(905) 527-8919 -- 189 Hughson Street South, Hamilton, ON L8N 2B6 -- info@hamiltonmidwives.ca
(905) 527-8919 -- 189 Hughson Street South, Hamilton, ON L8N 2B6 -- info@hamiltonmidwives.ca
Over the years, we've heard a lot of questions about what midwives do and what using our services means for the prospective parents. And we know that a lot of people hesitate to ask some questions because they think they might sound silly. Rest assured there are no silly questions.
But there are some that get asked a lot. So we've put together as many as we could think of to save you the worry of asking them yourself. So go ahead and check out our list to see whether the answer you're looking for is already here. And if it isn't, let us know and we'll add it to our collection. (Just click on the question below to see the complete question and answer.)
Q - How do I obtain the services of a midwife?
Q - What happens at my first visit?
Q - Will I see the same person throughout my care? Who will be with me for my baby's birth?
Q - How often will I have appointments?
Q - Where can my baby be born?
Q - What happens if my baby or I develop complications?
Q - Will I be looked after by students?
Q - What can I do to get the most benefit from my care?
Q - How do I obtain the services of a midwife?
Midwifery care is free to all residents of Ontario. You can contact us directly, as you don't need a referral from a doctor. A telephone intake is necessary before you will be accepted into care. If you're interested or want to know more, please contact us by phone at (905)527 8919.
Q - What happens at my first visit?
The full details of midwifery care are reviewed so you can carefully consider whether our care is appropriate for you. We will want to know your expectations, plans, hopes and concerns about midwifery care. At the first or second visit, we will do a full history and physical assessment.
Q - Will I see the same person throughout my care? Who will be with me for my baby's birth?
You will have a team of three midwives during your prenatal care. One will be your "primary" midwife with major responsibility for your care. She will be closely assisted by a second "backup" midwife who will know your situation. The third midwife will also be familiar to you, in the event that your first and second midwives are unavailable when you go into labour. The majority of your postpartum visits will be provided by your primary midwife.
Q - How often will I have appointments?
In general, women are seen once a month until the 28th week; every two weeks from then to the 36th week; and weekly thereafter until labour begins. After the birth, at least five visits are made with the final visit about six weeks after the baby is born. Other visits are arranged as needed for individual cicumstances. Some prenatal and most postnatal visits take place in your home.
Q - Where can my baby be born?
We will discuss your preferred place of birth with you. We will attend births at home for women who have no medical or pregnancy problems. We have admitting privileges at St. Joseph's Healthcare and Hamilton Health Sciences (McMaster).
Q - What happens if my baby or I develop complications?
Depending on the nature of the problems we will refer you to your family doctor or a specialist such as an obstetrician or pediatrician. We cannot treat medical problems such as infections or other illnesses and cannot manage the care of an ill newborn. If a transfer of care is necessary, we will continue to be involved in a supportive role.
Q - Will I be looked after by students?
For most of the year, midwifery students work in the practice. We are committed to education and want our clients to help us teach students to be sensitive and caring midwives. Students are always supervised by a qualified midwife.
Q - What can I do to get the most benefit from my care?