Frequently asked questions.
Can I see my doctor while seeing my midwife?
Midwifery care is a primary care model of care similar to that of a family doctor. It is fully regulated and funded by Alberta Health Services therefore you can choose to have your care provided by a midwife, a family doctor or an by an obstetrician. There are special circumstances where a pregnant person does continue to see their family doctor while under the care of a Registered Midwife such as when they are on certain medications that are prescribed that will be continued during pregnancy.
How much does it cost?
Midwifery care is publicly funded and covered under Alberta Health for anyone with Alberta Health Care. If you choose to deliver at a birth center, there is a fee for use of that facility, as they are privately owned.
What are Group Appointments?
Group care appointments are where all clients due in a specific month, across multiple midwives in the practice’s care, are invited to attend once monthly appointments together. These do not add additional appointments on to your schedule of appointments, but would replace some of the individual appointments. There are usually 4-10 clients per group. They are longer, at 1.5 hours long, and we would check blood pressures, heartbeats, baby’s position and answer any private concerns quickly in the office, and then all meet out in the waiting area to discuss things at that point in pregnancy that may be relevant to everyone, for example pain management options in labor, breastfeeding preparation, etc. The last group appointment happens after all the babies have been born, and you will have the opportunity to share your birth story, and come in and discuss postpartum topics. Group appointments aren’t available every single month, and are subject to the availability of the midwives and the number of clients interested.
What should I do to prepare for my birth?
There are many excellent natural childbirth education classes available so it is important to review your options early in pregnancy. This can be discussed during individual appointments where your partner/support person is present or during group appointments when available.
Is the use of water and the option of a water birth a choice I can make for assisting with the ease of labor?
Absolutely! Water is an excellent way to assist the body to relax. A water birth is an option when delivering at home, birth center or hospital as long as there are no concerns about the progress of labor or you/your baby’s wellbeing.
How many people can be in the birthing room?
Birth is an intimate experience between you and your partner/support person. Although it is exciting to share this experience with others, it’s important to keep in mind your personal needs and wishes during this time. There is also typically another midwife present for the birth.
What if I develop complications during my care?
Midwives provide care for low risk pregnancies and birth and are trained to know when to consult with an obstetrician or paediatrician or when to transfer of care if necessary to an appropriate physician. In most cases you will remain under the care of a midwife unless the complication is serious, in which case your care will need to be transferred to a physician.
If I am birthing out of hospital and need to transfer to the hospital how does this happen?
Although the majority of transfers into hospital are for non urgent reasons and therefore will be going via private vehicle, if an urgent transfer is necessary an ambulance will be called. Alberta Health Services does not cover the cost of ambulance transfer from out of hospital births so this would be a cost the client would need to be prepared to pay for.
What is the difference between a midwife and a doula?
A Registered Midwife, like a physician, is a primary care provider. Midwives are educated and trained to provide all necessary medical care related to pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Doulas provide continuous emotional and physical support to the labouring client and their family. They are a positive addition to the birth team for families who desire extra support. Doulas do not receive medical training, do not provide medical care and do not catch babies. A good doula can be invaluable! Please reach out to your midwife if you would like help in finding a doula that will be a good match, and safe.
Contact Us
Interested in working together? Please fill out the AAM application for care found here: https://clientcare.alberta-midwives.ca/waitpool/register
You may also email us with the form here to provide additional information or ask questions.