SGCM Land Acknowledgement
The Midwives at Spruce Grove Community Midwives wish to begin by acknowledging that we are seated on the traditional and ancestral lands referred to as Treaty 6 territory. Treaty 6 encompasses the traditional territories of many western Canadian First Nations including Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux and Nakota Sioux. We acknowledge that this is territory is home to the Metis Settlements and the Metis Nation of Alberta. Regions 2, 3 and 4 within the historical Northwest Metis Homeland.
The Midwives at Spruce Grove Community Midwives wish to begin by acknowledging that we are seated on the traditional and ancestral lands referred to as Treaty 6 territory. Treaty 6 encompasses the traditional territories of many western Canadian First Nations including Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux and Nakota Sioux. We acknowledge that this is territory is home to the Metis Settlements and the Metis Nation of Alberta. Regions 2, 3 and 4 within the historical Northwest Metis Homeland.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is provided out of our clinic in Spruce Grove; about 15 minutes west of Edmonton. We focus on providing individualized care to meet the needs of pregnant people during the childbearing experience. We encourage you to be involved in all aspects of your care and will discuss the many choices, options and decisions that need to be made during this time. Family and friends are welcome to attend individual appointments. (please note changes due to restrictions during the pandemic). A part of your care can be done in a group format where a small group of women who are due about the same time gather at their usual appointment times to discuss the many aspects of pregnancy, birth and the adjustments during the postpartum period (please note the changes to our group appointments due to the pandemic). Care begins at your first appointment and continues through to the birth concluding at 6 weeks postpartum.
Labor and Birth
A pregnant person who is experiencing a healthy pregnancy can choose the birthing environment that best suits their needs. It is important to feel comfortable and safe and this will be different for every person. Choices for labor and birth can be either in your home, at the Lucina Birth Centre, at the Sturgeon Community Hospital in St. Albert or the Misericordia Hospital in the west end of Edmonton. During the labor and birth, you and your partner/support person, will receive guidance and support that reflects your choices you have made throughout your pregnancy. Birthing your baby naturally is often a profound experience and marks a significant transition to being parents or to adding another member to your existing family. While two midwives attend out of hospital births and most hospital births, the second midwife is typically called to come closer to the birth itself.
Postpartum Care
Postpartum care and breastfeeding support is an equally important part of your care. These follow up visits in your home will assist you with the adjustments of caring for your new family member. Following a birth at the birth center or hospital, most people and their newborns are comfortable going home within a few hours after the birth. Your midwife will visit you the following day after the birth and continue to see you at your home during the first week. We are always available by phone as needed. Postpartum care during the following weeks continues in the clinic for up to 6 weeks postpartum. Then at the time your care is discharged your care and your babies care will be transferred to a your family doctor and/or pediatrician.