Winnipeg Pregnancy Guide: Finding A Care Provider

I'm Pregnant in Winnipeg! Now What Do I Do???

Staring at two little pink lines? Not sure what your next step is for your Winnipeg pregnancy? We've got you covered.

The first concern on most families' minds after getting that positive pregnancy test is to find a care provider that aligns with their views. If you are looking at a Winnipeg pregnancy, you have a couple options. Lucky you!

Step 1: Interview and Hire a Doula

Finding out that you're pregnant can be so exciting-- and so overwhelming too! Even if you've been planning this for a while, once the reality sets it, it can be easy to feel like you have a million questions and no answers.  This is where a doula comes in. Your local doulas are amazing resources for pregnancy, birth and postpartum related questions-- and also referrals!

One of the first things that you'll want to do after finding out that you are pregnant is decide on a Winnipeg care provider. This can be really daunting, but rest assured, your doula will have some great advice, tailored to your specific situation and birth preferences. So don't delay-- research and interviews doulas to find someone who is a good fit with you and can help you through this whole experience. If you want to learn more about my doula services click here. 

Step 2: Find a Care Provider for your Winnipeg Pregnancy

As you probably know- doulas aren't responsible for your prenatal or birth medical care-- we focus on how you feel and cope with the whole thing! So it's time to do some research and choose the medical care provider that is best for you. Here's a few options!

Option 1. Find an OBGYN

Winnipeg is home to some fabulous doctors who specialize in Obstetrics, commonly known as an OBGYN or an OB. Most will practice out of only one of our birthing hospitals- Women's Hospital at Health Sciences Centre, or St Boniface Hospital. Make sure that if you have a preference, you choose a doctor who delivers at that hospital.

To find an OB in Winnipeg, you can go to your family doctor and ask for a referral, or you can call an office yourself if you have an idea of whom you would like to use for your Winnipeg pregnancy. One of my favourite groups in Winnipeg are the OBs out of Tache Group that serve St Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg.

Option 2. Find a Family Doctor

A great option bridging the gap between an OBGYN or a midwife is to have a family doctor or general practicioner continue your care during pregnancy and birth. While there aren't a ton, there are some GPs in Winnipeg who still provide pregnancy and delivery care. Family doctors tend to see only patients who are lower risk, and can be a great choice for someone in Winnipeg experiencing a normal, low risk pregnancy and wanting a hospital birth with perhaps lower intervention, and a higher chance of having your own provider at the delivery. If your own family doctor does not attend births, you can use the Family Doctor Finder to put you in touch with one. One of my favourites is Dr Harmer, who delivers at Women's Hospital.

One particular Family doctor that gets a lot of attention for families with a pregnancy in Winnipeg is Dr Larry Reynolds. Dr Reynolds practices out of Women's Hospital Outpatient Department at Health Sciences Centre, and is lovingly referred to by many as a "midwife in a white coat". Dr Reynolds is well known for his gentle, low key demeanor and his openness to allow the birthing person to trust their intuition and labor and birth as they feel comfortable. I have heard stories of him allowing dads to catch baby, of assisting deliveries on the floor, and even just spending a labor sitting quietly in the rocking chair, holding space for the family. If you would like to contact him for your Winnipeg pregnancy, Dr Reynolds can be reached at 204-787-1781.

Option 3. Apply for a midwife.

Midwives are awesome. They are also in high demand! If you are considering midwifery care, I highly suggest you reach out as early as you can! Midwifery in Manitoba is covered under provincial health. That means that if you qualify to see an OB under your Manitoba Health plan, you also qualify for a free Winnipeg midwife. There are no extra fees associated with this service! In addition, you do not need a referral from another health care professional. Your Winnipeg midwife will provide care during pregnancy, birth and for six weeks postpartum to both you and the baby.  Find more information about midwives here: http://midwivesofmanitoba.ca/what-is-a-midwife/

In Winnipeg, please call the Centralized Intake Line at (204) 947-2422 ext 307. This will direct you to the Birth Centre, who will call you back to do a full intake. They will distribute your midwifery intake information to all the Winnipeg midwives to determine if someone can accept you. There is no need to call all the midwifery sites, and no need to continue to call back repeatedly.

You should hear back whether you have been accepted or denied a midwife in Winnipeg within 2-6 weeks. Sometimes it may take longer if they are very busy. Please be patient and remember that each midwife generally takes the time to read through your intake form- this takes time!

Once you have been accepted into care for a Winnipeg midwife, you will be assigned a midwife team and will book for your first meeting.

But You're Not Done!

If you didn't take the time to hire a doula before finding your care provider, don't forget to hire one now. Doulas work alongside ALL types of medical care providers as part of a cohesive team, and support all birth preferences.  Doulas are professionals who specialize in physical, emotional and informational support during pregnancy and birth, and are able to be with you each step of the way throughout. They're passionate about assisting families in labor to feel supported and satisfied with their birth outcomes.

Labour and Birth can often be really overwhelming, and there's not always enough time during provider appointments to go over everything that you want to. And during labour, your nurses are working feverishly to keep an eye on your medical needs. Your doula is there to answer questions, help you cope with the contractions and feel supported and confident as you birth your way. No matter what your plans for your birth, a doula is always a good idea!

For more information, stop by my Services page today!