Midwifery Care

Midwifery Care at The Health Nest in Vernon is provided by Vernon Midwifery, the midwifery practice of Carrie Sizer, a Registered Midwife and the founder of The Health Nest. Vernon Midwifery is located inside The Health Nest clinic.

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Midwife Vernon, BC

Vernon Midwife Care

Carrie Sizer holds a BA (Hons.) in Midwifery from the University of York and previously worked as a Registered Nurse in the UK. After moving to British Columbia, she completed the Internationally Educated Midwifery Bridging Program (IEMBP) at UBC. Carrie provides evidence-based, client-centered care, supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period with skill, compassion, and respect for each client’s unique values and choices.

Midwives in British Columbia

Midwives in British Columbia are licensed primary care providers who offer comprehensive medical care during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Their services are fully covered for eligible BC residents through the Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Midwives care for both the birthing parent and newborn, supporting home and hospital births, ordering tests, providing 24/7 access, and ensuring continuity of care through six to eight weeks after birth. Midwifery care in BC is safe, evidence-based, client-centered, and available to all who wish to access it.

Vernon Midwifery at The Health Nest

At Vernon Midwifery, located at The Health Nest, midwifery care is rooted in respect, evidence-based practice, and a belief in your body’s natural ability to give birth. Our goal is to provide compassionate, personalized support through every stage of your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey.

What’s Included in Midwifery Care?

Midwives provide complete care during the perinatal period, from the first weeks of pregnancy through to about six to eight weeks after birth.

Prenatal Care

Your midwife will:

Confirm and monitor your pregnancy
Order lab work, ultrasounds, and other diagnostics
Offer genetic screening options
Assess your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
Take time to answer questions and provide education
Help you make informed choices that align with your values
Refer to specialists when needed

Appointments usually last 30–60 minutes and become more frequent as your due date approaches.

Birth Care

Your midwife will support you during active labor and birth, whether you choose:

A hospital birth (your midwife has admitting privileges)
A home birth (if it’s a safe and appropriate option)

Please note that at this time, Vernon Midwifery does not offer home births.

Midwives are trained to monitor both you and your baby, catch babies, manage common complications, and provide emergency care. They bring equipment, medications, and expertise to both hospital and home settings.

Postpartum Care

After your baby is born, your midwife continues to care for both of you.

This includes:

Home visits in the first week(s)
Monitoring physical and emotional recovery
Supporting infant feeding and lactation
Checking newborn health, weight, and feeding
Answering questions and providing reassurance
Offering 24/7 access for urgent needs
In-clinic follow-up care through six to eight weeks postpartum

After this period, your care is transferred back to your family physician or nurse practitioner.

Choosing Midwifery Care

Midwives are available to any pregnant person who wants their support—regardless of background, income, family structure, or birth plan. You don’t need a referral to see a midwife.

You can contact Vernon Midwifery early in pregnancy to request care. If we’re fully booked, we’ll help you explore other options in the area.

Postpartum-Only Care after a Birth with Another Provider

Even if you had your prenatal care or delivery with a doctor, you can still receive Postpartum Care through Vernon Midwifery at The Health Nest. Midwives are licensed to provide postpartum support for up to six weeks after birth, regardless of where or with whom you delivered.

This care may include home visits, infant feeding support, physical and emotional recovery check-ins, and help adjusting to life with a new baby. If you’re looking for compassionate, experienced support in the early weeks of parenting, you’re welcome to book postpartum care with us.

MSP Coverage

Midwifery care is fully covered by BC’s Medical Services Plan (MSP). There are no fees for standard prenatal, birth, and postpartum care if you’re enrolled in MSP.

If you do not have MSP coverage, you can still access midwifery services as a private client. Fees will be discussed in advance and no care is ever billed without consent.

Birthplace Options

Midwives support your choice of birth setting:

Hospital Birth

Most clients in Vernon give birth at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Your midwife will admit you, stay with you during labor, catch your baby, and continue to care for you afterward.

Home Birth

For eligible clients, a home birth may be a safe and empowering option. Your midwife will bring all necessary equipment and offer detailed guidance in making the right choice for you. Please note that at this time, Vernon Midwifery does not offer home births.

Shared Care and Continuity

If your care is shared between midwives, we communicate closely to ensure a smooth, continuous experience. You will meet all midwives involved in your care so you feel safe and supported throughout your journey.

Questions about Midwifery Care?

Learn more about midwifery in BC:

To learn more about Vernon Midwifery or to ask about availability, please contact The Health Nest.

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