Birth Preparation
Hospital Birth
Transitions Midwives work out of Ridge Meadows Hospital in Maple Ridge near the border of Pitt Meadows. The midwives also have privileges at Royal Columbian Hospital and at this time use them for certain high-risk births only.
Pre-registration forms for Ridge Meadows hospital are now available online and can be completed and returned in person to the registration desk in the main lobby of the hospital, or faxed to the pre-registration clinic at 604-463-1880. If you do not have access to a printer the forms can also be picked up from our office, or from the Labour and Delivery unit at Ridge Meadows Hospital.
Hospital packing list: A list of suggested items to collect and pack to bring to the hospital for delivery.
Ridge Meadows Hospital Tour
Home Birth
Place of Birth Handbook: BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) has developed this document to provide information for midwifery clients about place of birth options and to summarize the CMBC practices and policies for midwives regarding place of birth.
BCCNM Place of Birth Consent form: To be reviewed by the client and midwife.
Home Birth Supplies List: To have collected prior to a planned home delivery.
This video put together by the Ontaio association of midwives provides good information about home birth as a choice.
Vaginal Birth After C-Section (VBAC)
Guideline for vaginal birth after previous cesarean section: from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada.
VBAC Client Handout: from the Association of Ontario Midwives.
VBAC information from Evidence Based Birth.
Statement for vaginal birth after one previous low segment cesarean section: from the BC College of Nurses and Midwives.
High Blood Pressure and Pregnancy
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: client resource from the Association of Ontario Midwives.
Newborn Procedures
Vitamin K: Perinatal services of BC recommendations regarding vitamin K injection shortly after birth.
Newborn Screening Test: Perinatal services of BC information sheet regarding a routine screening test offered to clients in- or out-of-hospital.
Erythromycin Eye Ointment: Canadian Pediatric Society position statement on an antibiotic ointment offered to babies shortly after birth.
CCHD screening test: Congenital heart defect screening test information. Midwives offer this test at home for home birthing clients and nurses offer it in the hospital for hospital birthing clients.
Group B Strep (GBS)
Prevention of Group B Streptocococcal Early Onset Disease in Newborns: ACOG clinical practice guidelines.
Clinical Practice Guidelines and GBS: from the association of Ontario midwives.
GBS client handout.
When to Page your Midwife
When to page in labour by Transitions Midwifery.
Postdates Management
When your Pregnancy Goes Past Your Due Date: client handout and information on postdates pregnancy from the Association of Ontario Midwives.
Third Stage Management
SOGC: active management of the 3rd stage of labour to prevent post-partum hemorrhage.
Prenatal Education Classes
You can also ask your midwife for a referral to the free prenatal classes oferred through the Division of Family Practice. Currently classes are being held virtually lead by an experienced labour and delivery nurse.
Other Resources
Doulas
A doula is someone who provides non-medical support to women and their families during labour and childbirth, and also the postpartum period.
Local Doulas
Chiropractors and Massage
Pregnancy often comes along with aches and pains. Trained Chiropractors and Registered Massage Therapists can help with this. They can also help prepare your body for birth.
Local Chiropractors and RMT
Pelvic floor physiotherapy
The pelvic floor is so important! Pregnancy and delivery can damage the pelvic floor. Specialized Physiotherapists can help re-strengthen the pelvic floor helping to prevent prolapse and incontinence.
Local Pelvic Floor Physio