Looking for a midwife

We recently asked the three midwifery centres several questions which we thought reflected what women would want to know.

  1. How do I contact your site to get a midwife?
  2. Where are the midwives’ offices?
  3. If I want a midwife, what’s the process for deciding if I get one?
  4. How many clients will each midwife have?
  5. How early in my pregnancy can I have my first visit with my midwife?
  6. How many times during my pregnancy will I see my midwife? How many postpartum visits will I have?
  7. Will I have the same midwife for my prenatal care, labour and birth, and postpartum care?
  8. Are there any reasons why my midwife would not be there for my labour and birth?
  9. Will my midwife be my primary care provider? If my pregnancy is healthy, is there any reason that I would I also need to see a family doctor or obstetrician?
  10. Will my midwife still be involved if I have a problem during my pregnancy?
  11. Are homebirths available yet? If not, when will they be?

Here are the questions and the answers:

The IWK

Most of the relevant information is on their website, www.iwk.nshealth.ca

From the South Shore

How do I contact your site to get a midwife?
You can call our clinic number: 527-5087, and speak with our administrator, Lesley Anderson, or leave a message and your call will be returned within a day or two. Physicians and nurse practitioners can also refer women to us when they express interest, or the dr/np feels that it would be a good fit.
Where are the midwives’ offices?
South Shore Community Midwives has a clinic at 144 Dufferin Street in Bridgewater. In the interests of accessibility, we see women at home who have difficulties with transportation.
If I want a midwife, what’s the process for deciding if I get one?
Generally, women wanting midwifery care call and an appointment is set up to meet with a midwife to discuss midwifery care in detail, as well as the other options available for maternity care. Women are encouraged to ask questions and consider their options before deciding on their primary care provider. If they choose midwifery care, an appointment is set up for their first clinical visit.
At this time, South Shore Community Midwives are able to provide care to women residing in the South Shore District (Lunenburg and Queen's Counties) only.
Women who have a health problem or medical concern that requires a physician for care throughout the pregnancy, may not be able to have a midwife as their primary care provider.4. How many clients will each midwife have?
Each midwife can have up to 40 clients per year. A full-time caseload, within a "continuity of care" model is approximately 35 clients per year per midwife.
How early in my pregnancy can I have my first visit with my midwife?
As soon as you know you are pregnant, you should call. We generally like to see women early on, so that we can discuss prenatal care and screening options.
How many times during my pregnancy will I see my midwife? How many postpartum visits will I have?
Pregnancy: We see women ~ once a month to 28 weeks, every two weeks to 36 weeks, then once a week until the birth. We like to arrange a home visit for ~ 36 weeks.
Postpartum: Following the birth, we visit every day that a woman/baby are in hospital (we offer early discharge to our clients); when at home, we visit on day 1, 3, 5, and between 7-10 days. We usually see women having their first babies on day 2 as well. Then we arrange to see you and your baby in the clinic at 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks. Following your final visit at ~ 6 weeks, we forward a summary to your family doctor or nurse practitioner for ongoing care. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can arrange more visits as needed.
Some women prefer fewer visits; we accommodate the individual needs and preferences of our clients.7. Will I have the same midwife for my prenatal care, labour and birth, and postpartum care?
Women are assigned to one primary midwife, who will follow you for most of your pregnancy, and attend your birth and provide your postpartum care. Women usually meet their second midwife several times in the pregnancy; for home births, she will attend to assist the primary midwife. In hospital, labour and delivery nurses assist the primary midwife. We organize our holidays and the allocation of clients so that women aren't due around any planned vacation time. Rarely, the second midwife would need to become your primary midwife for labour (off-call time or simultaneous births), but you will certainly be attended in labour by a midwife known to you.
Are there any reasons why my midwife would not be there for my labour and birth?
See above.
Will my midwife be my primary care provider? If my pregnancy is healthy, is there any reason that I would I also need to see a family doctor or obstetrician?
Midwives are primary care providers for healthy women experiencing normal labours. We consult and collaborate with other care providers according to policies and guidelines established by our Midwifery Regulatory Council. Most women do not have a physician involved in their care.10. Will my midwife still be involved if I have a problem during my pregnancy?
There are occasions where we would consult with a physician regarding a problem, and care would remain with your midwife. There are other occasions where primary care is transferred to a physician. In these cases, your midwife will remain with you in a supportive role, and continue to provide care that falls within her scope of practice. When the problem is resolved, care for you (and your baby) is usually transferred back to your midwife.
Are homebirths available yet? If not, when will they be?
Yes.

 

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