During your pregnancy, your visits will be scheduled about every 5 weeks until 30 weeks, then every 3 weeks until you are 36 weeks and then every week until the birth of your baby. This is approximately the same number of times a doctor would see you, but our visits are longer - usually 30 minutes. During these visits we will discuss your screening and diagnostic options, as well as prescriptions and therapies that could make a difference to you. We will get to know each other very well before your birthing day. You can page any time with an urgent concern, and leave non-urgent voice messages or emails that will be answered within a few business days. You don’t need a referral to receive midwifery care. Contact us to see if our care is right for you!
When you begin labour you can directly contact your midwife who you have already developed a trusted relationship with. Midwives offer support and guidance through the early stages of labour and are with you throughout your entire active labour, birth and initial stages postpartum. We have admitting privileges at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital and attend births both there as well as offer the option of home delivery to low risk mothers. We are currently five midwives in the community that back each other up and help each other out as needed.
You will have access to all lab work, diagnostics, medications and procedures related to pregnancy. Midwives explain the risks and benefits of all these options so you can be the primary decision maker. If your pregnancy becomes complicated, just like family doctors, midwives consult and work with the necessary specialists, like obstetricians or paediatricians, to ensure you and your baby’s safety.
After the birth, midwives continue to provide comprehensive care for you and your baby as we remain your primary care provider for approximately 6 weeks. You continue to have 24- hour urgent access to your midwife as well as the benefit of frequent postpartum visits. Throughout the first 8-10 days we do home visits so you don’t have to leave the comforts of your home. Once mother and baby are well, the final visits at approximately 3 and 6 weeks are completed at our clinic. We will ensure you are healing and adjusting to your new role monitoring your physical and mental well-being. We also monitor your baby’s well-being and growth supporting mothers in feeding their baby the best way possible. During this time families benefit the most from the continuity of care with their trusted care provider.
In 1998 Midwifery was fully integrated into the BC Medical System. Since then pregnant women get to choose whether to receive care from a family doctor OR a registered midwife. No referral needed and with no additional cost as Midwifery is covered by your MSP/ BC Health Care Card.
As primary care providers to pregnant families in BC, your midwife can order any lab, screening and diagnostic tests - including blood work and ultrasounds. Midwives can also prescribe medications when necessary.
Midwives work collaboratively with other health care providers including your family doctor for issues not related to pregnancy and with other specialists such as obstetrician and paediatricians if you develop any complications.
BC Midwifery is an autonomous profession regulated for your safety by the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM)
Midwifery Care in BC is about choice. Women want the opportunity to be supported in experiencing the normal physiological process of birth under the guidance of someone they trust won’t interfere. They want protection of someone trained to recognize when intervention becomes necessary. At the heart of midwifery care is the respect and support provided to each client so that they may give birth safely, with power and dignity.
The research is clear - families who choose midwifery led care are less likely to have interventions and are more satisfied with their birth experiences.
At this time, BC has the highest number of births assisted by midwives across Canada.
Midwives recognize birth as a normal physiologic process with a profound impact on all aspects of a parent’s life. We know you are trusting us with one of the most important events of your life and therefore we provide a client-centred model of care assessing physical, social and emotional needs.
Midwives recognize their clients as the primary decision makers. We educate, support and advise providing evidence-based information to allow you to make informed choices about all aspects of your care - including tests, procedures and birth place.
Midwives recognize the importance of building relationship and continuity of care. Relationships are built through longer appointment times and only meeting a small number of midwives, who are committed to being present for you throughout your birthing year.
There is always a midwife directly available to the clients at all times to address urgent concerns.