(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. Some get asked a lot. We've put together as many as we could think of to save you the worry of asking them yourself. Go ahead and check out our list to see whether the answer you're looking for is already here. 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 - What happens at my first visit?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?
We will explain midwifery care, how it’s different from other maternity care, and how our practice works. We will ask about your expectations, plans, hopes and concerns. Our discussion will help you decide if midwifery care is right for you. 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 be assigned a team of two primary midwives. You will meet one, usually the coordinating midwife, at your first clinic visits. After that, your visits will be shared by the two midwives of your team. This gives you an opportunity to meet both of them and to develop a relationship with them. You will also have a back-up team of two midwives, both of whom you will meet at least once during prenatal care. Your midwives will alternately be on call (attending births) or off call (in clinic). When you are in labour, it is our aim that you will be attended by one of your primary midwives until your baby is close to being born, at which time one of your back-up midwives will also attend you. This may not always be possible due to various factors, including busy times, when several labours are happening at the same time.
Q - How often will I have appointments?
In general, you will be seen once a month until the 28th week, every two weeks until the 36th week, and then weekly until labour begins. We usually see you and your baby on days 1, 3, 5, and between 7-10 at home, and weeks 2, 4 and 6 at the clinic.
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 Hamilton and McMaster University Medical Centre.
Q - What happens if my baby or I develop complications?
Depending on the nature of the problem, we will refer you to your family doctor or a specialist such as an obstetrician or pediatrician. 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?