Please visit our Covid-19 update page and follow our Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates on Covid-19
March 19/2020
In-person appointments now 5-10 minutes for physical exam only.
Please come to clinic alone.
Enhanced screening in clinic and at hospital entrances.
Don’t use ibuprofen in pregnancy or for fever, sore throat or body aches.
Dear Clients,
We want to thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we navigate these uncharted waters together. This is an unprecedented situation where we are all called to work together to keep ourselves and our community safe and limit the strain on the healthcare system. The Hamilton Midwives continues to deliver the care that you and your baby need in these uncertain times.
Starting next week, midwives will offer all pregnancy, postnatal and baby care by phone except for 5-10 minute visits for the physical examination component of critical appointments. As things are changing day by day, clients will be contacted on the Thursday or Friday prior to their next in-person clinic appointment to be scheduled for a phone call with their midwife, and an in-person checkup later in the week at a time that suits them. Home visits will consist of a phone call first and then a quick physical exam. Please have your phone on if you are expecting a home visit or phone call from your midwife.
Please come to your appointments alone unless you need a family member to translate. Please stay back 1 meter from the reception desk and clean your hands on the way in. We have spaced out appointments to limit the number of workers and clients in the building at any given time but you will have the option of waiting outside with a pager if you arrive early.
Our clinic and St Joseph’s Hospital are conducting Covid-19 screening (asking questions about symptoms and exposure) when you enter the building. The hospital entrances are locked from 9pm to 7am except for the ER doors. Our clients in labour can use the doorbell at the entrance by the cafeteria on St Joseph’s Drive to gain access to the birthing unit at night. Your one support person will have to enter via the ER at night if they are not with you when they arrive.
Ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are useful medications for pain and are frequently used to reduce fever. There is some evidence to suggest that people with Covid-19 do less well at fighting the infection when they take these medications. Pregnant clients should not take ibuprofen or naproxen as they are not safe in pregnancy. For now, we are recommending Acetaminophen (Tylenol) only for symptoms of fever, sore throat and body aches. It is safe to take ibuprofen or naproxen for pain after birth if you do not have symptoms of the Covid-19 virus but speak to your midwife at your next visit or phone call if you feel unsure. Symptoms of Covid-19 are: new or worse cough, sore throat and fever.
Continue to practice social distancing by staying home with the members of your household except to go to work, or for essential trips to the grocery store, pharmacy or to visit your midwife. Shop online if you can and speak to your employer about working from home if possible. To visit with friends and family that don’t live with you, or to check on your neighbours, use social media, video chat, or a phone call. If you need to meet face to face, it should be outside and keep 2 meters away from others. This can be difficult for children so prepare them for the visit and keep them by the hand if they are little. Drop off supplies on the porch if you are shopping for others. Wash your hands, disinfect surfaces and don’t touch your face.
Social distancing and the uncertainty of this pandemic situation can cause feelings of isolation, stress or fear. Your midwives are here for you. As always, the pager is reserved for urgent concerns such as labour but the receptionist can pass along a message to your midwife if you have a question or concern. Follow us on social media for updates and ways to cope.
Sincerely,
The staff and midwives of The Hamilton Midwives.
We want to thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we navigate these uncharted waters together. This is an unprecedented situation where we are all called to work together to keep ourselves and our community safe and limit the strain on the healthcare system. The Hamilton Midwives continues to deliver the care that you and your baby need in these uncertain times.
Starting next week, midwives will offer all pregnancy, postnatal and baby care by phone except for 5-10 minute visits for the physical examination component of critical appointments. As things are changing day by day, clients will be contacted on the Thursday or Friday prior to their next in-person clinic appointment to be scheduled for a phone call with their midwife, and an in-person checkup later in the week at a time that suits them. Home visits will consist of a phone call first and then a quick physical exam. Please have your phone on if you are expecting a home visit or phone call from your midwife.
