After becoming pregnant with our son Franklin just four weeks after losing my first pregnancy, I knew I would need the extra support and time from my care provider through the next nine months of my journey.
I turned to the Midwives of Muskoka.
The Midwives of Muskoka, made up of a team of five, are a Bracebridge-based clinic that serves from Orillia to north of Huntsville.
They were established in 2005, have served over 2,000 women, and brought babies into the world both at home and in hospital depending on the woman’s personal choice.
“Women and men deserve high-quality prenatal, birth and postpartum care as close to home as possible, Muskoka is no exception,” said midwife Keatha Walsh. “I love midwifery in our tight-knit Muskoka community. It is such a pleasure to see clients in the community once they are discharged from care.”
All Ontario midwives have graduated with a four-year bachelor of health sciences degree at either McMaster, Laurentian or Ryerson. While it isn’t necessary to have a previous degree, many midwives have additional educational as well.
Midwives are there to support you through all of your decisions while educating and supporting you as a parent. This includes everything from place of birth to types of pain medication during labour.
They care for low-risk, healthy women, and when necessary if there are complications, the midwives will consult with physicians and the woman is still able to remain a client of the Midwives of Muskoka.
As my pregnancy was high-risk, I was in dual care with my midwife as well as an OB-GYN in Orillia.
The midwives allowed me to feel safe and listened to, and I loved how thorough each and every appointment was.
All routine prenatal testing, such as ultrasounds and bloodwork, are ordered by midwives just as a physician would do.
“Midwifery allows me to work within my passion for women’s health, and walk with people through their journey to parenthood in an empowering way. I am continuously inspired by the courage and power of my clients. Women are amazing,” said Walsh.
The midwives work differently than GPs in a variety of ways. In Ontario, midwifery care is based on the principles of continuity of care, informed choice for decision making, and choice of birthplace.
Appointments under midwifery care are also longer than other options of care, often up to an hour if the mother or support person needs it. I personally found peace and comfort in knowing I had extended time for questions and concerns with each appointment.
The Midwives of Muskoka, who are fully funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, have privileges at Huntsville District Memorial Hospital, South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, and Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital.
The midwives care for mothers throughout pregnancy, labour and birth, and then both mother and baby for six weeks following the birth. They also help if you have a miscarriage.
Having had a miscarriage before Franklin, I knew I would have extra worries and anxieties entering into this journey. Having the support of midwives who knew my situation well and being able to contact them 24/7 via pager was a huge help to my mental health both during pregnancy and post-partum.
For more information, visit midwivesofmuskoka.com or call 705-645-4011 to request care.
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