Consumers Supporting Midwifery Care

Dear Dr. Walker, Dr. Roth, and Mr. Love,

Almost 20 years ago, I gave birth to my first child, at home, with the loving support of my husband and best friend, under the care of my midwives. It was the most incredible experience of my life. I was so grateful to be able to labour at home, to be safely delivered of my baby, and to snuggle up with her in my own bed. She was born at lunchtime, and my husband ordered pizza and we chatted and laughed in amazed wonder at what had just happened. This happy memory was only possible because my midwives had hospital privileges.

All three of my children were born at home, and I received excellent care from the midwives and obstetricians that I saw during the course of my pregnancies. I was so impressed by the collegiality and respect. The expectant families of Ottawa are very fortunate to have access to a range of birthing options. Every woman should be able to labour and give birth where she feels safe and cared for, whether that is the hospital, the birth centre, or, as it was for me, at home.

At the time that I was having my babies, waiting lists were such that I would take a home pregnancy test on the day that I expected my cycle to start to make sure I got a spot. My friend waited until she missed a period after a suspiciously light period and she ended up on a waiting list. My understanding is that twenty years later there are still waiting lists long enough that women who wanted midwifery care were unable to access it.

Please consider making permanent the hospital privileges of the midwives who currently have temporary privileges.

Best regards,
Nathalie Schiebel
past client of The Midwifery Collective of Ottawa
mother to Lara (b. February 2001), Josephine (b. November 2002) and Kieran (b. October 2004)