Choosing a Prenatal Care Provider in Mission

I am sure many are unsure what kind of care you can find in mission, I will help you with that. your BC MSP will cover your care with a physician/family doctor, or an OB or even a Midwife. A Doula is not covered by BC MSP but worth the extra cost for all the personalized and focused care and support.

A. Types of providers: OB/Midwife/etc

You can find an OB who will Provide care for high-risk pregnancies (e.g. carrying twins) and low-risk pregnancies. A referral to see an OB is needed. OBs are doctors with special education and training in the medical management of pregnancy, labor, and birth. They are qualified to manage complications. An OB can serve as your main maternity doctor, or may act as a consultant to your Family Doctor or Registered Midwife if you experience complications.

Provides care for healthy, low-risk pregnancies from early pregnancy onwards, and up to six weeks after you have given birth, including breastfeeding support. You don’t need a referral. Regulated and registered through a professional college. For a list of Registered Midwives visit: www.bcmidwives.com/find-a-midwife. Book early to ensure availability.

Mission Maternity Clinic

Family Doctors that will manage your pregnancy and medical concerns up to 6 weeks after you give birth, at which time you will be transitioned back to the care of your regular Family Doctor. Includes pre-natal classes and breastfeeding supports.

Note: Delivery and in-hospital care for patients of the Mission Maternity Clinic will be with the Abbotsford Maternity Group at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital.

Family Doctor

Your regular Family Doctor will provide care for your pregnancy until he/she transitions you to the Mission Maternity Clinic, an OB, or a Registered Midwife.

If you do not have a Family Doctor and live in Mission, call the Mission Primary Care Clinic at 604.820.1021.

Doulas provide non-medical physical and emotional support before, during, and after birth. Please note that doulas do not do deliveries and costs are not covered by the BC Medical Services Plan. but there are a few of us around, many will work out a payment plan or can possibly work with your extended care coverage, be sure to ask about your options with each doula you feel you can/want to work with that best support your views.

B. Local birthing options: hospital, birth center, home, etc

we are fortunate in mission, let alone in bc to have all options available to us we could want so ultimately you can have any birth option your heart and health allow for.

Hospitals

Most medical doctors (MDs) deliver only at hospitals. Some hospitals also allow registered midwives to deliver there. Many hospitals offer special birthing rooms. These rooms are comfortable and homey. They have large beds, wooden furniture such as rocking chairs, and pictures on the walls.

Different hospitals have different rules about who can be in the room during the birth. Most hospitals allow the woman to have visitors during her labor. But during the actual birth, the hospital may limit who can be in the room. These rules are to avoid overcrowding and the risk of infection.

Ask for a tour of the hospitals near you. See what options they offer. One advantage of a hospital birth is access to the staff and equipment. They are right there if you have problems or complications with the birth. And a hospital offers a wide range of options for pain relief.

Birthing centers

A birthing center is usually staffed by registered midwives who have the option of sending you or your baby to a nearby hospital if there are problems or complications. Birthing centers are less formal and less institutional than hospitals. You may be allowed to have several people, including other children and family members, with you during the birth.

Birthing centers are not recommended if you have a high-risk pregnancy. Emergency medical equipment and options for pain relief are limited.

Home

Some registered midwives will deliver in a home setting.

The major disadvantage of a home birth is the risk of an emergency situation. In that case, you or your baby would need to be taken in an ambulance to a hospital. The time it takes to get you or the baby to the hospital may be critical.

A home birth also has advantages. You may feel more comfortable staying in a familiar place during childbirth. And you can choose who you want in the room with you.

A home birth is not recommended if you have a high-risk pregnancy.

C. Other complementary care providers: doulas, childbirth educators,

prenatal fitness, chiropractors, etc.

Here are some links for some complementary care providers in the mission area

http://missionmidwifery.com/midwifery/

https://patrinacrane.wixsite.com/website-1

https://www.thebirthyear.ca/prenatal-education.html

http://missionmidwifery.com/groups/

https://www.evokewellnesscentre.com/pregnancy-chiropractic/