As you go through your pregnancy and birth, finding a health care provider who is a good fit for you and your growing family is important. This may depend on your personal preferences, medical risk factors and availability. In Manitoba, your options can be a family doctor, obstetrician or registered midwife.

Family Doctor

Some family doctors offer obstetrical (pregnancy and birthing) care to low risk pregnancies as part of their practice. They can support you through your pregnancy, labour and delivery, postpartum (after the birth of your baby) care and can also become your child’s physician. 

To find a family doctor who delivers babies, ask your health care provider for a referral. If you do not have a health care provider, Family Doctor Finder can help.

Obstetrician

Obstetricians (commonly known as OBGYN or OB) are doctors who specialize in women’s health care. They work with both low and high-risk pregnancies. To find an OB you may need a referral from your health care provider. 

Midwife

Midwives provide care during pregnancy, labour, birth, and in the early postpartum period. Midwives work with other health care providers and consult with specialists as needed. You do not need a referral from a doctor to choose a midwife. 

To help you decide if you would like a midwife, visit the College of Midwives of Manitoba website.

Your Baby’s Health Care

• All babies need to have a health checkup within two weeks of birth. 
• Call your baby’s doctor or midwife to book an appointment or go to your health centre or nursing station.
• If you do not have a health care provider, Family Doctor Finder can help.

Your Postpartum Care

You should have a health checkup six weeks after the birth of your baby.

Call your family doctor, obstetrician or midwife to book your appointment or go to your health centre or nursing station

Prenatal and Postpartum Services in First Nation Communities

Check with your local nursing station or health centre to find out about the supports and resources that are available to you.

Public Health Nursing Services

If you live in a regional health authority, once you and your baby are home, a public health nurse will:

• Call you within 48 hours to set up a home visit with you and your family. In some cases, initial contact may occur on the next available working day.
• Meet with you within a week to discuss how you are settling into parenthood.
• Connect you with community resources and supports that are a good fit for your family.
• To find a public health office in your region click here.

If you’re in need of a same day or next day appointment, you can use Medical Navigator to book an appointment with participating clinics in Manitoba.