Prenatal 

One of the many aspects of midwifery care that clients appreciate is the thorough and informative appointments they have with their midwives. On average, appointments last 30 to 45 minutes. Prenatal appointments take place once a month for the first 28 weeks of pregnancy; every two weeks until the 36th week; and then once a week until the baby is born. Most clients will see their midwife 11 to 12 times before they go into labour.

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During regularly scheduled visits to the midwifery clinic, midwives provide physical assessments, prenatal education, informed choice discussions and decision support. Physical examinations include taking clients’ blood pressure, urine testing, measuring growth and listening to the fetal heart rate. Appointments typically take place in the midwives’ clinic, but clients will typically be offered a home visit around 36 weeks. If you are planning a home birth, during the 36-week visit the midwife will become familiar with your home setting. Your family members and/or the people who make up your support system, as defined by you, are encouraged and welcome to attend appointments with you as often as they like.

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During labour

Labour and birth is a profound time for everyone who is privileged enough to participate. Choosing a midwife to provide your care means that when it comes time to give birth, you and your baby will be cared for by someone you've met before, knows you and understands what's important to you.

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As experts in healthy, low-risk birth, midwives view childbirth physiologically--that is, something that your body can handle. Of course, every birth is unique, and midwives are trained to prepared for a variety of issues that may arise. Midwives monitor both mother and baby closely during labour and birth and are fully trained to deal with unforeseen events.

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It is very important that you have a voice and choice in where and how you give birth. Clients may decide to give birth safely at home, at the Windsor Regional Hospital or at the Leamington District Memorial Hospital. 

 

Postpartum

After you have your baby the midwife will provide postpartum care for both you and your newborn baby for the first 6 weeks following your birth.

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Regardless of where you give birth, your midwife continue to provide care within 24 hours of the birth. The midwife will come and see you and your newborn 2-3 times within the first 2 weeks after you give birth, these visits may be at the hospital, your home or the clinic. You will have 2-3 in clinic appointments, each 30 minutes, your last appointment will be 1 hour long.  Midwives monitor both your and your baby's health and provide breastfeeding support. They will ensure you're recovering well, both physically and emotionally. 

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In caring for your baby, midwives will perform newborn screening for metabolic disorders as well as physical examinations, including checking weight, length, heart, lungs, and how the umbilical stump is healing.

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After six weeks, you and your baby will be discharged from midwifery care and will see a family doctor or a pediatrician for your baby's care. Before you leave midwifery, your midwife will discuss your birth control plans, provide further breastfeeding support and refer you to any services you need to address mental health needs.

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After you have your baby whether you had a midwife or obstetrician our lactation consultant can provide postpartum care through our expecting and connecting program for both you and your newborn baby in your home within the first 6 weeks following your birth.