When I was pregnant with Jack, I had an OB/GYN as my primary caregiver throughout my pregnancy. I found every visit to be the same. Very impersonal. I don't think he once ever called me by my name. To top it all off, obstetricians work on an on-call schedule at the hospital so chances were he would not be the one delivering my baby (which he didn't). We didn't build any sort of relationship. In fact, if I had returned there for my second pregnancy, I would bet that he wouldn't remember that I was once before a patient of his. When I became pregnant with Oliver, I didn't think twice about choosing a midwife.
In Ontario, midwifery is fully funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. A midwife is a primary caregiver, which means that she can provide all the care necessary for a healthy woman and her baby throughout pregnancy, birth and for six weeks afterward. With a midwife, you have a choice between a hospital or home birth.
I loved my team of midwives. They were so wonderful. They took an interest in not only my pregnancy but my family as well. Another great thing about midwives, is they are available 24/7 for any questions/concerns you have that are pregnancy related.
I knew having a midwife was the best choice for me. It wasn't until the day I gave birth, that I realized just how wonderful and supportive these women truly are.
Having gone into labor, I called the midwife and she (Andrea) told me she would be over within 40 minutes to assess if it was time to go to the hospital. Upon arrival and finding out I was already 9cm dilated , she suggested we stay put and have our baby at home. She called for backup as they always deliver in teams of 2. OMG! I couldn't believe my ears. Have my baby at home? I never even considered this an option. She assured me she had everything necessary in the trunk of her car. She returned from her car with the supplies needed. I was freaked right out. Andrea calmed me right now. She remained so calm and supportive through the rest of my labor and delivery. I could not have asked for a better birthing experience, even if it did happen at home unplanned with no drugs. I don't know if I would do the whole home birth again next time, but I know without a doubt I will have a midwife.
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Cheryl believes so much in her midwives that she has her sister convinced Midwives are the way to go and she is taking her advice. I hope Jody gets as nice a team as Cheryl had..They were certainly very handson and di a super job delivering my grandson...High five to Midwivery!!!!
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