Future French mothers in Quebec: 4 things to know.
Welcome to future French mothers living in Quebec! Pregnancy is an incredible adventure, but it can also be a source of many questions, especially in a new country.
In this blog article, I will discuss with you the questions most commonly asked by French pregnant women in Quebec, with particular emphasis on crucial aspects such as the health system, childbirth choices, postnatal services, and much more.
Let's navigate together through these important stages so that your pregnancy journey in Quebec is as reassuring as possible.
If you are more video-oriented, I have condensed the practical information into a video, just click below:
How does the health system work in Quebec?
When you are pregnant in Quebec, it is essential to understand how the health system works. Health professionals, such as midwives and doctors, are available to provide comprehensive monitoring of your pregnancy. Several steps are possible:
Consult a family doctor: make an appointment with your family doctor to inform of your pregnancy. He will be able to guide you towards the first stages of pregnancy monitoring.
No family doctor? Explore your options for healthcare professionals for pregnancy monitoring, such as obstetricians, midwives, and doctors near you. You can register at service my pregnancy which will provide you with a list of practitioners near you.
Go to CLSC: consult your CLSC (Local Community Services Center) for information on pregnancy monitoring services available in your community.
2. What choices do I have for childbirth?
Quebec offers a variety of birthing choices for expectant mothers.
Childbirth in a hospital center : delivery in a hospital under the supervision of an obstetrician or family doctor. It is the most common choice in Quebec.
Childbirth with a midwife: choice to give birth with the support of a midwife, whether at home, in a birthing center, or in a hospital (Please note, there is no midwife at the hospital in Quebec, they are nurses. You must have midwifery support to benefit from this option).
Home birth: possibility of giving birth at home with the supervision of a midwife. This option is reserved for pregnancies considered low risk.
Childbirth in a birthing center: choice to give birth in a more intimate environment than a hospital, but with the assistance of health professionals and midwives.
3. What are the rights of pregnant women?
Did you know that you have specific rights as a pregnant woman in Quebec?
Right to information: pregnant women have the right to be informed about their pregnancy, prenatal care, medical procedures, and available delivery choices.
Right to informed consent: Pregnant women have the right to give informed consent before any medical intervention, and they can ask questions and express their preferences.
Right to choose the health professional: Women have the right to choose their health professional for pregnancy monitoring, whether an obstetrician, midwife, or other.
Right to choose the place of delivery: women have the right to choose the place where they wish to give birth, whether in hospital, at home, in a birthing center, etc.
Right to a birth plan: Women have the right to write a birth plan, describing their preferences for the course of childbirth, and to discuss it with their medical team.
Right to refuse care: Women have the right to refuse medical care, interventions, or procedures that are not medically necessary, understanding the implications of their decision.
Right to confidentiality: The medical and personal information of pregnant women is confidential, and they have the right to confidentiality regarding their state of health.
Right to respectful childbirth: Women have the right to be treated with respect and dignity during childbirth, receiving emotional support and actively participating in decisions about their health and that of their baby.
Right to maternity leave: Pregnant women have the right to maternity leave, with the possibility of receiving benefits to compensate for loss of income during this period.
Right to an environment without discrimination: pregnant women have the right not to be discriminated against because of their pregnancy, whether in the professional, social, or medical fields.
4. How does maternity leave and benefits work?
How long does maternity leave last?
Maternity leave in Quebec can last up to 18 weeks, followed by parental leave. The total of these two benefits can take up to 1 year depending on the plan chosen.
What are parental benefits:
Parental benefits can be shared between parents, providing up to an additional 32 weeks (of maternity leave) of leave, with a minimum period of five weeks for the mother and three weeks for the father.
Am I paid during maternity/parental leave?
Women on maternity leave can benefit from parental insurance benefits, corresponding to a percentage of previous salary, capped at a certain amount.
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Parental benefits also offer compensation based on a percentage of previous salary, with a cap.
Am I eligible for Parental benefits?
To be eligible for parental benefits, parents must have accumulated a certain number of hours of work during the reference period.
How do I apply for my benefits?
Parents must apply for parental benefits ata Régie de l’assurance santé du Québec (RQAP) and provide the necessary documents.
As a future French mother in Quebec, finding out about the health system, rights and available services is essential.
We hope that this article provides you with answers to your questions and allows you to experience a fulfilling pregnancy in your new Quebec home. Feel free to explore our detailed guides further for complete preparation!
Remember that every pregnancy is unique
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