What happens if there are any problems? What if there is an emergency during the birth or need for a caesarean section?
Midwives are part of the maternity care team in your community. If there are any concerns about you or your baby your midwives will arrange for consultations with the appropriate health care provider like an obstetrician. Part of midwives’ training is how to respond to a variety of emergencies that might occur during labour and at the time of birth. Midwives are annually recertified in neonatal resuscitation. At home births, midwives carry oxygen, resuscitation equipment and medication to control postpartum hemorrhage. Midwives are trained to suture tears and episiotomies. If you require caesarean section, your care will be transferred to an obstetrician for the delivery and your midwife will remain present and part of your health care team. Though your hospital stay may be slightly longer, your postpartum care will remain with your midwives.
