A new program in Collingwood will be connecting more new babies and moms with postnatal care and support outside the hospital.
A pilot project has begun that includes a clinic called Healthy Babies, Happy Families, which provides services such as breastfeeding support, well baby care, group prenatal and postpartum, in-home visits, and bereaved family support.
The idea behind the new clinic and program is to provide midwifery services to anyone, not just the patients who choose a midwife as the primary caregiver during pregnancy and delivery as was the case in the past. The midwife-led team at the clinic works in partnership with a baby and parent’s family doctor for post-partum care.
The midwife team will be able to conduct follow-up appointments in the clinic on Hume Street or in the baby’s home, removing the need for baby and parent to visit the hospital for something like a Jaundice check.
Lilly Martin is a Registered Midwife at Happy Babies Healthy Families, she’s been a midwife for 12 years and is currently working on her certification as a Lactation Consultant.
“We’re still working within our scope of practice, but we’re widening the group of people we can care for,” said Martin. “We’re used to doing community visits and we’re used to taking care of moms and babies and we’re flexible.”
The program received funding from the Ministry of Health. In July 2017, the Ontario government announced up to $2 million per year in funding to support more types of midwifery care in a broader range of health care settings. Midwives Nottawasaga and the Collingwood G&M Hospital put together a successful proposal and received funding.
On Oct. 23 the Healthy Babies, Happy Families Clinic opened its doors - the official ribbon cutting was today (Nov. 15). The clinic will be open seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Dr. Michael Lisi, Chief of Staff for Collingwood G&M Hospital called the program “innovative” and said it’s the only one of its kind he knows of in Ontario.
“It’s going to be a great example to the province,” said Lisi. “It’s care at the right place and at the right time. There are certain processes and follow ups that don’t need the resources of an acute care facility [like a hospital]. This will take the burden off of acute care facilities and restricted space.”
Both Lisi and Martin said the response to the program so far has been more than expected.
“We’ve received positive feedback from the community and the health care professionals,” said Lisi.
Martin said the clinic has been “way busier” than expected. The resources at the clinic currently also include a certified lactation consultant, which is a typically expensive resource not always available in smaller centres. By the fall, Martin hopes to be a second certified Lactation Consultant.
Lisi said the unique partnership is a testament to the people involved.
"There are many examples of where we've pulled together," said Lisi. "It really comes down to the people, our people are innovative."
For more on the Healthy Babies Happy Families clinic or to book an appointment, click here. The clinic is located at 460 Hume Street, Unit 2.
