Choosing Prenatal Care

In Canada, you have three choices for prenatal care: your family doctor, an OBGYN, or a midwife. All three options are covered by universal health care. I wasn't a big fan of my family doctor, so I easily crossed off that option.

There’s an obstetrician at my local hospital who is legendary. Every story I heard about him was overwhelmingly positive. Amazing bedside manner aside, apparently he’s the guy other OBs call when they’re in a pickle. Sounded like a good option to me – who wouldn’t want the best? However, I had also heard not so good stories about other OBs at the same hospital, and the possibility that one of those doctors could be the OB on call the when I went into labour was real. Giving birth is such an important milestone and, as a first time mama, this bothered me (I know… first world problems).

I didn’t really understand the midwife option when I found out I was pregnant. I just assumed pregnant women were taken care of by an obstetrician (or at least a doctor) unless you were a hippy wanting a home water birth. The closest thing I had to a mummy friend was a colleague who had a couple of kids. I respected her professionally, and was surprised to learn that she used midwives for her pregnancies and births. Thank goodness for her!

• I learned that I would be set up with a team of midwives who would follow me throughout my pregnancy, and one of them would be present at my birth. My precious first born wouldn’t be delivered by a complete stranger! 
• I learned that midwives are the experts in normal pregnancies, births and newborn care. 
• I learned that I could deliver my baby at home or at my local hospital, which meant that if something did go wrong, I’d be set up in a hospital with access to equipment and doctors who specialize in risky/abnormal pregnancies and births. Possibly even Dr. “Legend” :) 
• I learned that appointments with midwives were around 30 minutes long (vs. a 10-15 minute appointment with an OB), and there is rarely a long wait past your scheduled appointment time. What a relief for this scared and confused first-time mama with lots of questions.
• I learned that informed choice is their hallmark. I would be presented with all the information, and then I could choose what was right for me. 
• I learned that the same 2-3 midwives who would take care of me during my pregnancy, and deliver my baby, would continue to care for me and my baby for six weeks postpartum. This included breastfeeding help, which was what cinched the choice for me.

I decided to go with the midwives, and I’m so glad I did. Who knows, I might even consider a home water birth for round 2!