Appointments with a midwife in North Vancouver are longer than a traditional doctor appointment, and last between 30 to 45 minutes, allowing for questions and discussion. Midwives believe in informed consent, meaning that they will give all of the information that is available in order to allow their patients to make the best choices for them.

A midwife in North Vancouver is a medical professional trained to be your primary caregiver throughout pregnancy, delivery, and into the post-partum period, which lasts up to six weeks after birth. Prenatal visits start at once a month for the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, then increase to every two weeks until the 36^th week of pregnancy. Starting in the 37^th week of pregnancy, visits are once a week until birth. During the first two weeks after birth, midwives visit their patients regularly in their home. After the first two weeks, regular visits are scheduled at the midwives’ clinic.

All of the prenatal tests that are done in the hospital by a doctor can be done by a midwife in North Vancouver.  Routine prenatal tests include ultrasounds, genetic testing, and laboratory and diagnostic testing. A doctor is not needed to discuss the results, a midwife in North Vancouver can order the tests and discuss them with their patient.

Whether the patient chooses home or hospital birth, their midwife in North Vancouver will be the one to deliver the baby and will work with hospital staff or doctors if needed. Pharmaceutical pain relief during birth can only be done at a hospital, not at a home birth. Midwives have a range of both pharmaceutical and natural pain relief options; this includes epidural if giving birth at a hospital.

If needed, a midwife in Vancouver is required to contact the appropriate medical professionals, including doctors, or an ambulance, if complications arise during birth. A midwife in North Vancouver is carrying on a centuries-old profession. Midwives have been around for hundreds of years, and in British Columbia are licensed medical professionals who are fully covered by your medical services plan.

1: Midwifery has been a profession for centuries

Midwifery has been a respected medical position for centuries. In Canada, The Canadian Associate of Midwives has a set of high standards and rules that are constantly being reviewed and revised. The midwifery education program in Canada is a four-year baccalaureate program, with seven education programs available in the country. You do not need to have a nursing background or other medical credentials required for entry to midwifery programs, as they are direct entry.

2: Midwifery is based on informed consent

Each appointment with your midwife is around 45 minutes, which gives you plenty of time to ask questions and voice any concerns. Because the appointments are not quick, your midwife has time to answer questions, and explain everything step by step. They will inform you of all of your choices and options and give you all of the information needed in order to make educated choices.

3: Midwifery is holistic

Midwifery does not follow the mentality that pregnancy is a condition. Pregnancy is not simply a medical procedure; it is a stage in life. Women who are low-risk and have had vaginal births with midwives are more likely to have a positive experience during labour and birth. Because midwives are open in their communication, you are always informed every step of the way as to what is going on. Midwives understand the need for things such as skin-to-skin contact with your newborn, or that not every woman is comfortable giving birth on her back.

4: You choose where you give birth

You can give birth, with your midwife in attendance, either at home or in a hospital. Some midwifery clinics in Coquitlam will also do house calls during pregnancy and will ensure that you have what you need to give birth where you feel most comfortable.

Hospitals are a great choice if you feel safest in one, or if any health concerns or conditions make it not safe for you to give birth at home. Midwives work alongside hospital nurses and doctors to provide care for you during childbirth. After childbirth, during the postpartum period that lasts for about 6 weeks after birth, you will visit your midwifery clinic in Coquitlam to see your midwife.

5:  You still get all of the same tests and scans done, and you still can have any pain medication you choose

Your midwifery clinic in Coquitlam will give you comprehensive care during pregnancy, birth, and during postpartum period. Midwifery clinics offer the same tests and scan done at hospitals. Your 30-45 minute appointment will include any tests and scans that are necessary, as well as going over your results with you in-depth.

If you feel like you might need pain medication during your birth, you can still get it with a midwife. Midwives are not able to bring pain medication to home births, due to the heightened risks of side effects, so you do need to be at a hospital. At the hospital, pain medication is administered usually by nurses, doctors, or anesthetists, depending on the type of medication.

Breastfeeding is a natural part of caring, providing, and bonding with your child. If mothers can breastfeed, it is highly recommended that they do. While some medications or medical conditions result in mothers not being able to breastfeed their babies, proper position, and skin-to-skin contact are two important factors when it comes to bonding and caring for your infant.

