Do I need to be referred to midwifery care? No. You can book an appointment yourself by calling us at (519) 271-3490. You can come to an initial visit to find out more about midwifery care. Please call us as soon as you know you are pregnant so that a spot will be available for you.
Do I need to pay for midwifery care? Midwifery care has been registered in Ontario since 1994, which means that all costs are covered by Ontario Ministry of Health. Bring your health card along with you to your first visit. Many elements of midwifery care are also covered for pregnant women without health insurance. Please contact our clinic for details.
Does having a midwife mean having a home birth? No. You may choose to have your baby at home or in the hospital. Stratford Midwives have privileges at Stratford General Hospital. For more information about home birth click here or speak to your midwife.
Can I have my baby at any hospital that I choose? No. Stratford Midwives have privileges only at Stratford General Hospital. For clients choosing a hospital birth with our practice Stratford General Hospital is the only option.
Can I have an epidural if I have a midwife? Yes. If you choose to have an epidural in labour, your midwife will consult with the anaesthetist on-call. The anaesthetist places the epidural and ensures that it is working well. Your midwife will then continue to provide care throughout the remainder of your labour and birth and will monitor and manage your epidural.
If I have a midwife, will I also continue to see my family doctor or obstetrician? No. Midwives are primary maternity care providers in Ontario. Midwives provide complete care throughout pregnancy, birth and the first 6 weeks after your baby is born for both you and your newborn. If you choose midwifery care, you will not need to see another caregiver during that time. Should there be any complications for you or your baby, your midwife will arrange for a consultation with another caregiver (i.e. your family doctor, obstetrician or pediatrician).
Can midwives order ultrasounds and bloodwork in pregnancy? Yes. Midwives can order all of the routine ultrasounds and bloodwork that other caregivers order in pregnancy.
Who will be at my birth? There will be 2 midwives from our practice at your birth. The primary midwife will be a midwife that you have met throughout your pregnancy. This midwife will be with you from the time you are in active labour until approximately 2 hours after the baby is born. A 2nd midwife will be called to attend the birth very close to the time your baby is going to be born. Nurses and doctors are not usually involved during your birth unless there are complications or concerns.
What if there are complications or concerns? Midwives are experts in normal, and most pregnancies and births are normal and low risk. However, if concerns arise during the pregnancy or birth, your midwife will consult with the appropriate doctor (i.e. obstetrician, pediatrician or anaesthetist). These specialists are on-call at our hospital 24 hours a day.
Stratford Midwives 386 Cambria Street, Unit 101 Stratford, ON N5A 1J4 519-271-3490 [email protected]