We provide individualized care with ample time to provide information, address questions and concerns, assess your and your baby's health and well being, and get to know you and your family.
We would encourage you to book your midwifery course of care as early as possible, and to begin seeing us by the 10th to 12th week of your pregnancy, if possible. We see a limited number of women each month in order that we can spend the time to provide quality care.
The initial visit with us takes approximately 1 hour and includes a complete history and physical assessment, including pap smear, lab work, nutrition/lifestyle counseling, as well as time for any questions.Time is spent discussing issues important to the mother and her family, (preparation for labour and birth, emotional issues, relationship concerns, sibling/parenting matters, balancing work and family).
A home visit is scheduled at 36 weeks of pregnancy for women planning a birth at home, and an hour long visit in the office for those planning hospital or birth centre births.
We provide care during labour and birth in the place of the woman's choice; home, hospital or birth centre. As of August 2nd 2000, midwives have been granted full hospital privileges by the Calgary Regional Health Authority. Midwives have access to all hospitals that provide maternity services in Calgary.
Women are encouraged to contact us early in labour, and we are with them during the active part of their labour, providing physical care, emotional support, assessment of the well being of mother and baby and of the normal progress of labour.
Two midwives are always in attendance for the birth of your baby, regardless of where the birth takes place. We assist you to give birth in the manner that you feel is best for you, in the position that you desire (water birth is an option), and with whom you choose.
Following birth, the midwives are with you for several hours to celebrate with you and your family, to provide care of mother and babe, help with breastfeeding and bathing, and to provide assistance with newborn and self care.
Again we are available by pager at all times during the postpartum days and weeks.
During the first week after birth, we visit in your home several times to make sure all is going well. As well as physical assessment of mother and baby, assistance with breastfeeding, information and guidance, there is always plenty of time for questions and concerns to be addressed - over a cup of tea!
When baby is 2 weeks old, and again at 6 weeks of age, a visit is scheduled in our office for complete assessment of both mother and baby including breastfeeding and baby's growth and development, as well as emotional well being of mother, family relationships and sibling issues as needed. Well woman care is also provided during this visit, including pap smear, contraceptive/sexual counseling, and nutrition, exercise and lifestyle discussion as needed on an individual basis.
Midwifery care is completed after the 6 week visit, and women return to their health care professional for ongoing health care for themselves and their baby.
We are always available in the months and years ahead to answer questions, and often are in touch with families for many years, enjoying visits with "our babies" when they drop in from time to time.
Complete midwifery care including: prenatal, labour and birth, immediate and ongoing postnatal care of mother and baby, 2 and 6 week office visits, including 24 hour availability’ is presently covered by Alberta Health Services.
Pre-conceptual counseling / Well Woman care is billed at $100/hour.
We believe Nature has perfected human milk for human babies and that breastfeeding is best for mothers and babies. With the proper support and guidance, the vast majority of mothers will be successful with breastfeeding.
Time is spent during pregnancy and postpartum to provide information, support and encouragement helping mothers and babies enjoy a satisfying breastfeeding relationship.
"A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence. Breastfeeding satisfies all three."