Discussions

I’m a FTM and am expecting early summer. I’m really hoping to have a Midwife deliver, but am wondering if there’s options outside of the Prairie Mountain Health group? I’ve applied, and been put on a waiting list, but I feel like I need to figure this out sooner than later. I’ve been seeing my GP in the meantime, but he no longer does deliveries. I haven’t had much luck in searching- wondering if anyone can point me in the direction of a Brandon Midwife who might work independently? Is that a thing? Thanks in advance!  
 
Edited by TanisBrown-Birch, 2018-01-10 20:33:02

Keep seeing your GP in the meantime. You will be transferred to an OB around approx 25-30 weeks, your GP can handle everything until that point including ordering tests etc. And if you end up securing a midwife then that’ll be great but there’s still time!

Aww thank you for your reassuring message! I will talk to my GP next visit about him referring me to an OB as a back-up. I was kind of afraid I’d have to do that on my own!

No problem at all. Yes you’ll be referred after your anatomy scan generally (18-22 weeks) and depending how busy your OB is you’ll start to see them around 25-30 weeks. I hope you’re able to get a midwife but even if you can’t our OB’s are great. Doctor Parr was fantastic and I saw two others during pregnancy/delivery and they were also great.

To answer the other part of your OP, no, there is no other option for midwives in Brandon. Unfortunately, you must apply very early to have a realistic chance of having a midwife, as they are very popular, for good reason.  
 
That being said, if you are contacted by anyone claiming to be a midwife, who does not work out of the midwifery clinic on Princess, they are NOT a registered midwife, and are operating illegally. They have no governing body, and no oversight.  
 
You could also look into hiring a Doula to provide you with extra labor support during your delivery with an OB, if you are nervous or anxious about what will go on. I don’t have any info on where to find a doula, but I’m sure someone else here can point you in the right direction.

Some_guy, these would have been considered traditional midwives back before the big medical system took this option away, and most were highly respected for their knowledge and work...and were highly popular. The ones who were not good were well known did not get many clients. A good one was/is experienced, knowledgable and caring. I was privileged to have two who taught me well. I do not claim to be a midwife by the way, just an informed, experienced and knowledgable homebirthing woman. I had more babies after this first one using the knowledge from my midwives, learning from others experiences, and further reading.  
 
It is unfortunate that traditional midwives now have to operate as criminals. It is not just in MB either. Many traditional midwives continue to fight for a woman's right to choose. It is not right that they have to do so. If you knew the history of how "recognized" midwifery came to be in MB, and how the medical system ignored the birthing womens' requests when they were preparing to outlaw traditional midwifery, you would not be so quick to dismiss them as bad. Governments don't always do what is best for their people (although they claim to be the only and best authority), and often women are treated as second class by the medical system. This is only one example of the second class treament of women.  
 
I will not discuss this any further on this thread, as I have stated that which I believed needed to be addressed after your comment.  
 
I wish you well in your search for a midwife, TanisBrown-Birch, perhaps a doula...they can be great...and an excellent birth.

Education is key, government acceptance is just how the world works.

I’m also not interested in an in depth debate on this forum. Fair enough.

Flutterby said "Some_guy, these would have been considered traditional midwives back before the big medical system took this option away, and most were highly respected for their knowledge and work...and were highly popular. The ones who were not good were well known did not get many clients. A good one was/is experienced, knowledgable and caring. I was privileged to have two who taught me well. I do not claim to be a midwife by the way, just an informed, experienced and knowledgable homebirthing woman. I had more babies after this first one using the knowledge from my midwives, learning from others experiences, and further reading.     It is unfortunate that traditional midwives now have to operate as criminals. It is not just in MB either. Many traditional midwives continue to fight for a woman's right to choose. It is not right that they have to do so. If you knew the history of how "recognized" midwifery came to be in MB, and how the medical system ignored the birthing womens' requests when they were preparing to outlaw traditional midwifery, you would not be so quick to dismiss them as bad. Governments don't always do what is best for their people (although they claim to be the only and best authority), and often women are treated as second class by the medical system. This is only one example of the second class treament of women.     I will not discuss this any further on this thread, as I have stated that which I believed needed to be addressed after your comment.     I wish you well in your search for a midwife, TanisBrown-Birch, perhaps a doula...they can be great...and an excellent birth. "

While there were some very good traditional midwives (and the very good ones that practiced prior to regulation were often absorbed into the system and continued to practice, although most of those women are now retired I believe), there was need for oversight after someone died. I have a lot of knowledge about that, and I can say that while there's been bumps along the way generally regulation has been a good thing. In my opinion, the biggest barrier to midwifery in Manitoba these days has been the lack of education opportunities within the province, and the aboriginal population seems to have suffered the most for that.  
 
To answer the OP, have a back-up plan but I would encourage you to call the midwives periodically as they sometimes have people transfer out of their care for different reasons. I was able to get in around 20 or so weeks with one child. I'm about to have my 4th baby (5th overall) with them, and wouldn't have it any other way if I had a choice!

Are also an excellent option. Here's a local group of them, I know one of the doulas and they are excellent. http://www.brandondoulas.ca/

Thank you for all the responses! I have an aunt who is a midwife, who has just retired. Therefore she can’t be my primary, but will be with me. I have also found a wonderful doula, which is very reassuring! Will keep my fingers crossed for a midwife to become available and talk to my GP Monday about my options. Appreciate the support and advice!