Birthing Options
In Ontario, you have the choice of using either a midwife or a doctor for the delivery of your baby. The services of a midwife are regulated and are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). If you are unsure about which method you are more comfortable with, make an appointment with both and then decide. Find out as much information as you can about your options before making your decision. If you would like the name of a midwife or doctor, call the Family Care Office.
If you are a student and would like the name of a midwife or doctor, call the U of T Health & Wellness at 416-978-8030. If you have any questions about your health or the baby’s health, it’s important to ask. If you are an international student covered by UHIP, there are some restrictions on your choice of hospital or health care professional. For further information, check the Centre for International Experience.
Download the transcript for Midwives & Doulas 101 webinar (Microsoft Word document)
Useful Links:
- Association of Ontario Midwives
This website contains a detailed information about midwifery in Ontario. It also allows you to search for a midwife in your neighbourhood. - College of Physician and Surgeons of Ontario
This website allows you to search for physicians in Ontario, including practice address, qualifications, and whether they are accepting new patients. - Aboriginal Midwifery in Canada: Blending Traditional and Modern Forms
This online article hosted by the Canadian Women’s Health Network discusses Aboriginal Midwifery in Canada. - Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada is a leading authority on reproductive health care, producing national clinical guidelines for both public and medical education on important women’s health issues. This website will give you useful insights into pregnancy and general women’s health.
Adoption Resources
Adoption Council of Ontario
Adoption Council of Ontario is a non-profit charitable organization, which offers adoption information and referral; education; support and advocacy.
Government of Ontario – Adoption
Looking for information on what to expect when bringing your baby home?
Click here for an insightful article from Caring For Kids: Your newborn: Bringing baby home from the hospital
Childproofing Your Home
Each year millions of children are hurt or injured in the home. Many of these incidents can be prevented by taking simple precautions to help minimize potential hazards. Children are curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings. While many hazards in the home seem too obvious to be considered unsafe, they are often the most important ones to be aware of. Taking a few preventative measures to minimize dangers can dramatically reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring in and around the house.
The following links can provide you with recommendations to help reduce the risk of injury and accidents in the home. Please be advised that the Family Care Office offers information for reference purposes only and does not take responsibility for the quality of information provided through these websites.
The Children’s Health and Safety Association
A Canadian Non-Profit Association that offers a wide range of information about children’s safety. Free information can be accessed via a toll-free hotline number at 1-888-499-4444 or through their website. A free Safety Information Package and Child Print Kit can be ordered from The Children’s Safety Association of Canada or picked up at the Family Care Office.
Parachute
By the National Injury Prevention Program at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Provides information on how to prevent injuries for children of various ages, in a variety of settings. Focus: children up to the age of 9.
Caring for Kids
The Canadian Paediatric Society. Offers child health information from Canada’s paediatric experts. Covers a variety of topics. including: safety, illness, behaviour, diet, and immunization. Information is updated yearly. Focus: infants to teens.
Safe and Secure
By the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, this site outlines how to choose and use car seats for children of all ages.
Child Safety Specialists located in Toronto:
BABYPROOFERS
Phone: 416-561-2524
KIDDIE PROOFERS
Phone: 416-785-5437 or toll free 1-800-601-5437
Personal & Partner Counselling
If at any time during your pregnancy or following the birth of your child you become anxious, uncertain or even depressed, there are counsellors that you can talk to about your experiences. If you are staff or faculty, you can contact the Employee and Family Assistance Program for confidential counselling services for yourself and your dependants. You can arrange an appointment or get help in a crisis by calling the 24/7 toll free number 1-800-668-9920. As a student, you can access counselling free through the Health & Wellness Centre.
There are a number of diverse community resources that you can also access. If you would like to find out about different options, a staff member at the Family Care Office can help you.
Occasionally, women encounter unanticipated situations in pregnancy. If you experience abusive behaviour get help immediately.
Employee and Family Assistance Program (Staff and faculty) 1-800-663-1142
Counselling and Learning Skills Service (Students) 416-978-0174
Distress Centres of Toronto 416-408-4357
Assaulted Women’s Helpline 416-863-0511
Decision Making
If you need to make a decision about your pregnancy, there are resources that can help you decide. A staff member at the Family Care Office can help connect you with the support and information you need to make an informed decision. Information on decision-making about an unplanned pregnancy is also available at Planned Parenthood Toronto.