Please come to your appointments alone unless you need a family member to translate. Please stay back 1 meter from the reception desk and clean your hands on the way in. We have spaced out appointments to limit the number of workers and clients in the building at any given time but you will have the option of waiting outside with a pager if you arrive early.
Our clinic and St Joseph’s Hospital are conducting Covid-19 screening (asking questions about symptoms and exposure) when you enter the building. The hospital entrances are locked from 9pm to 7am except for the ER doors. Our clients in labour can use the doorbell at the entrance by the cafeteria on St Joseph’s Drive to gain access to the birthing unit at night. Your one support person will have to enter via the ER at night if they are not with you when they arrive.
Ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) are useful medications for pain and are frequently used to reduce fever. There is some evidence to suggest that people with Covid-19 do less well at fighting the infection when they take these medications. Pregnant clients should not take ibuprofen or naproxen as they are not safe in pregnancy. For now, we are recommending Acetaminophen (Tylenol) only for symptoms of fever, sore throat and body aches. It is safe to take ibuprofen or naproxen for pain after birth if you do not have symptoms of the Covid-19 virus but speak to your midwife at your next visit or phone call if you feel unsure. Symptoms of Covid-19 are: new or worse cough, sore throat and fever.
Continue to practice social distancing by staying home with the members of your household except to go to work, or for essential trips to the grocery store, pharmacy or to visit your midwife. Shop online if you can and speak to your employer about working from home if possible. To visit with friends and family that don’t live with you, or to check on your neighbours, use social media, video chat, or a phone call. If you need to meet face to face, it should be outside and keep 2 meters away from others. This can be difficult for children so prepare them for the visit and keep them by the hand if they are little. Drop off supplies on the porch if you are shopping for others. Wash your hands, disinfect surfaces and don’t touch your face.
Social distancing and the uncertainty of this pandemic situation can cause feelings of isolation, stress or fear. Your midwives are here for you. As always, the pager is reserved for urgent concerns such as labour but the receptionist can pass along a message to your midwife if you have a question or concern. Follow us on social media for updates and ways to cope.
Sincerely,
The staff and midwives of The Hamilton Midwives.
March 14, 2020
Hospital visitor restrictions, screening calls prior to home visits, and student midwife placements are suspended
Dear Clients,
In an effort to keep our community safe, St Joseph’s hospital is limiting clients to one support person on the birthing unit and the postpartum ward. This is the person who will wear baby’s other name band and can be with you or visit 24/7. Please do not bring any other friends or family members with you to the hospital. This includes your older children.
Midwives will be calling clients before all home visits to ask whether you or anyone in your home is sick with a cough, sore throat or fever. They will also ask about recent travel and any exposure to people self-isolating for possible or confirmed Covid-19. Again, these questions are for all members of your household. We ask that before the midwife comes to your home, all surfaces are wiped down with a disinfectant and that only members of your household are present for home visits. Midwives’ sanitized their equipment and supplies between each client.
This is a reminder that next week we begin our World Health Organization-approved schedule of prenatal and postnatal check-ups with some “visits” now being conducted by phone instead of in person. All routine screening, testing and discussions will still take place. You will receive the same level of high quality care but in a way that decreases the risk of transmission of Covid-19 in the community. You will receive a phone call about visits you already have booked to advise you whether to come in to the clinic or whether the appointment will be by phone.
The Hamilton Midwives removed student midwives from all face-to-face client and staff interactions on Friday. Shortly thereafter, McMaster university suspended all midwifery student placements for the weekend, a decision that will be re-evaluated on Monday. You may still receive care from a midwifery student by telephone. Students are always supervised at a level suitable to their experience. Students will either be on a three-way call with you and a registered midwife or the student will check in with a registered midwife after the phone call.
Please continue to wash hands frequently, disinfect surfaces in your environment and avoid touching your face. We invite you to partner with us to practice social distancing for the good of the community at large as well as your own continued good health.
