On average, you will have about 15 routine prenatal visits. Your first visit will be shortly after you learn you are pregnant and will be made up of a longer appointment where we can learn about you and you can learn about us. You will be offered a dating ultrasound and we will review options for blood work, including chromosomal screening, in pregnancy. Your next appointment will be another long one where we will do a complete check up to ensure you are in tip-top shape for your pregnancy.

Each visit is an opportunity for you to ask any questions or concerns you may have about your pregnancy. Routine visits usually occur every 4 weeks for your first and second trimester, every 2 weeks from 28-36 weeks and then weekly until you baby is born. You will be able to book in for extra visits as needed if anything unexpected comes up.

All maternity care providers are held to a high standard to ensure you and your baby get the best possible care. Because of this we follow the same evidence based guidelines that are used by midwife and obstetricians throughout Canada. Every pregnancy is different and our goal is to provide patient centred care to allow you to have control over what your labour and delivery look like. When you go into labour, the Solstice Maternity doctor will be there to provide support and ensure you and baby are safe and happy.

If medical interventions are required, we will ensure that all options are reviewed and that you know the risks and benefits of any suggested intervention. Any decisions will ultimately be made by you.

If you deliver by cesarean section, either planned or unplanned, a Solstice doctor will be there to assist with the surgery and provide care for your baby while in hospital.

After you leave the hospital, your newborn will have some scheduled visits with your maternity doctor. We recommend a visit at 1-2 weeks and 6 weeks for a checkup. More frequent visits are available depending on you comfort level as well as any medical concerns requiring follow up. The most important things in the newborn period are feeding and weight gain. Check ups help ensure your baby is on the right track.

During these visits we will answer all your questions and ensure there are no medical concerns that would benefit from early interventions (eye problems, hip instability, tongue ties)

For many new parents and babies, breastfeeding is an important focus of these early appointments. Sometimes it comes easily but it can often be challenging. We are here to provide you with advice and support to ensure that you can breastfeed your baby if that is what you want to do. For people who can't or choose not to breastfeed, we can offer advice for formula feeding as well.

For people who prefer to receive their early newborn and postpartum care at home, house calls can be arranged on request for those who line in Whitehorse, just ask you doctor how to set it up!

After your delivery, your maternity doctor will visit you each day in the hospital until you and your baby are discharged home. After that, your routine postpartum visits are usually coordinated with your baby's check ups.

We will make sure that you are recovering physically, that you are managing your mood and stress and address any concerns or questions you may have. We also arrange for follow up on any medical concerns that developed during your pregnancy.

If you require birth control, we will review these options with you and can prescribe you the birth control of our choice. We can also place an IUD or birth control implant for you in the office if you choose this option.

As family doctors, we are passionate about the strong relationships that we build as we provide medical care for patients throughout their lifespan. The birth of a child is one of the most joyous times for a family and we love being a part of it, which is why we have all taken a special interest in obstetrical care. However, our scope and our interest extends beyond the prenatal and postpartum periods. Because of this, we can help you address any medical concerns you may have that are unrelated to pregnancy.

If you need assistance with preconception counselling, family planning or infertility and you do not have a general practitioner, one of our doctors can help you. Call for an appointment!