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(519) 763-8568 | info@familymidwiferycare.ca
Family Midwifery Care of Guelph
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FAQ

You are here: Home / FAQ

Midwifery Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years our clients have asked us many questions. This section represents just a few of the questions asked most frequently.

If you have other questions or want more information please feel free to contact us:

by phone (519) 763-8568 or by email info@familymidwiferycare.ca.

What is a registered midwife? / What training do midwives have?

A registered midwife in Ontario is a midwife who meets all the standards of the College of Midwives of Ontario.  In Ontario, the Midwifery Education Program is a specialized four year university degree (offered at Ryerson, McMaster and Laurentian universities).  Ongoing recertification and training continues to ensure that midwives have all the skills they need for providing great care.  Many midwives in Ontario have been trained in other countries, and often have many years of experience.  These midwives have completed Canadian examinations and have proven to the College of Midwives that they meet Ontario’s registration standards.

How much does it cost to have a midwife?

The Ministry of Health covers all the costs associated with midwifery care for Ontario residents.

I have heard that you have to have a home birth if you have a midwife. Is that true?

That is not true.  Our midwives deliver babies at home, at the Guelph General Hospital. We provide home birth for healthy low-risk clients who choose that option.

What can I expect from midwifery care? Will I still get ultrasounds?

Midwives provide all of the care that you need from early pregnancy through labor and birth and they care for you and your baby for 6 weeks after the baby is born.  We are able to order all of the tests that you will need (including ultrasounds).

You will have appointments every four weeks until 28 weeks of pregnancy, then every two weeks until the last month of pregnancy when your appointments will be weekly. After the baby is born, you (and the baby) will continue to have appointments with your midwives until the baby is about 6 weeks old.

Can I have an epidural/medication for pain if I have a midwife?

Yes!  Midwives are very skilled at helping clients who want to have a baby without using medical forms of pain relief but we are able to access the full range of medications used in childbirth for people who want or need them.

What happens if there are any problems? What if there is an emergency during the birth or need for a caesarean section?

Midwives are part of the maternity care team in your community.  If there are any concerns about you or your baby your midwives will arrange for consultations with the appropriate health care provider like an obstetrician.

Part of midwives’ training is how to respond to a variety of emergencies that might occur during labour and at the time of birth.  Midwives are annually recertified in neonatal resuscitation. At home births, midwives carry oxygen, resuscitation equipment and medication to control postpartum hemorrhage. Midwives are trained to suture tears and episiotomies.

If you require caesarean section, your care will be transferred to an obstetrician for the delivery and your midwife will remain present and part of your health care team. Though your hospital stay may be slightly longer, your postpartum care will remain with your midwives.

What is the postpartum (after birth) care like?

Midwives provide at least 3 visits in the first week after the birth wherever you are: at home or in the hospital.  We travel to you so you can get the rest that you need after having a baby, provide a great deal of assistance with breastfeeding and watch for early signs of problems such as infection or jaundice. At 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks, you and your baby will be seen in the clinic.  Additional appointments may be suggested by your midwives on individual basis.

What are the advantages of midwifery care?

Midwifery clients are encouraged to make informed choices about their care, with longer appointments to discuss their care and questions. Often, clients feel a greater relationship of trust with their midwives and value having someone they know at their birth. Midwives tend to give more individualized care.  The at home early postpartum care is also something that women tend to appreciate.

I’m already seeing a doctor–Is it too late to consider a midwife?

Absolutely not! Midwives are happy to take clients at any time in their pregnancy. Call our office to see if we still have space.

Can I see a midwife and a doctor?

No. OHIP will cover one primary care provider (registered midwife, family doctor or obstetrician) for the duration of your pregnancy and birth, and up to six weeks postpartum. You will have to make a choice of who you want to care for your pregnancy and birth.

