We believe the value of supportive care extends beyond the moments of birth. Everything we have learned and observed so far tells us that it really does take a village to raise a human, to be a parent, to fully embrace the human experience. Each pregnancy, birth, and postnatal period is unique to the people involved, but there are some definite similarities and common threads. For almost every challenge there is a solution. Below you will find a listing of local businesses, both private and public, that offer services or products that can serve to provide you with these solutions.
Health Care Providers
Family Physicians who deliver are a great choice for women with low risk pregnancies. The low intervention approach of these physicians supports families through pregnancy, birth and the early post natal period. They are trained to care for both mother and baby, with a focus on normal physiologic birth.
These Doctors deliver at both St. Boniface General and Women’s Hospitals. Their biographies can be found here.
We highly recommend choosing one of these Doctors for low risk pregnancies!
Call 204-235-3925 for information.
Here is a link to information about delivery options in Winnipeg.
“Midwife” means “with woman”. We are trained specialists who care for women throughout pregnancy and childbirth. More than 80 percent of babies world-wide are born into the caring, skillful hands of a midwife.
A midwife is a person who has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practice midwifery in Manitoba. She must be able to give the necessary care and advice to women during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period, to conduct deliveries on her own responsibility, and to care for the infant and the mother. This care includes preventive measures, the detection of abnormal conditions in the mother and child, accessing medical assistance when necessary and taking emergency measures in the absence of medical help. The midwife will have a mechanism for consultation, referral, continued involvement and collaboration.
~excerpt from College of Midwives of Manitoba website
Here is a link to information about delivery options in Winnipeg.
An Obstetrician is a physician or surgeon qualified to practice in obstetrics. They are trained to identify and treat conditions occurring in high risk pregnancies, along with performing surgery when necessary.
There are several Obstetrical groups serving the two Winnipeg hospitals, and a referral from a family physician is generally needed to make an appointment. Ask your friends, or your doula who they recommend, check out RateMD, know that you can meet more than one doctor before deciding who is best suited for your care.
Obstetricians usually work in groups, so there is no guarantee that the doctor you see for your prenatal visits will be on call the day of delivery. It is important to feel comfortable with the general philosophy of care of the group as a whole. If you have a specific idea of how you would like to approach the birth process, be sure your doctor and their group will support you in that.
Here is a link to information about delivery options in Winnipeg.
Body Care Practitioners
Mommy & Me Family Chiropractic
Two Rivers Chiropractic Centre was created from the dream of Drs. Kimberly and Myron to help serve their community lead healthier lives through chiropractic care. We love to see families in all their stages of growth from pre-conception, pregnancy, labour & delivery, and post natal care. And of course we love to have infants and children under our care as well.
Drs. Myron and Kimberly firmly believe that they are in partnership with each and every patient on their journey towards health. As chiropractors, they offer a different way of thinking about life, health and healing, and they offer care that incorporates the knowledge that the power that made the body, heals the body. Nothing makes them happier than when patients who have had severe health challenges brings their child in for an adjustment to help keep them healthy in the first place.
We are a neurologically based chiropractic office that utilizes state-of-the art technology to get to the root cause of your health concerns and correct them at the source. We specialize in pediatrics, Webster technique, and Pierce Results System. We aim to empower and educate our practice members to live healthier lives and raise healthier families.
Grand Opening Spring 2017
Aspen Therapy – Mary Pat McNaught is an Osteopath that specializes in working with infants and Breastfeeders. The clinic is located at 222-530 Kenaston Blvd in Winnipeg. The phone number tobook an appointment is 204-896-3412 or she can be reached by email – mp@aspentherapy.ca
My Bodhi also has a registered Osteopath on stafff. Click the link to find about more!
Prota Clinic was created with the philosophy to provide proactive detection and guidance to assist you in improving your health, longevity, and quality of life. Our goal is to provide a holistic and integrative approach to health and wellness; this ensures that all clients have the opportunity to receive comprehensive assessments from a multidisciplinary perspective, all in one convenient location. Find us at 4-930 Lorimer Blvd, or call (204)837-7682 to make an appointment today.
Nova Physiotherapy offers treatment for those issues specific to the female population such as pre- and post-partum issues, exercise throughout pregnancy, blocked milk ducts during breast feeding, and lymphedema following breast cancer surgery. Find out more!
