Who pays for my midwifery care?
Midwifery care is funded by the provincial government. All you need to provide is your current Care Card and both your midwifery care and any hospital care your receive will be fully covered without any direct cost to you.

What kind of training do midwives have?
Registered Midwives are regulated by the College of Midwives of British Columbia. All BC Registered Midwives have met international standards, have a formal post secondary education and experience in midwifery, and have successfully met all requirements to legally practice midwifery in BC. These requirements include significant prenatal, birth, and postpartum mom/baby care experience, successfully passing national written and clinical licensing examinations. Midwives also maintain current certification in adult and newborn resuscitation, fetal health assessment, and emergency skills for childbirth. Tracy Simpson is a graduate of Seattle Midwifery School (2005), and Lindsay Brimblecombe is a graduate of UBC's Midwifery Program (2005).

Do I need a referral from a doctor?
No. You may contact me directly should you choose midwifery care. Each woman is assessed to ensure she is suitable for midwifery care.

Can I have a doctor and a midwife for pregnancy care?
No. A pregnant woman has a choice of either a midwife, family physician, or obstetrician as her primary maternity care provider. Midwives provide complete prenatal and birth care, as well as caring for you and your newborn for the first 6 weeks after the birth. After this time you will return to your family doctor for ongoing medical care.

What if my pregnancy becomes complicated, or if my baby has a problem?
Should the need arise, we will arrange a consultation with an obstetrician or pediatrician according to the guidelines provided by the College of Midwives of BC. In some cases, we may recommend a transfer of your care and/or your baby's care to the appropriate specialists. Should this occur we will remain involved in your care, providing support and information.

Where do I go for my prenatal visits?
Our office is located in the Fuscaldo Total Health Centre at 434 East Columbia Street. This central location is one block from Royal Columbian Hospital, and nearby a medical lab, ultrasound, unique baby item stores, and a health food store. Clients can also enjoy the benefits of a multidisciplinary clinic, and have a chiropractic or massage treatment on the same day as your midwifery visits!

Where can I have my baby?
Midwifery clients have a choice of giving birth at home or in a hospital. We believe you will labour best in the place where you are most comfortable. Midwives are equally skilled and comfortable with both settings. Should you choose a home birth, a second midwife will be in attendance at the delivery. Should you choose a hospital birth, labour and delivery nurses assist the midwife. We currently deliver babies at Royal Columbian Hospital, in New Westminster, and have alternate privileges at Surrey Memorial and Burnaby General hospitals.

Why would I want a midwife if I'm planning a hospital birth?
Since midwives became part of the formal health care system, we now have admitting/discharge privileges to deliver babies in hospitals. Midwives focus on improving the quality of your pregnancy and birth experience, by helping to keep your pregnancy as healthy as possible. The personal, time-intensive prenatal care provided by midwives, with its emphasis on education and prevention, will help you approach your birth feeling prepared, and comfortable with your caregiver. Your midwife will provide continuous one-to-one care throughout labour, deliver your baby, and care for you and your baby postpartum. Our intensive postpartum support makes a significant difference in your early parenting experience and your success with breastfeeding.

Is home birth safe?
Several recent published studies have shown that homebirth is as safe as hospital birth, for well screened, healthy, low-risk women, when attended by qualified caregivers. Your midwives will assist you in making your own best choice for place of birth, by discussing the risks and benefits of each birth setting. Although most normal births require little or no intervention, midwives are trained in emergency skills and carry emergency equipment such as oxygen and resuscitation equipment, and anti-hemorrhagic drugs to all births. It is important to recognize that in rare situations, the technology available only in a hospital setting may make a difference to the well being of the newborn or mother. It is also true though that even with the assistance of technology, a good outcome cannot be guaranteed when these rare emergencies arise in any birth setting.

What are my responsibilities as a client?
You are expected to be responsible for your health. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising and getting adequate rest. It is important that you inform us of any relevant event or information that might affect your pregnancy or birth, including any pertinent medical history, and any medications or substances that you take. Active participation and decision making together with your caregivers is expected throughout your care. We recommend that you learn about the process of labour and birth through prenatal classes, and reading educational books. Write your questions down and bring them with you to each prenatal visit.

Please feel free to call or email if your questions are not answered here!

New Patient Inquiries:
Please call (778) 397-0730