Midwives in Edmonton, Canada

This is incorrect. I was put on sick leave by my midwives last year (they are eligible and legal to authorize this but must fill out the EI Medical Certificate form for you to apply for EI Sickness benefits). I was still considered within their "scope of care" because my risk level was elevated but not outside of what they are legally allowed to care for. The OB also agreed there was no reason for transfer of care unless things changed for the worse while I was being closely monitored until I gave birth, (I had pregnancy induced pre-hypertension), so I was put on medical leave immediately. My risk level stayed within there parameters and I was never transferred, but your employer cannot dispute this one. May be worth a call to the Labour law folks in Alberta too.

Mary Marshall is an awesome advocate, but is no longer the Health Advocate for Alberta. It is now Deborah Prowse - http://www.albertahealthadvocates.ca/deb_prowse_biography.html. I have worked with both and they are fantastic resources. However, the STD is not a Provincial or Federal jurisdiction and is your privatized insurance through your employer. As such, they, mostly, have decided that they need a medical doctor to sign off on STD benefits. EI benefits, for Medical EI to kick in, do accept Midwife notes. If your Midwife believes that you can no longer work, or perform modified duties, you will have to go through medical EI unless you get a not from your GP.

Sounds like a real midwife crisis. I'll show myself out...

Hey, I have delivered both my babies via midwife with the most recent being two days ago!! I would be happy to help. I went to Lucina for my first delivery and it was fantastic. Great prenatal care, great delivery but the post natal care was definitely lacking. When I found out I was pregnant last summer I called Lucina and was rejected because they were "too full" (even though I was a previous client. I put my name on their wait list and was told I would be called should a spot open. One did and I was called but there were all these stipulations "I HAD to deliver at the centre, I HAD to have this midwife", etc. Which made me uncomfortable. I said no thanks. I have recently learned Lucina has undergone some changes and client satisfaction has dipped. I contacted the St. Albert midwives and chose Jennifer Thomson (who was the backup midwife for my first delivery at Lucina). She was unbelievable. I had a really high stress pregnancy and had some events happen which made me panic. She was beautiful and reassuring through the whole thing. On Sunday when I delivered it was 100% better than my first delivery (which was pretty fantastic) I just felt more comfortable and in control which I appreciated. Baby was born perfect and healthy which Jennifer had a hand in for sure. I can't say enough good things about her and recommend her highly. PM me if you would like any other info!

No specific recommendations, but I heard Lucina birthing centre is a good place. http://www.lucinacentre.ca/

I've had two home births with two different midwives. I loved them both, if you pm me I can give you their names. Thing is in Edmonton, at least 2ys ago, it was incredibly hard to get a midwife. When you see that positive sign on your test I suggest emailing every midwife you can and hoping someone gets back to you. It's government funded and there's a very high demand for it. I am not trying to start any arguments but I would like to say all the medical equipment that's in a delivery room WAS in my living room. I felt very safe with the care I had, I also live very close to a hospital. One of my midwifes was a delivery room nurse for 10yrs. She told me it would take the same amount of time to transfer me (and have er ready for me as soon as I got there) as it would to prep an er room for me if I was in a hospital. AND midwives deliver in hospitals and birth centres as well. Edit: hit enter by accident

I would only consider a delivery at a hospital because no delivery is ever no risk - even a low risk pregnancy still runs the risk of complications. You are dealing with the life of the mother and child, the best trained staff and the best equipment are in the hospital. I do not even think there can be a logical argument made against this. If a mid wife can assist in the hospital then great. But if you choose the have your delivery outside of a hospital you are increasing the chance of a complication being more severe. It is not only the life of the mother but the life of the child. Canada currently allows births in a hospital which allows you access to highly trained staff and state of the art equipment. It is an expensive system - but yours to use. Good luck with whatever choice you make!

I can't help but I just want to counter the other ignorant comment. In New Zealand, EVERYONE sees a midwife unless there are complications, then she refers you to an OB. Doctors won't see me about my pregnancy without a referral from a midwife. You can likely find a midwife who will do hospital or birth centre births even in Edmonton if you're worried about complications. I'll be delivering at hospital. Good luck with your search. I love my midwife down here and it's possible to get more than adequately trained and equipped midwives. Just continue to do your research and congratulations on your pregnancy.

I recommend going to a hospital. Midwives aren't equipped to handle complications, such as massive hemorrhaging. You only have to see one woman that's already exsanguinated in a hospital's code room, to realize midwives are a terrible idea.

False equivalency. Different country. A different country that charges $15 for a tylenol. Edit: if one of the catalysts for your major decision, was a documentary on the billing practices of hospitals in another country, I would question your critical thinking skills. Seriously.

I have a very short lists of obs that are truly supportive. VBAC Friendly OBs Dr. Tankel Dr. J Mayo - the best in the city! I've heard good things about Dr. Erin Bader too Dr. Lidke is a GP who delivers vbac in hospital. Also this may be an option: Momcaredocs.ca support vbac family drs, deliver at Alec

I'm seeing Dr Jacobs right now and he is supportive but he's just a GP and wants me to get a second opinion from an OB before he says yes. He's making me second guess my choice.

Then try Dr. Mayo for a second opinion. Is there a specific concern your GP has?

Oh Dr Mayo is good? He's my midwife's consult doc:) And yes, her name is Heather Fisher:)

Dr Mayo has long been a supporter of vbacs as well as breech deliveries, multiples, special scars etc etc so He is who I'd recomend for a consult if you have to have one.

Hi Jamie! ErinMarie Tankupine may know and also has the contact info for the Alberta association

I would try Cathy Harness & Heidi, but you may just have to call them all depending on your due date as they book up fast, Sorry I couldn't be more help.

The Association for Safe Alternatives in Childbirth may be able to help you, they have a current midwifery contact list on their website. I was at 30 weeks when I finally found a supportive birth attendant. It's worth it!