Discussions

What made your choice to choose one over the other? Is there a certain criteria you have to fit to get into a midwife? Is there a long wait to get into one?

I had a good first pregnancy with an ob but after hearing friends tell me their experience with a midwife I decided to try that route this time. I have yet to see the midwife as they don't see you till 12 weeks so don't have any experience with them yet.  
 
I called right after I found out I was pregnant and they put me on the list. Then had to wait till they decide who they are taking based on the month your due. I think as long as your not high risk you qualify. There are now seven midwives so I think most people get in. Depends how many pregnant woman want one each month.

I've had 3 of my 4 babies with them (my 1st was with an OB) and I love LOVE love them! I would highly recommend them.  
 
Like Caitlin says, you need to be low-risk, and in the past they would give preference to certain target groups, but with more midwives now I'm not sure that still applies.  
 
Congrats both of you on your pregnancies!  
 
Edited by Abbysmum, 2015-11-05 21:01:47

I recommend going with the midwives. We went with them our first pregnancy and were disappointed that we weren't able to our second due to high risk. I saw my OB maybe 10 minutes collectively my entire 2nd pregnancy. The only person I ever saw was a nurse during my appointments and it was a nurse that ended up delivering because the OB didn't take them seriously when they called her in. You will have a much better and positive experience with the midwives.

My first child was born in the UK and it's all midwives there. So when I moved to Canada I sought a midwife for baby #2. She was amazing and so personable. She put my mind at ease the whole time and I'm convinced she's the reason I had the easiest home birth ever. When baby #3 was on the way I had the same midwife and same home delivery. It was a breeze. I'm now due #4 and having moved province to MB, I managed to get registered with the midwives. I think it's a sure thing that I'll have the same good experience based on my visits so far. I'd certainly recommend a midwife any day. So much more time and attention for you and so knowledgable about many things.

I had one for baby number 4. I loved having one. I loved how she was there through the whole labor and delivery. She was amazing.. I regret not having one with my other 3.. Midwives all the way!

I had a midwife with my first pregnancy. It was amazing, especially during a first pregnancy when I was unsure about what was "normal" and not. The appointments were longer than the 3 minutes you get with an OB, and I had an opportunity to ask questions and have them answered thoroughly. The midwives were full during my second pregnancy (boo!) so I had an OB. A very different experience, that's for sure. My OB was kind enough to deliver my son even though he wasn't on call, but I spent much of the pregnancy worrying about a stranger in the delivery room. At least with the midwives, you know who will be with you during labour and delivery. I've been seeing the midwives again this pregnancy and again prefer this route to an OB. They have two teams now, and you take turns having several appointments with each midwife on your team, so you're able to develop a relationship with each of them and feel comfortable during delivery. It's a great option that we're so lucky to have in Brandon!

I had a breech baby with my first, so I had to go with an OB GYN... midwives don't do risky pregnancies. If you have a normal pregnancy, I would highly recommend them... personable, knowledgeable (Kerri has the same number years of schooling as a doctor!) and they will stay with you every second of the delivery AND (big plus for me) they will let you choose whatever delivery position you want. Your comfort is key.  
 
However... dang tough to get in!!! Hopefully that's changed since they added two new midwives.

Wanting medication and hospital birth is a midwife still appropriate for me?

DogLover23 said "Wanting medication and hospital birth is a midwife still appropriate for me? "

They do hospital births (I had all 3 of my midwife births in hospital), and they do offer pain management, and are able to offer different things than the OB like sterile water injections. They do, however, educate you on the risks of things like epidurals (something I don't remember the OB doing).  
 
They have a mandate of informed choice/consent. They will go over all the risks with you for things like place of birth and interventions - and I do mean ALL the risks - but ultimately it will be up to you.