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Durham Midwives – How to Choose Your Care Provider

When searching for Durham Midwives there are a couple of things you may want to keep in mind. In Durham Region, each midwife clinic only has delivery privileges at specific hospitals. Make sure the team you choose is able to work in the hospital you wish to deliver at. Even if you’re choosing to have a home birth, there are some instances where you may need to be transferred to a hospital, either for your own safety or your baby’s, so it’s important to consider even if you may not end up there.

Some expecting parents will choose their midwife team based on the hospital that is most convenient for them, others will choose based on the midwives’ reviews or a referral from someone that has previously used their services. Either way, make sure you are aware of your delivery options before choosing your care provider.

Most midwifery clinics have an intake form on their website that you can fill out to get started. Midwife services tend to book up fairly quickly, as they can only take on so many patients in order to maintain high-quality care, so be sure to reach out as early as possible. This is not something you want to wait on, many women will contact the clinic as soon as they find out they are pregnant!

Frequently Asked Questions about Midwives

Do I need a midwife and an OB?

  • Your midwife will be your main care provider, so you choose either midwives OR a doctor. If your pregnancy becomes high risk you may be transferred to the care of an OB. You do not need a referral to access midwifery care.

Will I get the same care with a midwife?

  • Midwives are medically trained and experienced professionals that can order all the same tests an OB would. Midwives encourage medication-free methods of pain management, though you will still have access to an epidural if you choose. You’ll be able to contact your midwives 24/7 (often through a paging system), plus you’ll get the benefit of extra follow-up appointments with a midwife in the 6 weeks post-delivery. Most will visit you in your home following the birth of your baby for those first couple of appointments. Your midwife can also provide breastfeeding support.

What does it cost for midwifery services?

  • In Ontario, midwives are covered by OHIP so it will not cost you anything to use their services.

Where can I deliver my baby?

  • Durham midwives have delivery privileges are certain hospitals, and they can also facilitate in-home births. See below for a list of providers and the hospitals they work within. Talk to your midwife team about your options to see if you are a good candidate for home birth if this is something you’re considering.

Is a midwife similar to a doula?

  • No! A midwife is a trained medical professional and covered by OHIP, whereas a doula is trained to offer emotional and physical support throughout your labour, and often offers postpartum support as well. Doula support is not covered in Ontario. You may choose to have a doula in addition to your midwife team.

Locations and Hospital Privileges for Durham Midwives

Midwifery Services of Durham & Markham (Durham and Markham Midwives)

  • located in Ajax & Markham
  • privileges at Markham Stouffville Hospital

Sages-Femme Rouge Valley Midwives

  • located in Scarborough/Pickering
  • privileges at Ajax-Pickering Hospital, Centenary Hospital, Scarborough General Hospital, and Birchmount Hospital

Community Care Midwives

  • located in Oshawa
  • privileges at Lakeridge Health Oshawa

New Life Midwives

  • located in Bowmanville
  • privileges at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, and Northumberland Hills Hospital

Uxbridge Community Midwives

  • located in Uxbridge
  • privileges at Markham Stouffville Hospital
baby toes Durham midwives article
Images by Tara Graham Photography

Now that you’ve found your Durham Midwives and got your care provider all taken care of – it’s time to book the next most important thing – your Maternity Photographer! My name is Tara Graham and I would be honoured to help you document this special time in your life.

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