Skin-to-skin time is when a baby snuggles on their parent’s (mother or father’s) bare skin. Skin-to-skin contact is important for babies who are being breast or formula fed. This form of contact releases hormones that lower the mother’s stress and promote healing, as well as calm her baby. It also helps mothers to breastfeed for longer by building her milk supply and making her bond with her baby stronger.

Seeking a breastfeeding clinic may be beneficial if you are struggling with issues such as increasing milk supply, inducing lactation for mothers who are adopting, planning for mothers who are working, insufficient milk supply, sore or damaged nipples, pain, thrush, help with latching, and more.

In British Columbia, breastfeeding clinics are covered by the B.C. care card. This covers both telehealth and home visits from midwives, or any other medical professional such as a lactation consultant. A breastfeeding clinic Vancouver may be a good idea if you are concerned about your baby’s nutrition intake. Medical professionals knowledgeable in breastfeedings, such as midwives, doctors, and lactation consultants, will be able to help you navigate a healthy diet that is good for you and your child.

While many mothers and babies do not struggle with breastfeeding, struggling with pain, latching, milk supply or any other issue that a breastfeeding clinic will be able to help with does not mean that you are a bad mother. Even mothers who had no problems breastfeeding their first child may have problems with their other children. The important thing is to ensure that you deal with any issues as they crop up and that you are well-supported to do so.

It is perfectly normal to feel nervous about breastfeeding and making sure that your baby is feeding often enough and getting the proper amount of milk and nutrition. There are plenty of online resources that offer parents unbiased information and useful knowledge and advice.

La Leche League, an international non-profit organization has an active presence in Canada and runs support groups for mothers. Founded in 1956, La Leche League offers telephone support and online resources. La Leche League Canada has been supporting Canadians for over 50 years and has been promoting the benefits of breastfeeding throughout that time.

Breastfeeding promotes happy, healthy, babies who have strong attachments to their mothers. Breastfeeding can lessen the risk of postpartum depression; it is an important bonding experience for both mother and child.

It is okay to feel nervous, or need help when breastfeeding, especially at the beginning. The goal of breastfeeding is to promote health and wellness through one of the most natural things a mother and newborn child can do.

If you are concerned or are struggling with breastfeeding, a breastfeeding clinic will have the resources and tools available to help you accomplish and meet your breastfeeding goals.

If you or a loved one is looking for a registered midwife in Vancouver, you can expect comprehensive care during pregnancy and for up to six weeks after the birth. During the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, you will see your midwife once a month, and then every two weeks until 36 weeks. Then, up until the birth, your midwife will meet with you once a week. After the birth, a midwife will visit your home regularly, and then at a clinic until up to six weeks after birth. Midwives can also assist with breastfeeding challenges, and will help guide mothers through the difficult, and rewarding challenges of postpartum care.

It is your choice where you give birth, either at a hospital, your own home, or a clinic, depending on what facilities are located where you live. With a registered midwife in Vancouver, you will have access to all  of the same tests and treatment that you would receive from a doctor. Midwives are also able to discuss the results of the tests with you, and your partner at your discretion. Pain relief options are also the same with a midwife as they would be with a doctor, and are up to you.

Registered midwives are professional health workers who are trained to provide care to pregnant mothers and newborn babies. During prenatal care, you will receive the same standard of care as you would if you visited your doctor. During birth, a midwife is with you during every step. If needed, your midwife will call for emergency services, and work with other healthcare professionals. Midwives often work in small groups or teams, so there is a good possibility that whenever you need a midwife, there will be one that you have met able to assist you.

Registered midwives believe in the pregnant mother’s choice about her own care. We fully encourage you to take leadership in the planning of your care, and the care of your newborn. The BC College of Nurses and Midwives ensures that midwives consult with pediatricians, obstetricians, and other specialists, if needed. If necessary, your midwife will transfer your care to another medical professional, either during the prenatal period, the birth, or postpartum. Informed choice guides midwives, and they will discuss all of the available options with you every step of the way, so that you can make informed decisions that work best for you, your family and your baby. Appointments are generally between 30-45 minutes long, giving you ample time to ask any questions or voice any concerns you may have. The cost of a registered midwife in Vancouver is covered by MSP in BC. This includes home visits and appointments. If you have any questions about whether a midwife is the right choice for you, book an appointment online or by phone; you do not need a referral to see a midwife.