Midwifery Services
Effective August 5, 2024, initial midwifery services will be offered in Carbonear. The program will be implemented in a phased approach with an expansion of services planned for February 2025.
Who we are
Midwives are trained health-care professionals who provide primary care in the prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum period for mothers and their newborns up to six weeks of age. Midwives specialize in low-risk pregnancies but are trained to recognize any complications that may arise requiring a specialist in high-risk pregnancies.
Midwives provide complete care during pregnancy to promote health and well-being for pregnant individuals, babies and families. A midwife can order routine tests and lab work and can prescribe certain medications. A midwife’s scope of care includes guidelines on when to consult, when to share care and when to transfer care to another health-care provider.
What we do
Effective August 5, 2024, the three core services that will be offered initially include:
- Prenatal care: The midwifery practice will begin by offering prenatal care for individuals with an estimated due date of February 2025 and later at the Carbonear Community Services Building. Midwives will also provide assessments at the Carbonear General Hospital, as needed.
- Postpartum care: Working with other program areas, families without a primary care provider will be referred to the midwifery practice for the delivery of postpartum care to parent and child for up to six weeks postpartum, including breastfeeding support. Individuals who live in the Carbonear area will be offered a home visit for postpartum care; for those outside the Carbonear area, postpartum care appointments will be available at the clinic in the Carbonear Community Services Building.
- Other health services: Midwives will work with other program areas to identify individuals in need of cervical cancer screening and other sexual/reproductive health services. Pap clinic days will be offered at the Carbonear Community Services Building.
By February 2025, services will expand to provide support and care to clients during labour and birth.
Who we see
Services are provided to individuals of all ages.
Our team
- Midwives
How to access this service
Effective August 5, 2024, individuals can be referred by a health-care provider or can self-refer by calling 709-945-5517.
Where we are
Services will be provided at the Carbonear Community Services Building and Carbonear General Hospital and will also include home visits for individuals located in the catchment area.
Carbonear Community Services Building
15a Industrial Crescent
Carbonear, NL
Carbonear General Hospital
86 Highroad South
Carbonear, NL
Hours of operation
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How to reach us
Telephone: 709-945-5517
Email: carbonearmidwifery@nlhealthservices.ca
Fax: 709-945-6588
Frequently asked questions
What is a midwife?
A midwife is a primary care provider who takes care of pregnant, labouring and postpartum individuals and their newborns as well as non-pregnant individuals in the population for sexual and reproductive health care.
What services do they provide?
- Prenatal, labour and delivery and postpartum care for low-risk individuals and their newborns up to 6 weeks postpartum.
- Prenatal and postpartum education.
- Pap tests, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
- Breastfeeding support.
- Contraception counselling.
- 24/7 access to your care provider.
Do I need to still see my family doctor or obstetrician?
If you have a pregnancy-related concern, you would bring it to your midwife. If you have a non-pregnancy related concern (for example, strep throat), you would see your family doctor.
For low-risk pregnancies, you do not have to see an obstetrician as well. Your midwife will order all your blood work and ultrasounds and provide you with the information you need to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Do I have to have a home birth?
No, midwives provide a choice of birthplace. Most midwifery clients will choose to give birth in hospital. If you are interested in a home birth, your midwife can discuss this with you.
Is a doula the same as a midwife?
No. Doulas provide support but do not provide clinical care. Midwives provide support and clinical care.
How do I sign up for midwifery services?
Midwifery services can be accessed by self-referral (effective August 5, 2024). Individuals can call the midwifery office to arrange services.
When should I call for prenatal care?
As soon as possible. The midwifery program will see you for your intake appointment between 10-12 weeks of pregnancy.