Donna Sarna Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation is an innovative and modern clinic where staff is inspired through leadership and by example to be elite amongst their peers. The talented team of therapists is dedicated to providing holistic treatments for a wide range of conditions and symptoms for people of all ages. Find out more!
Feeding Your Baby
There are several ways to get expert support in our province.
If your primary care provider is a Midwife, you will receive several in home visits after the baby is born, and continuous care for the first 6 weeks postnatally.
If your primary care provider is a Doctor, you will receive in hospital instruction and support by your nurses, and you can ask to see a Lactation Consultant while you are in hospital if you need additional support. The Consultants see people in order of need.
Most new families will be contacted by their local Public Health Nurse to see if they need any support or a home visit. The Public Health Nurse is trained to provide basic breastfeeding support and knows how to access additional support if needed.
Additionally there are a few Lactation Specialists and Consultants that provide in home support for a fee. They will come to you in home/hospital to assess and advise, then do a follow up phone call to determine if a second visit is necessary.
We are fortunate to have two Lactation Specialists on our team and available for this sort of support. They can be hired as part of your birth Doula package, or as a stand alone service. You can hire one prenatally, or in the postnatal period. Find out more about them here!
One organization is La Leche League of Canada. They provide free discussion groups centred around breastfeeding. Both the group leader, and the other group members will be able to provide practical information and encouragement. If you need help right away you can call their Help Line at (204)257-3509 Find out more!
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority also has breastfeeding clinics open to the public. Your Public Health Nurse will give you up to date information about the clinic in your area. Find out more!
There are a number of Mom and Baby groups being hosted by community centres, local retailers and Doulas. While these groups may not be breastfeeding focused, they can be helpful to attend for support and solidarity in general during the first year!
Pre & Post Baby Classes
Motherhood in Motion provides prenatal & postnatal movement classes that allow women to physically thrive in motherhood through pregnancy, birth & beyond. Find out More!
Totally Fit Mom provides personal training and group class options. Find out more! [/tab]
Infant massage is a wonderful way to connect with your baby. These classes are well suited for all primary care givers and work best with babies under 5 months of age. We are happy to provide regular instruction series to our clients and the general public. Find out more!Postpartum
We have a wonderful resource in our province, in the form of the Postpartum Depression Association of Manitoba
In addition to this resource, a family in need can access their family physician, Midwife, and the Public Health Nurse in their area.
Postpartum Depression can affect anyone, you are not alone!
The number of hours and length of time period a family uses the services of a Postnatal Doula is different in every situation. Whatever your family needs in order to have a positive start to your new family dynamic, is what is right for you!
We have two Postnatal Doulas on our team, you can learn more about them Find out more about them here!
Websites and Books
- The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
- Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
- Birthing From Within by Pam England and Rob Horowitz
- Hypnobirthing the Morgan Method by Marie F. Morgan
- Birth Your Way By Sheila Kitzinger
- The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth by Sheila Kitzinger
- The Birth Book by Dr William Sears and Martha Sears
- Water Birth: A Midwife’s Perspective by Suzanna Napierala.
- The VBAC Companion: The Expectant Mother’s Guide to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean by Diana Korte
- Prenatal Yoga & Natural Childbirth, 2nd Ed by Jeannine Parvati-Baker
- Spinning Babies – techniques for keeping baby in a good position for birth and labour relief – http://www.spinningbabies.com/
- Motherisk- info on medication safety during pregnancy – www.motherisk.org
- The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International
- Nancy Mohrbacher www.nancymohrbacher.com
- La Leche League www.lalecheleaguecanada.ca
- Kelly Mom – full range of topics –great breastfeeding info www.kellymom.com
- Dr. Jack Newman www.drjacknewman.com
- Motherisk- info on medication safety during breastfeeding www.motherisk.org
- The Baby Book by Dr William Sears and Martha Sears
- Dr. William Sears www.askdrsears.com
- Evolutionary Parent – covers a range of topics and is Canadian http://evolutionaryparenting.com/
Odds and Ends
Breastmilk Jewelry: This has become much more popular in recent years and there are many on line companies available now that will take a sample amount of your breastmilk and turn it into a keepsake piece of jewelry. In Winnipeg we have a talented local artist that creates these memorable pieces. You can browse her gallery here: North Faun
Castings and Impressions of hands, feet and bellies: Unforgettable Impressions
Looking for a unique way to upcycle those adorable first outfits? Check out this local business: Momma Bear Keepsakes
