The picture of the pregnancy test was taken, your parents
were notified and you have already looked through 15 baby name websites. Now
it's time to find a care provider that will be with you throughout the
pregnancy. You call your friends, or maybe ask your family physician, and
perhaps even look at the ratemymd website. In most cases, you end up with an
OB/GYN - a medical doctor specializing on pregnancy and birth. Maybe somewhere
along the way someone mentions the possibility of getting a midwife, but that
sounds too strange and witchcrafty. You're not a hippie after all.
I say midwives are worth a second look.
I have been lucky to have a close friend who has given birth
with the help of midwives a few months before me and she has provided me with
the information that helped me decide on a caregiver. I would like to share
everything I have learned about midwifery here since it was a truly great
experience for me.
First I'd like to address the main myths that surround the
practice of midwifery:
1. Midwives have no education - In Canada midwives have to
go through a 4 year program in a university or a college (there are 8 such
programs country-wide) and then pass exams to be recognized by the provincial
regulatory bodies.
2. You have to pay to get a midwife - Midwifery care is
covered by OHIP. Just like your OB/GYN or family doctor.
