Midwifery Care
The Foothills Midwives are the only midwifery practice in Alberta fully integrated into a collaborative maternity care team. Working alongside the doctors at High River Maternity, the midwives provide prenatal and delivery care in a supportive, team-based environment.
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Because the midwives are integrated into the High River Maternity team, patients do not need to join a separate waitlist for the opportunity to have midwives involved in their care.
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The High River Maternity team supports birth as a normal physiological event whenever it is safe to do so. Each birth room includes a specialized tub, offering water labour and water birth for eligible patients experiencing a normal, low-risk, spontaneous labour and planning an unmedicated birth.
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Midwives work closely with their physician and obstetrician colleagues throughout pregnancy and birth. If specialized medical assistance is needed, care can transition seamlessly within the High River team without requiring a transfer of care. If you or your baby becomes high-risk and requires care that cannot be provided in High River, a transfer to a city hospital may be recommended.
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Foothills Midwives offer a free group prenatal class, usually during the third trimester. The class focuses specifically on the High River Maternity experience and may be offered in person or virtually.
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The unique TLC Clinic gives patients additional time and support when they need it during pregnancy or after birth. Topics may include:
Creating or modifying birth plans following a previous traumatic experience
Additional support for postpartum depression or difficulty adjusting to parenthood
Debriefing and processing a previous birth experience
Connecting patients with additional resources and support
TLC Clinic conversations are strictly confidential and are designed to provide personalized support throughout pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.
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While the Foothills Midwives are not currently able to offer home births, they believe the small size and philosophy of High River Maternity allow them to provide a safe, personal and supportive birth experience within a hospital setting.
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The midwives welcome returning Foothills Midwifery clients they have had the privilege of caring for in the past, as well as new clients interested in experiencing midwifery care as part of a collaborative maternity team.