Midwives are specialists in normal, so if complications develop midwives will then arrange for a family physician, obstetrician or pediatrician to become involved in your care.  You still should see your family physician for any non-pregnancy related heath issues/concerns.

How many midwives will I meet during my pregnancy?

At Family Midwifery Care, we function in pods (teams) of 2 — 3 midwives.  You will get to know the midwives on your team during your pregnancy.  When you go into labour, a midwife from your team will attend you. However, there are rare occasions when your midwife may be at another birth or may need to be off-call to rest to ensure safe care, and another midwife may answer you. While you are in care, midwives are on call for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year long.

How long are prenatal appointments?

Appointments are 30 — 45 minutes long. The longer appointments provide time to answer your questions and discuss your pregnancy care. The first two appointments usually are about an hour long.

Can my partner or my other children come to my appointments?

Absolutely!  We encourage you to bring any of your support people you would like… including your children.

What is the difference between a midwife and a doula?

A midwife is a primary care provider responsible for you and your baby in pregnancy, labour and in the postpartum.  Doulas do not provide medical care and do not deliver babies. Doulas can provide great supportive care. Studies have shown that having a doula present during labour can decrease a woman’s need for pain medication and improves outcomes.  Even women with midwifery care can benefit from having a doula at their labour and births.

How long would my hospital stay be if I have my baby at the hospital?

When you are in the care of midwives and have had an uncomplicated vaginal birth, you have the choice of going home around 3 hours postpartum (early discharge) or to stay for up to 24 hours postpartum.  Your midwife will visit you within the first 24hours after the birth at home (or in the hospital if you are there).

What can I expect from a hospital birth with midwives?

Please see our page about Hospital Birth

Is early discharge from hospital safe?

Hospital stays have gotten shorter for everyone in the past decade. When there were no complications with the pregnancy and the birth, early discharge is a safe alternative because you have a midwife available to you by pager 24 hours a day.  Your midwife will give you clear instructions on when to call before your discharge from the hospital and will visit you at your home within 24 hours after the birth.

What about safety and home birth?

There is a lot of good evidence to show that home birth is safe for low-risk healthy clients with midwives in attendance.  This is a choice for women and families in the care of midwives.  Midwives bring portable versions of emergency equipment and supplies such as suction, oxygen, intravenous fluids, tools and equipment to suture tears and drugs for the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage (heavy bleeding).  Our training includes management of the rare sudden emergencies that might arise at a home birth.  If you are considering this option your midwives will discuss home birth with you.

What are my options for vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC)?

Midwives support women who want a trial of labour for a normal vaginal birth after a previous lower segment c-section.  Research shows that for many women it is a safe choice with lots of benefits and a high success rate.  If a trial of labour is not successful, a repeat c-section would be performed by the obstetrician on-call at the hospital, and your midwife would accompany you in the operating room.   Discuss your personal circumstances with your midwife to see if your medical history and your motivation make VBAC a good choice for you.

VBAC Client Handout (Family Midwifery Care of Guelph)
Association of Ontario Midwives–VBAC Clinical Guideline
Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Pregancy and VBAC pamphlet (patient handout)
Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists–VBAC Clinical Guidelines 
Childbirth Connection 
International Cesarean Awareness Network

Where can I have my baby?

You can choose to have your baby at Guelph General Hospital, Groves Memorial Hospital OR at home.

Ready to Get Started?

