Must I have a home birth if I have a midwife?
No, Midwives support choice of birth place and promote clients' choice. Midwives are the only care providers who offer home birth and will discuss your appropriateness for this option as your pregnancy progresses. This means your midwife will discuss the pros and cons of both hospital and home birth options and help guide and support you in your preferred choice.
When do I contact a midwifery practice?
You can contact a midwife as soon as you think you are pregnant. You do not need a referral from your doctor. Your midwife is responsible for providing all the care, support, and advice you need throughout your pregnancy.
Is home birth a safe option?
Yes! Giving birth at home has been shown to be as safe as in a hospital if you are having a healthy pregnancy, are attended by a registered midwife who has the appropriate equipment, and there is a way of getting to a hospital if required. The College requires every midwife to have the skills, equipment, and experience needed to make home birth a safe option.
How do I get a Midwife?
Fill out an intake form by selecting the Apply For Care button and our office will contact you in approximately one week to confirm there are midwives available for you and welcome you to care. You do not need a referral from your family doctor to apply for midwifery care. You may also call us at (807) 468-8510 to complete an Intake by phone.
Are midwives covered by OHIP or do I need to pay out of pocket?
Midwifery care is completely covered by OHIP and of no charge to you if you have a valid OHIP card. In some cases midwives can provide care to women who are residents of Ontario but may not yet have OHIP coverage.
Can I still have my family doctor involved in my pregnacy?
As midwives are primary care providers, they will be the only care provider you need to see for pregnancy care, labour and birth, and postpartum up to 6 weeks. Your family doctor is not to continue with your pregnancy management, however they will stay involved in your health in all other non-pregnancy related concerns. Your midwives may refer you to your family doctor or an obstetrician as they see necessary.
What can I expect from my midwife?
A midwife will work with you to support the kind of positive pregnancy and birth experience you want. Midwives are registered health care professionals who are qualified to provide all your primary health care during the pregnancy, labour, and birth. Primary health care includes all the necessary tests, examinations, check‐ups, support, and referrals that you may require. Midwives will also remain involved and continue to care for both you and your baby for 6 weeks after your baby is born.
How is the Clinic handling COVID-19?
Midwives continue to provide uninterrupted service to their clients.
If you are a midwifery client with any symptoms of COVID-19, or if you are self-isolating for any reason, please do not present yourself at clinic. Instead, call ahead and make alternate arrangements with your midwife. If you have severe breathing difficulties (or any other emergency), please call 9-1-1.