Call the Public Health Covid-19 hotline at 905-546-2424 x7079 if you have symptoms of cough, sore throat or fever for advice on next steps. Do not proceed to the ER unless you are having difficulty breathing, in which case call an ambulance.
Social distancing and the fear triggered by a pandemic can be difficult to manage. Please follow us on social media where we will continue to post helpful news and resources. As always, your midwives are here to help you through this. Please call the office for non-urgent questions or issues and use the pager if you have an urgent concern.
Sincerely,
The midwives, staff and students of The Hamilton Midwives
In an effort to keep our community safe, St Joseph’s hospital is limiting clients to one support person on the birthing unit and the postpartum ward. This is the person who will wear baby’s other name band and can be with you or visit 24/7. Please do not bring any other friends or family members with you to the hospital. This includes your older children.
Midwives will be calling clients before all home visits to ask whether you or anyone in your home is sick with a cough, sore throat or fever. They will also ask about recent travel and any exposure to people self-isolating for possible or confirmed Covid-19. Again, these questions are for all members of your household. We ask that before the midwife comes to your home, all surfaces are wiped down with a disinfectant and that only members of your household are present for home visits. Midwives’ sanitized their equipment and supplies between each client.
This is a reminder that next week we begin our World Health Organization-approved schedule of prenatal and postnatal check-ups with some “visits” now being conducted by phone instead of in person. All routine screening, testing and discussions will still take place. You will receive the same level of high quality care but in a way that decreases the risk of transmission of Covid-19 in the community. You will receive a phone call about visits you already have booked to advise you whether to come in to the clinic or whether the appointment will be by phone.
The Hamilton Midwives removed student midwives from all face-to-face client and staff interactions on Friday. Shortly thereafter, McMaster university suspended all midwifery student placements for the weekend, a decision that will be re-evaluated on Monday. You may still receive care from a midwifery student by telephone. Students are always supervised at a level suitable to their experience. Students will either be on a three-way call with you and a registered midwife or the student will check in with a registered midwife after the phone call.
Please continue to wash hands frequently, disinfect surfaces in your environment and avoid touching your face. We invite you to partner with us to practice social distancing for the good of the community at large as well as your own continued good health.
Call the Public Health Covid-19 hotline at 905-546-2424 x7079 if you have symptoms of cough, sore throat or fever for advice on next steps. Do not proceed to the ER unless you are having difficulty breathing, in which case call an ambulance.
Social distancing and the fear triggered by a pandemic can be difficult to manage. Please follow us on social media where we will continue to post helpful news and resources. As always, your midwives are here to help you through this. Please call the office for non-urgent questions or issues and use the pager if you have an urgent concern.
Sincerely,
The midwives, staff and students of The Hamilton Midwives
March 12, 2020
The Hamilton Midwives Recommends Social Distancing
Dear Clients,
As your healthcare providers at such an important time in your life, we wish to reassure you that we have been preparing for this pandemic situation and we will continue to provide you with the excellent clinical care and personal service that you have always enjoyed with THM.
THE RISK REMAINS LOW, but the serious, widespread nature of the virus globally requires an aggressive response to protect ourselves. This will require some changes to the way we deliver care in order to keep our clients and workers safe.
We know that news of a pandemic affecting our lives may cause a significant amount of anxiety and worry. Your midwives are here to discuss your concerns and help you to find ways to cope.
At this time we recommend that our clients and workers practice social distancing. This means:
Here are the steps that we are putting in place to keep you safe:
If you have a clinic visit booked already, you can expect a phone call from your midwife or from the office to let you know whether the visit will be in-person or by phone.
If we experience staff illness or staff need to self-isolate, continuity of care may be disrupted - you may have visits or be attended in labour by a midwife you have not met.
As things evolve, we will update you further.
There is no need to panic but we all need to work together to stay safe and healthy.
Follow us on social media for updates, how to keep yourself safe and for suggestions on how to deal with fear and anxiety at this difficult time.
