Haliburton & Bancroft Midwives

Why midwives?

What is a midwife? Midwives are health-care professionals who provide government-funded expert primary care to pregnant people and their newborns. Through pregnancy, labour, birth and the first six weeks after birth, you will be cared for by a small group of midwives. This continuity of care means that you will know the midwife who delivers your baby.

What’s the difference between a midwife and an OB? Both midwives and OBs offer care throughout pregnancy on a similar schedule. Midwives additionally provide care of newborns and close follow-up of women and newborns in the postpartum period. This includes home visits for the first 7-10 days, followed by clinic visits for 6 weeks.

Midwives value local care, informed choice, continuity of care and choice of birthplace. This results in longer appointments, thorough discussions and access to your midwives via pager 24/7 for the duration of your care.

• Local: You can receive pregnancy and newborn care locally, with clinic locations in Haliburton and Bancroft. Midwives also provide the option of home visits in the first week postpartum. • Fully funded: It is funded by the provincial health care system (no out-of-pocket cost). Midwives are part of the Ontario health-care system and their services are completely funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Ontario residents who are not currently covered by OHIP can still receive midwifery care with no charge. • Birthplace options: You can have your baby in the hospital. We deliver at Peterborough Regional Health Care Center. You can have your baby at home. We are the only health care providers that provide the option of home birth. Choosing a midwife doesn't necessarily mean choosing a home birth (although it is an excellent, safe choice). In fact, 80% of all midwifery-attended births happen in hospital. Other clients give birth at home. Midwives understand that every client is different and respected as the person who makes informed choices about their care. Together with your midwife you choose where to have your baby. What does midwifery care include? • Care from early pregnancy until your baby is six weeks old • Access to ultrasounds, genetic testing, PAP tests, STI testing and blood work • Monthly, biweekly and then weekly appointments as pregnancy progresses. • Visits include discussion of relevant topics for pregnancy and parenthood along with clinical aspects such as urine dipsticks and blood pressure measurement • Typical appointments last approximately 45 minutes, which allow time to explore any questions you may have about your pregnancy What happens after the baby is born? • A midwife will see you and your baby at home for the first 10 days and then in the clinic until six weeks after birth. • Well-baby care includes weight checks, blood work and support with feeding • After six weeks, care will be transferred back to your family physician. When do I need to see a doctor? As midwives are experts in low-risk pregnancy and birth, midwifery clients will not see a physician unless there are concerns or complications. • You will still see your family doctor for non-pregnancy concerns (ie sore throat) • If complications arise in your care or your baby's care, midwives work closely with an obstetrician or pediatrician to provide appropriate care.

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