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Family Midwifery Care of Guelph
LGBT FriendlyAll families welcome
Facebook Rating
4.9
Based on 51 reviews
Family Midwifery Care of Guelph
Family Midwifery Care of Guelph
4.9
Babs ZH
Babs ZH
00:49 04 Jul 19
Having our first baby, my husband and I were clueless! Our midwife team was AMAZING! The fact that you can get a hold of them whenever you need is so great. When it came to labour, our midwife was by our side and coaching me through the entire time. We honestly could not think of having a baby any other way. Thank you guys so much!
Pamela McGrath
Pamela McGrath
15:54 24 Jun 19
Had the best prenatal and birthing experience with Heather and Rebecca. Looking forward to seeing them again when we try for number two.
Meaghan Tenbergen
Meaghan Tenbergen
15:24 11 May 19
Just had baby number two with this team! Their care is second to none! ❤️ Thank you for all that you do ladies. 🙏🏻
Janese Helder
Janese Helder
14:43 16 Jan 19
These ladies are all truly amazing! Had a few different ladies for my 2 but each time I was well taken care of. They made each experience that much more comfortable both before and after.
Andrea Brown
Andrea Brown
14:03 04 Jan 19
we had our second child november 13th, our first experience using a midwife and I couldn't be happier. throughout my whole pregnancy I felt so supported. I felt way more informed in making choices about my pregnancy and when it came down to delivery Sarah was such an amazing support and I dont think labour and delivery would have been so smooth without her. if we decide to have baby #3 we will definitely be using family midwifery care of Guelph again.
Nuala Reilly
Nuala Reilly
20:59 11 Nov 18
How wonderful this page happened onto my feed today. Nadine was one of the wonderful midwives who delivered my daughter, Kathryn, who is now almost 20. She was also one of my main care providers during my pregnancy with my youngest. Even now, many years later, I have nothing but the best memories of my care. It’s what inspired me to train and become a Doula in my late twenties. I would recommend care here to any family and mother to be.
Lauren Emmett
Lauren Emmett
17:55 20 Sep 18
Love them so much ..� best support ever !
Adria Joel
Adria Joel
13:29 04 May 18
Vikki Mifsud
Vikki Mifsud
01:00 10 Apr 18
We had a great experience with our midwives, they are excellent!
Danielle McMullen
Danielle McMullen
15:02 30 Mar 18
There truly isn’t enough words to explain how grateful I am to have had my midwife’s. Heather and Rebecca have been by my side since day one. Going over and beyond to help me and my little one in every single way. They do their job with their hearts. I am forever thankful. �
Ashley Krauskopf
Ashley Krauskopf
21:52 21 Mar 18
There are honestly no words to thank Isabelle & Megan for their compassion, patience & help throughout my pregnancy with my first child. I struggled with anxiety throughout my pregnancy and they always took the time to settle my concerns & make sure I was assured that things were okay! My birthing experience was amazing thanks to Megan (& Debbie). I appreciated Isabelle’s advice and decision making regarding my sons health a few days after his birth. She did what she knew was best for him. Both of my Midwives are incredible women & I am so thankful for their involvement in my pregnancy, birth and postpartum care. I will use them again should we be blessed with another pregnancy. � all of the ladies on the front desk are lovely also.
Laura Lockett
Laura Lockett
18:40 26 Feb 18
This was my first child and I admit I didn't know much about midwives and what their roles would be in pregnancy and childbirth. I did some research and figured hey, let's give this a try. My goodness I am SOOO happy that I chose to go with Midwives!!! I was very blessed to have Rebecca and Heather as my midwives and the care that they provided (during my pregnancy, labour, and aftercare) was unbelievable. I always felt comfortable, cared for, and supported each step of the way. My husband and I can't say enough good things about these ladies and we are absolutely hoping to be paired with them again for our next child. We highly recommend Family Midwifery Care of Guelph!!
Veronique Roesink Dann
Veronique Roesink Dann
16:14 18 Feb 18
Angela Creighton
Angela Creighton
14:23 07 Nov 17
