Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is provided at a home office in the Meadowlark area of the west end of Edmonton. The focus is on providing individualized care to meet your needs during your childbearing experience. You will be encouraged to be involved in all aspects of your care and we can discuss the many choices, options and decisions that need to be made during this time. Family and friends are welcome to attend individual appointments. A part of your care can be done in a group format where a small group of women who are due about the same time gather at their usual appointment times to discuss the many aspects of pregnancy, birth and the adjustments during the postpartum period. Care begins at your first appointment and continues through to the birth concluding at 6 weeks postpartum.
Labor and Birth
A woman who is experiencing a healthy pregnancy can choose the birthing environment that best suits her needs. It is important for a woman to feel comfortable and safe and this will be different for every woman. Choices for labor and birth can be either in your home, at the Lucina Birth Centre, or at the Sturgeon Community Hospital in St. Albert. During the labor and birth of your baby, you and your partner will receive guidance and support that reflect your choices made throughout your pregnancy as you planned for this day. Birthing your baby naturally is often a profound experience and marks a significant transition to being parents or to adding another member to your existing family. While two midwives attend homebirths and most hospital births, the second midwife is only called to come for the actual birth itself.
Postpartum Care
Postpartum care and breastfeeding support is an equally important part of your care. These follow up visits in your home will assist you with the adjustments of caring for your new family member. Following a birth at the birth center or hospital, most women and their newborns are comfortable going home within a few hours after the birth. Your midwife will visit you the following day after the birth and continue to see you at your home during the first week. We are always available by phone as needed. Postpartum care during the following weeks continues in the clinic for up to 6 weeks postpartum. Then at the time your care is discharged your care and your babies care will be transferred to a your family doctor and/or pediatrician.