What is Community Care?

Very good question! Community midwifery care incorporates the love, support and guidance of midwifery in a group setting. Instead of one-on-one appointments, your prenatal care will take place in a group setting, offering the benefit of education AND connection with other birthing people. You will still have one-on-one time with midwives at each appointment, but this model encourages community connection and offers flexibility for both RCM midwives and you!

Logistics

Community care means that you will be placed in a cohort with others that are due around the same time (trimester specific). Appointments are held at RCM, often in the evening or on weekends, offering more options for those who work M-F/9-5. Each appointment will include an educational element with various providers (midwives, doulas, therapists, lactation specialists etc.) Topics covered include: nutrition, labor prep, partner support, mental health, pelvic floor, newborn/postpartum expectations, lactation and so much more! All the same tests/clinical assessments/and standard of care are available with this model, with the added benefit of snacks, adult conversation and community connection!

why?

Research suggests that Group Prenatal Care has huge benefits and is often referred to as “Centering” care. Due to COVID many group programs were shut down, research was suspended and regardless, most programs were focused on hospital-based practices. As a Community Midwife and Public Health advocate, I want to bring this model to the out of hospital community.