Here are some questions to consider in selecting a prenatal health care provider:
A licensed medical doctor who provides care to the whole family, including infants and children. This includes normal (low risk) pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. However, not all family physicians perform deliveries. In such cases, they provide most of your pre- and post-natal care, and the obstetrician or midwife takes over the care at the end of your pregnancy and delivers your baby.
A specialized doctor who provides care to you during your pregnancy, labour, childbirth, postpartum and to support your overall reproductive health. They provide prenatal care to both low- and high-risk pregnancies. They also provide one follow-up visit in their office 6 weeks after your baby is born.
Visit Health Care Connect to find a family doctor or an obstetrician.
Provides care if your pregnancy is normal (low risk). A midwife can deliver your baby either at home, in hospital or at a birthing centre depending on your preference. The midwife will continue to provide care for you and your baby after birth.
Visit Ontario Midwives to find a midwife.
Provides care to you and your family in clinics, health centres or hospitals. Nurse Practitioners may offer care during pregnancy and after you give birth. You will be referred to a doctor for the delivery, as they do not deliver babies.
They also provide routine check-ups for babies and children and work closely with doctors, specialists, midwives and other health care providers. Find Nurse Practitioner–Led Clinics in your area.
A trained professional who provides non-medical support and care to you and/or your partner before, during or after childbirth.
If you are interested in learning more about the services provided by a doula or to hire a doula, visit Doula Care or Dona International.