Those with midwives...

[MamanFrancaise]

Was it easy to find one and get an appointment?

We have 4 midwifery offices in Winnipeg and I called and left a message at each because I heard there was a shortage of midwives (for the demand).

3 of the 4 called me back, 2 asked 101 questions and then pass my profile on to the midwives in that practice where they review it and decide if they want to take me (they'll get back to me in a week or two). LOL The other practice is closed July-August so obviously I can't go there.

It seems so difficult!

[Selissa]

wellif i go wit hthe midwife i had last time it woul be pretty easy..sincei iam looking for a another one it is being a pain in the butt. I am looking for a lay ,idwife in a state where they are illeagal..i have been waiting ofr her call (the mw's) for a couple of weeks now..and still ntohing..it is very frustrating. if she doesn't call today i will talk to my friend agian who is seeing her..see if she is going to call me at all...

[SunnyBabyIn2005]

I haven't contacted my midwife yet, we just found out last night that we are expecting, and I have had 2 m/c since having my dd in 2000, so we are waiting & praying until after the holidays, then will contact her. She lives only about 5 min from me and I am good friends with her (I used to be a doula), so I have no doubt I'll have any probs getting to see her.

[cresorchid]

midwife shortage

I had no idea there was a shortage of midwives compared to the demand for them. Where I live there are lots of midwives, and I know a couple from other places. Fortunately, the local midwives association had a birth fair just yesterday. Talk about good timing! I met a few and am going to talk to a bunch before I make a choice. I guess I am very lucky to have so many available where I live.

I hope you can connect with someone you like.

[LuvMy2Kidz]

I had a hard time finding one. We'd decided to just have a UC b/c the ONLY midwife int he area didn't attend home births, and there's no way I was drivingin labor 45 min. to a birthing center when my last labor only lasted 2 hours I contaced the Midwives assn. for the state and they got me in contact with an unlicensed midwife(unlicensed by choice, been practicing over 20 years). She'll be our "back up" b/c we're still planning a UC, but she will sit with my mom "just in case" otherwise my mom would totally be a freak through the whole thing :LOL

[Gabesgrrrl]

Hi! I'm in Ontario, and there is a HUGE shortage of midwives here in Canada. The reason? It's government controlled, and they only allow a small number of people into the schooling system each year!

The midwifery practice that covers my area was booked for July, (many midwives take vacations then), and I called many many others, and basically they all said they won't help me, because I'm out of their catchment area....

I finally got in contact with a wonderful midwife who has just started her own practice. I told her that I was going to do an UC if I couldn't find a midwife to take me on, and she said not to worry, that she would be my "back-up."...Well, a few days later I got an email from her, saying that she thinks I'm meant to be in her care, because another womyn called the same day, and is in my area, and due in JULY! She said that it would be much easier for her to take 2 clients from an area outside her catchment, so....needless to say, I Snatched it up!

I was very very happy.

But it is very difficult, and you have to be very persistent. Good luck, and let me know how it goes!

(We Americans are spoiled in this department. )

~Marcie