Midwifery FAQ
I'll update and add things every so often as I get time.
Owen was born at home, under the care of a midwife. Jeff and I have been asked lots of questions abut this choice, and we've found people to be really interested, and for the most part, supportive. I thought an FAQ might be in order. I'm going to answer questions based on midwifery care in Ontario, as that's my experience, but I'll try to add what I know about other provinces/countries when I can.
I thought having a baby with a midwife was illegal.
Not in Canda, as far as I now. In Ontario, Quebec, BC and Alberta,
midwifery care is completely legal, and has been written into
legislation in those provinces. In other parts of Canada, it's is
categorized as 'alegal' meaning it's not legal or illegal, just that
there's nothing in legislation covering midwifery. In these provinces,
midwives operate in a grey area within the healthcare system. I think
Manitoba and New Brunswisk are looking into legislation. I also heard
that NB was thinking of including a clause that would make homebirth
illegal - scary!
Isn't hiring a midwife expensive?
No! In Ontario (and in BC & Quebec) midwifery care is covered under the provincial health plan. Pregnant women can choose to give birth with an obstetrician OR a midwife. You can't have both at the same time - that's double dipping into OHIP.
How often to I see my midwife?
Midwives see their clients every month until 30 weeks, then every 3 weeks, until 36 weeks, and then every week or more until the baby is born.
What if I need an ultrasound?
Midwives can order tests just like a doctor can. You would usually have an ultrasound at around 18 of your pregnancy to screen for certain birth defects, but you can choose not to do this if you wish. If the midwives feel you need further ultrasounds, they will order them.
I had several ultrasounds towards the end of my pregnancy because Owen was breech.
I don't want a homebirth, can I still have a midwife?
All midwives in Ontario have admitting privileges to at least one hospital. They admit you to the labour and delivery ward and are you primary healthcare provider for your hospital stay. If the birth is straightforward, you probably won't even see the nurses much, let alone a doctor.