Marli Robin
Marli Robin
12:15 07 Sep 17
I have used midwives for both of my son's births. I will never forget Sarah and what she did for me. My youngest son's birth ended up being the scariest day of my life. After an emergency c-section went wrong she made sure I was able to see my husband before they rushed me back in a second time. She held my hand while I thought I was taking my last breath of air. She put a volunteer at my door to stop the massive amount of visitors I received. She came to my home and coached my husband on how to care for me and my baby. She was my angel. Highly recommend these ladies. They advocate for your needs. They keep you informed. They come to your home after baby is born!!! Best part of course :)
Kristin Dressler
Kristin Dressler
20:37 11 May 17
Mélanie Raymond
Mélanie Raymond
17:10 03 May 17
Leanne Medemblik
Leanne Medemblik
21:32 12 Apr 17
Chantele Dunk
Chantele Dunk
19:33 22 Mar 17
While we didn't have a positive outcome with our first pregnancy, I delivered our baby girl prematurely and she was born sleeping at 21 weeks, Isabelle and Megan and the team at Family Midwifery Care was absolutely amazing. They brought out every single positive aspect they could in such a heartbreaking situation. They continued my care for a month pp and went out of their way to make everything easier for us. I cannot say enough good things about these ladies, the compassion and treatment I received. I will no doubt return to their care when we are ready to have our rainbow baby!
April Coxon Tanner
April Coxon Tanner
22:05 02 Mar 17
I had such a great experience with Family Midwifery. Being pregnant with my first child, I had many concerns and questions. My midwives, Isabelle and Meghan, always took their time with me and ensured all my concerns were addressed and that I was comfortable. While I ended up needing an emergency c-section, the support I received from Meghan and Isabelle at the hospital was wonderful. I can't stress how amazing mine and my son's care has been! I will definitely be using Family Midwifery again when my husband and I decide to have a second child!
Marley Langford Kortleve
Marley Langford Kortleve
21:52 21 Feb 17
I have never experienced a higher level of care than with Heather and Rebecca - I wouldn't think twice about using them again or recommending the midwives here �
Jasmine Sullivan
Jasmine Sullivan
01:33 29 Nov 16
Katie Duncan
Katie Duncan
16:22 25 Oct 16
I can't even begin to thank the midwife team that made my homebirth possible!
Emm Kirkee
Emm Kirkee
01:04 15 Sep 16
Sarah, Galya, and Nadine were awesome during my 2 pregnancies. My second pregnancy was twins and so they provided secondary support, but honestly, they were much more helpful, caring, and attentive than my OB and I definitely relied on them more heavily than I did the OB. Amazing women!
Cara Alicia Ma
Cara Alicia Ma
01:24 16 Jun 16
They are amazing. A great comfort to a pregnant mom with anxiety. They were there for me when I experienced a miscarriage & were a part of the team for my latest pregnancy. My OB helped me get pregnant this time around but he had nothing but good things to say about these wonderful ladies & he was happy to hand my care over to them when he was sure I was a "boring" patient. I have felt like they have more time to listen to me than my OB did & they've gone above & beyond to explain every step & all my options to me so I can make the best informed choice for my baby & me.
Jen Sage
Jen Sage
16:22 01 Jun 16
I have been lucky enough to have 2 of my little ones with Family Midwifery Care of Guelph. The difference in care from an OB and a midwife is incredible. It was nice to be treated like a person and not just a number being pushed through. Their knowledge and ability to allow parents to make informed decisions on your pregnancy as opposed to being told what you "need" to do. Thank you so much for all you do!
Tia Graham-Winters
Tia Graham-Winters
20:22 23 Jan 16
Sarah Caughill
Sarah Caughill
06:47 23 Oct 15
Esined Ldnamus
Esined Ldnamus
00:16 23 Aug 15
Laura Paghal
Laura Paghal
13:34 16 Jun 15
Jessica Brooke Hutchinson
Jessica Brooke Hutchinson
17:18 05 May 15
Incredible experience! Rebecca, Heather and student Leslie were simply wonderful. I was very prepared for birth, felt thoroughly supported and cared for during birth and was amazed by the postpartum care. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Sarah Rubenstein
