinics are pioneering a model of care that centers heart health as a continuous priority rather than a milestone.
What BiRCH Stands For
BiRCH stands for Birth Related Cardiovascular Health. The clinics respond to growing evidence that the risk of postpartum cardiovascular issues can span months after delivery. By integrating cardiology principles into obstetric care, BiRCH aims to detect subtle symptoms early, manage risk factors, and provide tailored guidance for every stage of the postpartum period.
A Model of Care That Keeps Moms First
BiRCH clinics at CRH and WCGH are built around accessibility, collaboration, and continuity. Women who recently gave birth are invited to participate in a dedicated program that includes risk assessment, symptom screening, blood pressure monitoring, and heart-healthy counseling. The clinics also connect patients with a multidisciplinary team—obstetricians, cardiologists, family physicians, nurses, and nutritionists—creating a holistic network of care that evolves with a mother’s needs.
Beyond the Six-Week Milestone
Traditional postpartum care often ends at the six-week appointment, but heart-related health concerns can emerge later. BiRCH acknowledges that fatigue, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and changes in blood pressure may appear months after delivery. The clinics provide ongoing evaluation, education, and management strategies to reduce the risk of long-term cardiovascular complications.
<h2What Patients Experience at BiRCH
Patients arrive for scheduled follow-ups that focus on practical outcomes. Screenings assess cardiovascular risk, while lifestyle coaching emphasizes heart-healthy nutrition, safe physical activity, stress management, and sleep optimization. For many families, BiRCH is a reassuring partner, offering consistent messaging about how to protect both mother and baby’s health as life transitions—from newborn care to returning to work and managing sleep schedules.
<h2Why This Model Matters
Postpartum cardiovascular disease can be overlooked amid the busy rhythm of new motherhood. By normalizing ongoing heart health checks, BiRCH helps identify high blood pressure, lipid issues, or postpartum cardiomyopathy early. Early detection leads to timely interventions, which can include medication adjustments, referrals to specialty care, or targeted rehabilitation programs. The ripple effect benefits families by supporting a healthier parent, which ultimately improves infant care and family functioning.
<h2Community Collaboration and Access
Located in two accessible hubs—CRH in Campbell River and WCGH in Port Alberni—the BiRCH clinics are designed to serve diverse communities across Vancouver Island. The initiative reflects Island Health’s commitment to equitable access to specialized postpartum care, ensuring that geography does not stand in the way of lifesaving cardiovascular monitoring for new mothers.
<h2What’s Next for BiRCH
As BiRCH expands, the clinics will continue to collect data to refine screening tools, optimize follow-up intervals, and strengthen care pathways. Community education campaigns aim to raise awareness about postpartum heart health, encouraging more mothers to seek care when symptoms arise, even months after delivery. The ultimate goal is simple: healthier moms, thriving families, and a brighter future for Island Health communities.