Facebook: @TheHamiltonMidwives
Twitter: @TheHamiltonMWs
Sincerely,
The midwives, staff and students of The Hamilton Midwives
As your healthcare providers at such an important time in your life, we wish to reassure you that we have been preparing for this pandemic situation and we will continue to provide you with the excellent clinical care and personal service that you have always enjoyed with THM.
THE RISK REMAINS LOW, but the serious, widespread nature of the virus globally requires an aggressive response to protect ourselves. This will require some changes to the way we deliver care in order to keep our clients and workers safe.
We know that news of a pandemic affecting our lives may cause a significant amount of anxiety and worry. Your midwives are here to discuss your concerns and help you to find ways to cope.
At this time we recommend that our clients and workers practice social distancing. This means:
- Limiting outings and social contact. Stay home if you can. No handshakes, hugs or kisses outside of your immediate family. Try to stay 1 meter away from others.
- Limiting visits with your new baby to very close family only. No one who does not live with you should hold the baby or kiss them.
- Working from home if possible (please call the office if you need a letter for your work).
- Have groceries and supplies delivered to your home if you can.
- Do not attend large gatherings or go to places where there are lots of people in close quarters (like the movie theatre, concerts or conferences)
- No unnecessary travel outside of Ontario
- If you have travelled in the last 14 days, monitor yourself for symptoms of sore throat, cough or fever and call public health at 905-546-2424 x7079 if you develop symptoms.
- If you have been in contact with someone who has travelled in the last 14 days and they are sick, monitor yourself for symptoms of sore throat, cough or fever for 14 days and call public health at 905-546-2424 x7079 if you develop symptoms.
- Frequent handwashing – minimum 20 second handwash with soap and water or a 20 second handrub with 70% alcohol hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Frequent disinfection of surfaces at home and at work.
- Stay home if ill. This includes not coming to our clinic if you are ill.
- Page your midwife for urgent concerns, otherwise phone the office.
Here are the steps that we are putting in place to keep you safe:
- Enhanced cleaning of the office both during clinic hours and at the end of the day. We use hospital-grade cleaning supplies.
- Adopting the World Health Organization recommended schedule of prenatal and postnatal visits. This will be different than what you are used to. We will always be available by phone and pager but we need to limit face to face contact.
- Unless complications develop or there are additional risk factors, prenatal visits will be at: 8-12 weeks, 20 weeks, 26 weeks, 30 weeks, 34 weeks, 36 weeks, 38 weeks, 40 weeks and 41 weeks. You will be seen more frequently if necessary. All other “visits” will be conducted by phone.
- In-person postnatal visits when all is well with parent and baby will be on: day 1, day 3, day 7-14 and 6 weeks. Midwives will conduct other “visits” by phone and extra in-person visits will be done if needed.
- We ask clients to attend clinic appointments with just one support person and to leave other children at home if possible.
If you have a clinic visit booked already, you can expect a phone call from your midwife or from the office to let you know whether the visit will be in-person or by phone.
If we experience staff illness or staff need to self-isolate, continuity of care may be disrupted - you may have visits or be attended in labour by a midwife you have not met.
As things evolve, we will update you further.
There is no need to panic but we all need to work together to stay safe and healthy.
Follow us on social media for updates, how to keep yourself safe and for suggestions on how to deal with fear and anxiety at this difficult time.
Facebook: @TheHamiltonMidwives
Twitter: @TheHamiltonMWs
Sincerely,
The midwives, staff and students of The Hamilton Midwives
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Notice to clients: As of May 1st, 2020, we have moved to a new office location at 25 Charlton Avenue East, Unit 600 
The Hamilton Midwives
25 Charlton Avenue East, Unit 600 Phone: (905) 527-8919 Serving clients in Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, East Hamilton, Hamilton Mountain, Winona, Flamborough, Caledonia, Mount Hope, Binbrook, Brantford, Burlington, and surrounding areas in southern Ontario.
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