​Why Choose Midwifery Care?
​​​

● Midwives specialize in providing primary maternity care to clients
with low-risk pregnancies, promoting normal childbirth and the
prevention of health problems. 

● Midwives respect pregnancy and birth as normal, natural
events in a person's life. 

● Midwives provide personalized care and support. 

● Midwives respect clients' right to make informed choices and view
their clients as the primary decision makers. 

● Midwives offer choice of birth place: offering birth at home or in hospital. 

● Care is provided by a small team of midwives so that there is continuity of
care - clients know the midwife who attends their labour and delivery. 

● Comprehensive postpartum care for clients and newborn supports
the transition to parenthood with breastfeeding support and education
on newborn care. 

● In Ontario, a midwife is a registered health care professional who
provides primary care to low-risk clients throughout pregnancy, labour
and birth. Midwives also provide care to both parent and baby
during the six weeks following birth. They are available to
clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week by pager.

● A client receives care from a small number of midwives.
You will know the midwife who attends your labour and birth.

● In Ontario, if you see a Midwife you will not see a physician unless there are
concerns or complications. Most births are normal and without complications.
If there are complications, midwives can consult or transfer care to a physician.
 
● Midwives provide safe and expert care to healthy clients and newborns.


​
What Does It Cost To Use A Midwife?

Midwifery services are completely funded by the Ministry of Health and
Long-Term Care, so clients do not pay for care out-of-pocket. Clients who
are not currently covered by OHIP can still receive free midwifery care.




What Happens At a Prenatal Appointments? 

During regularly scheduled visits to the midwifery clinic, midwives provide
physical examinations and assessments, support and information. Appointments are on
average 30-45 minutes long. Prenatal visits are usually once a month for the first 28 weeks, every
two weeks until 36 weeks and then once a week until your baby is born. Most
clients will see their midwife 11-12 times before they go into labour.




What Happens at Appointments
Once My Baby is Born?

Midwives provide care for both clients and babies for six weeks after the birth.
Whether your baby is born at home or in the hospital, your midwife will provide care
in your home within 24 hours of the birth. Clients will have about six midwifery
appointments during the six weeks following the birth, including several in the first
few days and weeks. Midwives monitor the health of client and baby and provide
breastfeeding support. Midwives remain available by pager 24 hours a day, every day.
After six weeks, clients are discharged from midwifery care and will see their family doctor for care.

​
What Pain Relief Options are Available? 

Midwives offer a range of natural and pharmaceutical pain relief options, including access to epidurals.
Pharmaceutical pain relief can only be accessed at a hospital birth. Many clients who labour at
home use water, massage and other methods as effective ways to relieve pain.


Can Midwives Run the Same Kinds of Tests as Doctors? 

Yes. Midwives can arrange all routine prenatal testing including ultrasound and genetic
screening, as well as standard laboratory and diagnostic tests. Midwives discuss the results
with clients and provide information and follow-up.


What Happens if There is a Problem With my Pregnancy? 

Midwives are experts in normal pregnancy and birth and provide safe care for both
parent and baby. If a health concern or complication arises, your midwife may consult with a physician.
If needed, your care is transferred to a physician (for example, in the case of a caesarean section).
Your midwife will continue to provide support and resume primary care when possible.


What is the Difference Between a Doula and a Midwife?

A birth doula is a trained labour support person who provides emotional and physical
support to a labouring person and their partner. While doulas are not medical professionals,
they can offer a wide range of comfort measures. You would find and pay your doula yourself.
Doula services are not covered by the Ministry of Health. If you are considering having a doula at
your birth, talk about it with your midwife.