Sarah Rubenstein
12:53 24 Jan 15
Amazing quality of care!! Rebecca and Martha were knowledgeable, approachable and available whenever we needed them (no matter the time of day)! Much love to this fantastic team from our family!
Erikson John Canaria
Erikson John Canaria
04:10 23 Dec 14
Anna Kumbera
Anna Kumbera
02:31 20 Dec 14
Amazing care! Was very pleased both times.
Cassie Verbeek McDonald
Cassie Verbeek McDonald
20:29 28 Oct 14
I am so grateful to all the midwives that supported us through my pregnancy. I couldn't have done it without their support! I would definitely recommend. Thanks so much for everything!
Lindsay EP
Lindsay EP
22:54 30 Sep 14
Jocelyn Wells
Jocelyn Wells
20:48 08 Sep 14
Alysha Melanson
Alysha Melanson
22:07 13 Aug 14
Taylor Alexander
Taylor Alexander
03:59 13 Jul 14
These women warm my heart each time I see them , or a thought of them come to my mind. We are due with your second ( any day now!) and I couldn't feel more loved , and supported. Since the first time I walked in for our first prenatal with our first , I knew this place would become a place I would adore , with women I just love. Words can't even describe how full my heart is with these women being there for the birth of my child , and soon to be children! I remember so clearly all they did for me during the birth of our first child. It was pure love. I take time to acknowledge how thankful I am for them each day. Heike and Rebecca , you two have changed my life with the love and support you offer! Your time with my family will never be forgotten. Thank you.
Kellyn Hough
Kellyn Hough
00:01 24 Jun 14
Couldn't have asked for a better team of ladies to see me through my pregnancy, delivery and these early days with my little boy!!! Every visit from them helps make things a little easier...there is no problem that they don't have some great words of advice for.
Erin Nichols
Erin Nichols
14:31 29 May 14
The quality and quantity of care from my midwife far surpassed what I would receive from a family doctor (esp the after care & home visits). I had an unplanned home birth and they put me at ease and everything went incredibly quickly and smoothly.
Tamarind Spender
Tamarind Spender
16:02 27 Apr 14
Meghan was amazing!!!!
Kim Kehler
Kim Kehler
12:49 27 Mar 14
I can't imagine having gone through my pregnancy and those early days with my baby girl without the midwives. They always made me feel cared for, valued, and important. I never felt rushed through an appointment and for those times when I had to page, they always made me feel that I had made the right decision to call them. They are amazing people and provide stellar care for everyone. And I must say that being greeted by Jackie when you arrive at the office makes the whole experience even better!
Jennifer Davey Venne
Jennifer Davey Venne
14:00 20 Mar 14
Sharron Bayley
Sharron Bayley
22:56 06 Feb 14
Lindsay Almeida
Lindsay Almeida
13:47 24 Nov 13
Ashley Holmes
Ashley Holmes
15:08 19 Nov 13
Great environment. Very warm and welcoming. These ladies know their stuff! I highly recommend them to you! Midwives all the way!
Raizee Crape
Raizee Crape
02:39 12 Nov 13
Melanie Quist Moyer
Melanie Quist Moyer
16:42 11 Sep 13
Allison Smith-Budvet
Allison Smith-Budvet
00:50 17 Aug 13
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Midwives are registered health care providers. We provide complete clinical care. That includes information, advice and support to help you, our client, make the best choices for your own care. We work to develop relationships of trust with our clients and their families because we know this improves safety and satisfaction with the experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenting.

 

Pregnancy Care with a Midwife

Contact Us

Family Midwifery Care for Guelph

Phone: (519) 763-8568

Fax: (519) 763-0677

672 Woolwich St, Unit 1
Guelph, ON  N1H 3Z1

We are located in a small plaza on Woolwich Street (west side between Speedvale Avenue and Woodlawn Road) across the street from the Evergreen Seniors Centre and next door to Arby’s.

Copyright © 2023, Family Midwifery Care of Guelph. All rights reserved. | Photos by Tia Kristina Photography | Website by Curious Media
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