COVID-19 | Durham & Markham Midwives

Updates & Resources

Stay up to date with the changes to our clinic, your care and resources on COVID-19

HOW WE'RE OPERATING

If you have traveled outside of Canada OR have been in contact with someone who has traveled please self-isolate, do not attend your appointment and email the clinic to inform us. If you are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, inform your Midwife by emailing the clinic.

In order to limit exposure the clinic is limiting appointments to the pregnant client/newborn only. Do not bring your children, friends or family members to your appointments until further notice.

As of August 30th 2021, clients are able to bring 1 support person to appointments after the initial intake. The support person should not change throughout your care, ideally this person will attend the birth. They will need to complete the COVID pre-screening and wear a mask upon entering the clinic.

Mask wearing is mandatory for all in person appointments, in-clinic appointments & home assessments. Please bring your own when possible as PPE for Midwives are already limited.
Here is how to properly put on your mask: click here

Midwives may be using their personal cell phones to call you and we ask that you answer calls
from "no caller ID"

Remember to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.

COVID-19 Vaccine in Pregnancy

Latest Updates & Resources

The AOM supports the latest SOGC statement on COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy , including its consensus statement that vaccination should be offered to individuals who are at high risk of infection and/or morbidity from COVID-19. The documented risk of not getting the COVID-19 vaccine outweighs the theoretical and undescribed risk of being vaccinated during pregnancy or while chest/breastfeeding.

Pregnant and chest/breastfeeding individuals who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine due to exposure risk, medical status or other circumstances should be able to make an informed decision by having access to up-to-date information about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine (including clear information about the data that is not yet available) and information about the risks of COVID-19 infection for them.

Clinic Appointments

Our practice is running on our regular prenatal schedule. Clients will be seen in person on a regular basis.

Virtual appointments are optional, but in place for those who may be symptomatic

We ask that you do not present to the clinic is you are feeling unwell or have any signs/symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been in contact with someone who is positive.

To view our schedule of visits, please follow the link below:

Prenatal Schedule

Postpartum visits

For low risk healthy newborns:

1 in person assessment in the first 24 hours after birth to complete newborn screening for clients discharged early from hospital for you and baby only.

2 additional home visits around day 3 & 5 (these days could vary)

Weeks 2 & 6 will be scheduled as an in clinic visit with week 4 done via phone call or videoconferencing

THE CLINIC

Anyone entering the clinic must complete a pre-screening questionnaire (clients & support person).

Text the office line when you arrive for your appointment. You'll be checked in. Once you've completed the screening, and have passed you may enter the building.

The waiting room is open with a capacity of 4 people to ensure social distancing

Mask's are mandatory.

COVID Screen

HOSPITAL CHANGES

Changes and restrictions have been implemented at Markham Stouffville Hospital.

Hospital Registration Information:

Visitor limitation is in effect at this time. Clients are currently allowed to bring 1 support person to labour and delivery.

For more information:

Hospital Registration

PREPARING FOR YOUR 1ST APPOINTMENT

We're thrilled you have chosen us for your pregnancy! During these trying times our process for 1st appointments look a little different. Below you'll find steps how how you can prepare for your first appointment with us.

1. Complete the online intake form and client information form (Once you've been accepted). Book an appointment with us through email between 9 -11weeks.

2. Print the paperwork below and prepare to bring these to your first appointment. We ask that you complete as much as you can and you will have a chance to discuss these with your Midwife.

3. The first appointment is an hour in length, please arrive to the clinic for your scheduled appointment time and text the office line to check in. You may enter the building no more than 5 minutes prior to your appointment and once you have completed the online COVID screening found here: www.durhammidwives.com/covidscreening

4. Please note we have a visitor restriction in place - no children, family or friends are allowed into the clinic at this time. 1 Support person can attend after the initial intake appointment.

Paperwork

PREPARING FOR YOUR POSTPARTUM HOME VISITS

After delivery and for low risk healthy newborns:

1 in person assessment in the first 24 hours after birth to complete newborn screening for clients discharged early from hospital for you and baby only.

2 more in person home visits within the first week. Typically they are on day 3 & 5, but could vary.

Like the clinic, we ask that clients be masked and on the main level of their home for their home visits. We ask that no additional visitors, family or friends be within 6 feet and all members of the household should wear a mask upon Midwives entering the home.