COVID-19 Update
February 13, 2023
As we move into 2023 and continue to work through the changing COVID-19 landscape, here at Community Midwives of Hamilton we are committed providing you safe, personal, and excellent care during your pregnancy, labour and postpartum period.
Recommendations to protect yourself and others
- Wear a mask or face covering in indoor public spaces.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Avoid all non-essential travel. For more information on travel advisories please check here
Vaccinations
- Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters in pregnancy can be booked through Hamilton Public Health or by calling 905-546-2489
What to expect from Community Midwives
- We remain mask friendly at the clinic, though clients are not required to mask for appointments. Please pay attention to signage at the door and follow any instructions that may apply.
- We are continuing to use the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for scheduled prenatal visits in uncomplicated pregnancies. Your midwife will talk to about scheduling your next visit based on these recommendations. There will also be changes to scheduled visits after the baby is born. You should expect that your initial visit (typically around 10 weeks) will be a virtual visit, most likely over the phone and you will see your midwife in person for the first time between 14-16 weeks of pregnancy.
- As always, clinic rooms will be cleaned using infection control standards between every visit. We have removed all toys from the rooms at this time.
- You are welcome to bring a support person to your clinic visits.
What Community Midwives is asking from you
- Mask or face covering - Clients are not required to wear masks. Masks will continue to be available at the clinic for those who wish to wear them. Midwives will continue to wear a mask for all clinic appointments and home visits.
- If you or a family member are sick, please contact us to reschedule your appointment or have a phone appointment.
- If you are sick and seeing your midwifery team, please wear a mask.
What to expect at the hospital
- To find the most recent visiting guidelines, please visit the hospital website directly:
- McMaster - https://www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca/areas-of-care/womens-and-newborn-care/having-your-baby/
- St. Joe's - https://www.stjoes.ca/hospital-services/women-s-infants-/birthing-unit
What to expect at a homebirth
- If you are considering a home birth, please attend a virtual home birth information night for more information.
- Midwives will be wearing masks and may wear eye protection at your homebirth.
- If you or a support person have COVID-19 symptoms, we may offer a rapid antigen test (RAT) when your midwife arrives to assess you.
Resources
- Public Health Hamilton COVID-19
- Public Health Ontario COVID-19
- Ontario Government COVID-19
- Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000
- Public Health: 905-546-2424 x7079
- Mental Health Support COVID-19
We are committed our clients informed of any significant changes to our clinic policies realted to COVID-19. If you have any question or concerns, please contact your team.