Parents' Role And Responsibilities
We believe it is ideal if women and their families are active participants in their care. We strongly request that your partner or significant support person be present for at least the initial visit with your primary and secondary midwife. We welcome the ongoing participation of partners, children, family or friends at clinic or home visits, as well as during the labour and birth.
We encourage a balanced diet, adequate rest and exercise and can help you to find ways support your general health throughout this time. Non-medical supplies needed for the birth and for the baby are provided by the parents; if you require basic supplies for yourself or the baby please speak to your midwife or the clinic administrator. We have developed community partnerships to help with provisions. All donations of maternity clothes, baby clothes, diapers, baby equipment, books and videos are welcome and will be shared with those who can benefit.
Knowledge about pregnancy, birth and child care leads to more confidence during this time of transition. We strongly encourage parents to gain knowledge from a variety of sources. Prenatal classes that are geared towards the model of midwifery care are a valuable way of gaining information and insight into the labour and birth process. We offer various types of education sessions monthly at the clinic. Please refer to the current calendar for dates and times. We know that women will surround themselves with the people that they need to support them through their experience. We welcome the inclusion of doulas, massage therapists, naturopathic doctors, chiropractors, spiritual leaders and anyone else chosen by the parents to be with them during their birth experience.
One of the most important decisions that parents must make is the location of birth. Comprehensive prenatal care and careful monitoring in labour by a known care giver are important factors in preventing, detecting and managing complications which might arise. Even with the best of care, however, difficulties can occur during labour and birth. Most often these are not life threatening and can be dealt with at home or by safely transporting to hospital. There are circumstances when hospital care is essential for the safety of mother and/or baby. We can provide you with information about the complications that may arise and our ability to manage them. We encourage both partners to have a full and complete discussion with us about these issues and to attend our home birth presentation and discussion evening at the clinic if you are planning a birth at home.