Moving to Canada when 6mths pregnant - How to apply for a midwife in advance

[lynnca]

Hello,

As it is suggested in the heading, I will be moving to Calgary from Australia when I am 6.5 months pregnant. In Australia we need to organise a midwife/obs/gyno well in advance in order to be seen by one. I have tried to source one on various websites, but all are wanting to know my residential address, which we don't know yet. How is the best way to go about this, and what hospital will I most likely give birth in? I will be living in the SW area as that is where my husband will be working. I have googled Hospitals in Calgary, and many clinics appear... but I realise not all of them would offer emergency services for birthing.

Kindest Regards,

 

[steaky]

Why don't just sort of where to live in Calgary first?

 

[lynnca]

Because by then it will be really difficult to find a midwife that isn't fully booked up

 

[steaky]

What do you mean "by then"?

Perhaps you would like to send a personal message to "Aquib" because his son was born there.

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/landing-experience-calgary-alberta-t120819.0.html;msg1924549#msg1924549

 

[cempjwi]

Hello,

As it is suggested in the heading, I will be moving to Calgary from Australia when I am 6.5 months pregnant. In Australia we need to organise a midwife/obs/gyno well in advance in order to be seen by one. I have tried to source one on various websites, but all are wanting to know my residential address, which we don't know yet. How is the best way to go about this, and what hospital will I most likely give birth in? I will be living in the SW area as that is where my husband will be working. I have googled Hospitals in Calgary, and many clinics appear... but I realise not all of them would offer emergency services for birthing.

Kindest Regards,

You may need to read this: http://www.health.alberta.ca/AHCIP/moving-to-Alberta.html

In short, when moving to Alberta you may be covered by the province's health plan immediately, as you are moving from outside the country. However, yes, most doctors will ask for your information to make an appt. You need a referral from your primary physician (http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/service.aspx?id=1026124), which you will have to find and see first to be able to get an appt with an OBGYN, if necessary. The hospital will depend on your address and the doctor you are seeing. This website may be useful http://www.babycenter.ca/thread/111307/family-doc-or-obgyn

 

[lynnca]

I read that forum thread, thank you. It gave me a better understanding of how the system works there. It sounds like the best way forward is to get a referral from my doctor, and once I arrive take my file to a GP and hope they can get me in with an OB! Hopefully they won't be booked up at that stage. Any other info would be much appreciated, but what you have given me so far has been great!
I believe that if worse comes to worse, I can go to any hospital on the day and deliver. So long as I have my file with me there should be no issues. Would you say that's the case?

 

[cempjwi]

I read that forum thread, thank you. It gave me a better understanding of how the system works there. It sounds like the best way forward is to get a referral from my doctor, and once I arrive take my file to a GP and hope they can get me in with an OB! Hopefully they won't be booked up at that stage. Any other info would be much appreciated, but what you have given me so far has been great!
I believe that if worse comes to worse, I can go to any hospital on the day and deliver. So long as I have my file with me there should be no issues. Would you say that's the case?

Yes, once you get to Canada find a GP. The GP will tell you what's best to do (if you need to be referred) or you can ask to see a specialist. GP's usually will look for an appt for you and will work to get you one as soon as possible if the circumstances call for that.