Question 1

What is a Midwife?

Accepted Answer

Ontario midwives are registered health care professional who provide primary care to low-risk women throughout pregnancy, labour and birth, and to both mother and baby for the first six weeks after birth. Midwives are available to clients by pager 24 hours a day, seven days a week! In Ontario, midwives complete a four-year university degree through the Ontario Midwifery Education Program. Internationally trained midwives must complete the International Midwifery Pre-Registration Program.  Midwives are licensed through the College of Midwives of Ontario.

Question 2

Do I need a referral from a doctor?

Accepted Answer

A referral is not necessary to apply for midwifery care.  We encourage you to contact us as soon as you find out you're pregnant. There is high demand for midwifery care and we don't want you to be disappointed.  We often have openings for women to come into care later into their pregnancy and we always maintain a waiting list.  Call us anytime, regardless of how far along you are.

Question 3

Do I have to deliver at home?

Accepted Answer

No, you can choose where you would like to deliver your baby!  Our midwives attend births at Hamilton's McMaster University Medical Centre Hospital.  You also have the option to have your birth experience safely at home!  Clients who choose to deliver at the hospital have access to pharmaceutical pain relief (like epidurals).  Women choosing to deliver at home often use water, massage and other natural supports to ease pain during labour.

Question 4

Does Midwife Services cost anything?

Accepted Answer

No, Midwifery care is FREE for Ontario residents and an Ontario Health Card is not always needed.  Funding is provided by the Ontario Ministry of Health. However, all other costs are your responsibility if you do not have OHIP. The following are examples of possible extra costs:

Question 5

Can I have a midwife and a doctor?

Accepted Answer

No.  Like physicians, midwives are Registered Health Care Professionals who provide primary care to expectant moms.  It is your choice to have your care provided by either a midwife or a doctor.

Question 6

Can midwives order ultrasounds and other prenatal tests?

Accepted Answer

Yes, midwives arrange all necessary ultrasounds, tests and bloodwork.  Much of the bloodwork is done right in the clinic.

Question 7

What if there are complications during my pregnancy or birth?

Accepted Answer

Midwives provide primary care for low risk pregnancies.  If an issue arises that is outside of the midwifery scope of practice guidelines, your midwife will consult with appropriate healthcare professionals.  Some issues may require your care to be shared or transferred to an obstetrician, in which case your midwife will make necessary arrangements for you.  If your care is transferred you may wish to have your midwife remain in a supportive role.

Question 8

Midwives Versus Doulas?

Accepted Answer

We want to clear up some of the misconceptions out there about Midwives and Doulas. Some people think that Midwives are Doulas, which is not true. Doulas are people that provide support during births and there to provide physical and emotional support for birthing people and their families. They are not medical professionals, but they are trained to provide comfort measures. If you are interested in having a Doula involved in your care, you would have to find a Doula yourself. Unfortunately, they are not covered through the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and you would have to pay out of pocket for a Doula. A Doula can be an excellent investment for some births, women and their families. If you are interested in having a Doula involved in your care, you can bring it up with your midwife or your health care professional.

Question 9

What Clients Like About Access Midwives?

Accepted Answer

When you are looking for a Midwife, it's important to know what their clients say about their service. There are three things that our clients really say that they love about our midwifery care. 1.) Knowing who's going to be attending them when they give birth.2.) Answering questions, access to information and guidance.3.) The follow-up care after the baby is born.When you work with Access Midwives, there's always a midwife on call 24 hours a day seven days a week for any urgent questions or concerns. We will be there for you to discuss whatever is on your mind. link. #Midwives #AccessMidwives #Midwifery #SupportAfterBirth #HamiltonMidwife #MidwifeHamilton #TamaraYoungberg

Question 10

Do spots fill up fast?

Accepted Answer

We do fill up fast, so we encourage you to request a midwife as soon as you know that you're pregnant. Feel free to give our office a call at (905) 546-5002 or click the link below to request a midwife. If we don't have a spot to offer you, we can put you on our wait list. Also if you didn't know that midwifery was a choice available to you until later in your pregnancy, we might be able to offer you a spot if one becomes available. If you have a preferred midwife that you would like to work with, please feel free to request them when you contact us. Having a midwife is excellent for getting that extra attention and support that you might need. #Midwives #AccessMidwives #Midwifery #HamiltonMidwives#HospitalBirth #HamiltonMidwife #MidwifeHamilton #Support#HomeBirth #Pregnant

Question 11

What are the benefits of having a student?

Accepted Answer

The student will give clients labour support, information and extra time.The student will be an extra pair of helping hands so that there is more time to spend with you.

Question 12

Will the student be at all of my visits?

Accepted Answer

The student will be at as many of your visits as possible so you can get to know each other.

Question 13

Will the student be at my birth and will the student be doing?

Accepted Answer

The student will usually be at your birth. They may be helping to take care of you, or may catch your baby. The midwife teacher will show the student how to care for you and your baby.

Question 14

Will my midwife still care for me ?

Accepted Answer

A midwife teacher will always be present or nearby when you are with the student.

Question 15

What if the student doesn’t know how to do something?

Accepted Answer

The student will say they don’t know and will ask the midwife teacher for help.

Question 16

What if the student doesn’t know how to do something?

Accepted Answer

The student will say they don’t know and will ask the midwife teacher for help.

Question 17

Do I have to have a student?

Accepted Answer

Your midwife will suggest that you meet the student and see how you feel about having a student involved. If or how the student is involved is always your choice.

Question 18

I’m happy to have a student. What can I do to help?

Accepted Answer

Tell the student what you like and don’t like about their care. You are helping the student to learn.

Question 19

What clients say about the experience of including a student?

Accepted Answer

I think it is wonderful that students are given hands on opportunities with experienced midwives.We were very comfortable having the student be our primary care giver. We felt the student had enough knowledge to serve usOur student was exceptional and contributed greatly to the whole birthing experience. We were grateful for the help.The student was amazing. I hope the same student can be just as involved in my next pregnancy, maybe as my midwife!

Access Midwives FAQ

OUR TEAM OF MIDWIVES

TESTIMONIALS
Check out some of our patient reviews

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Access Midwives FAQ

OUR TEAM OF MIDWIVES

TESTIMONIALSCheck out some of our patient reviews

ACCESS MIDWIVES IS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Subscribe to the Access Midwives Newsletter

TESTIMONIALS
Check out some of our patient reviews