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Pregnancy is an exciting milestone in one’s life, but it often comes with a wave of big decisions – especially for first-time parents. One of the first and most important tasks for expectant parents is choosing the right care provider for this journey.
Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) proudly offers three paths for prenatal care: obstetrician, midwife and family practice obstetrician, each offering exemplary care with their own unique benefits. To help you navigate these options, Dr. Stephanie Godard, Director of Family Practice Obstetrics at MGH, discusses the benefits of choosing a family practice obstetrician.
Family practice obstetricians (FPOBs) are family physicians who have received specialized training in obstetrics.
“Many people don’t realize that some family doctors can provide comprehensive care throughout pregnancy and deliver babies,” says Dr. Godard. “Our group of family practice obstetricians see patients in clinics across East York and deliver babies right here at MGH.”
These physicians combine their family medicine and obstetrical skills to support mom and baby from the first trimester through to birth. Post-partum care continues for mom for six to eight weeks after delivery and FPOBs will collaborate with mom’s family physician to ensure seamless transition back to routine care.
As FPOBs are rooted in family medicine, they are uniquely equipped to manage common medical issues that may arise during pregnancy, such as viral illnesses, thyroid conditions or underlying mental health concerns.
“We take a whole person, family-centred approach grounded in shared decision-making,” Dr. Godard explains. “It’s important we take time to get to know our patients and help create a pregnancy and birth plan that is grounded in evidence-based medicine and fits their values.”
Collaboration is an important aspect of being a FPOB – from collaborating with patients to collaborating with the team of nurses and obstetricians at MGH.
Women with low- to average-risk pregnancies are most suited for care with a FPOB. If a complication arises, the FPOB will work closely with obstetricians and other specialists to ensure mom and baby remain safe and healthy.
“We recognize families may not speak English as their first language. Our clinics have access to translation services to ensure prenatal appointments are carried out in the patient’s preferred language,” explains Dr. Godard.
Referral to care is easy with family practice obstetricians at MGH accepting referrals from different sources, including fax, online and through self-referral.
“The FPOB group at MGH offers multiple clinic days across multiple clinic locations for flexible scheduling. We take pride in processing referrals quickly so patients can book their first prenatal appointment without delay,” says Dr. Godard. “We look forward to welcoming new patients and helping more families discover the family practice obstetrician as a great pregnancy care provider.”
Visit the Family Practice Obstetrics Group webpage for details on how to refer.
Learn more about giving birth at MGH, including choosing an obstetrician or midwife as your pregnancy care provider.
