Headwaters Health Care Centre Welcomes Midwives

Orangeville, ON, March 9, 2010 – Headwaters Health Care Centre is pleased to announce that Midwives Linda Stahl and Stephanie McDonnell of Midwives of Headwater Hills (MHH), will have privileges at Headwaters' obstetrics department starting May 1, 2010. "The hospital is pleased to welcome midwives to Headwaters. Women have the right to make a choice and the hospital's Board of Directors support that right for women in our community," says Margot Hornseth, Chair of Headwaters Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors voted to grant midwives privileges at Headwaters at the February Board of Directors meeting. “A collaborative model of obstetrical care provides the best outcomes for patients. Mothers are highly satisfied with the care they receive from midwives,” says Hornseth.

Obstetrical care can be provided by a variety of health practitioners. A woman experiencing a normal pregnancy and expecting a normal birth may choose to receive care from her family physician, an obstetrician or a midwife. The midwives work collaboratively with other health care providers in the community and can work in hospitals. “There is always an obstetrician available, so midwives always have physician assistance if they need it,” says Dr. Jeff McKinnon, Chief of Staff, Headwaters Health Care Centre.

Midwives McDonnell and Stahl of Midwives of Headwater Hills’ provide complete prenatal, birth and postpartum care. “Women want a chance to get to know who will be there for their labour and delivery, and having someone they have come to trust is very reassuring,” says Midwife Linda Stahl, Midwives of Headwater Hills of Orangeville.

Midwives have been a regulated health profession in Ontario since 1993 and since then have integrated into most Ontario hospitals. Midwives are independent primary health care providers who are registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario.  They are fully funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care at no cost to the women they care for. 

Midwives can provide care for women throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and for six weeks after the baby is born. If a woman or newborn needs specialized medical care, their care is transferred to the appropriate provider, an obstetrician or a paediatrician.

For more information about Midwives of Headwater Hills visit www.midwivesofheadwaterhills.ca or call 519.941.BORN.

The public is invited to provide comments and suggestions about hospital services. Please contact Cholly Boland, President and CEO, Headwaters Health Care Centre at 519-941-2702 ext. 2200.

About Midwives of Headwater Hills
The Ministry of Health approved the opening of the midwifery practice in Orangeville in November 2009. Midwives of Headwater Hills serve Orangeville and the surrounding areas. The model of midwifery care is unique in that women have continuity of care and get to know their midwife very well.  There is time to ask questions and make choices about their own care during pregnancy and for their births.  The midwives can be reached at their clinic at 519.941.BORN or for more information about midwifery, please check their website at www.midwivesofheadwaterhills.ca.

About Headwaters Health Care Centre
Headwaters Health Care Centre serves more than 110,000 residents in Caledon, Orangeville, Shelburne and Dufferin County. The hospital operates two sites – Headwaters Orangeville, a 74 bed acute care hospital and Headwaters Shelburne, a 26 bed complex continuing care hospital. Visit www.headwatershealth.ca.

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