Choosing A Provider for the Birth of Your Baby

Getting Started 

Almost all Family Physicians (FPs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) can provide care in early pregnancy. Your current FP or NP may offer pregnancy care until mid or late pregnancy. However, at some point in your pregnancy, you will need to start care with one of the maternity providers listed below. Making this decision early will help ensure they are available. If serious complications arise along the way your maternity provider can refer you to an OB who will be added to your care team. At about 6 weeks after the birth, care for you and your newborn will transfer back to your usual FP or NP. If you do not have a FP or NP, you can ask your maternity provider for guidance. 

Understanding Your Options 

Most communities will have a group of FPs that have special interest and expertise in maternity (FPM). These FPMs are an excellent choice for your maternity care. Not only are they experienced in pregnancy, birth and newborn care they also have the knowledge and skills for general medical care across all ages and conditions. Family Physicians are well connected in their communities and help you get access to other services and to see specialists, when needed. There are some other options for maternity care. 

In BC you can choose one of the following professionals to be your main (or primary) Maternity Provider. 

Family Physician-with a Maternity Special Interest (FPM) 

• Family doctor (sometimes called a “GP” or General Practitioner) with expertise in general medicine and additional skills and knowledge in pregnancy, birth and newborn care. 

• No referral is needed. 

• Found in almost all communities. 

• May be able to offer ongoing care to families (if there is space in their practice). 

Registered Midwife (RM) 

• Independent practitioner trained to care for healthy uncomplicated pregnancy, birth and newborns. 

• No referral is needed. 

• Available in many, but not all communities. 

Obstetrician (OB) 

• Specialist doctor with surgical skills who generally cares for people with complicated conditions in pregnancy and birth (such as twins, breech position and serious medical disorders). Also offers specialty care in Gynecology. 

• Referral from a Family Physician, Nurse Practitioner or Registered Midwife is needed. 

• Some OBs offer care for healthy uncomplicated pregnancies (for example in Vancouver and Victoria). 

Our Find a Doctor function has a comprehensive list of FPMs. For a list of maternity providers working in Vancouver, please visit the Pathways Medical Care Directory. 

Some Tips to Help You Make Your Decision 

• Think about what matters to you and your family and what kind of expert or style of practice you prefer. 

• Check provider/team websites and see what services they offer. Does their approach and beliefs about pregnancy, labour and birth fit with what you think is important? 

• Find out what services are available in your community, including where you can plan to give birth. 

• Ask your family, friends and elders for advice or recommendations. 

Click here for a comprehensive PDF handout.