What is midwifery care all about?
Women in Ontario can have care in pregnancy and birth from midwives, family physicians who provide maternity care, or obstetricians. Midwives provide care based on a number of principles:
Continuity of Care – you will receive care from a known group of midwives who provide care throughout your pregnancy, labour, birth, & for 6 weeks postpartum.
Informed Choice – you will be given information about available tests and options in care including what is known from research, recommendations from experts, and local community standards and hospital policies. You will make the decisions about which tests you will have and how you want to be cared for.
Choice of Birthplace – midwives can attend your birth in hospital or at home as long as your pregnancy remains low-risk. We want you to choose the place to give birth which feels right for you and your family.
How does midwifery fit into the health care system?
Midwifery is a self-governing, regulated health profession in Ontario, like physicians, nurses, dentists, and massage therapists.
Midwives work collaboratively with nurses, physicians and specialists to ensure that women and their babies get the best care as close to home as possible.
When will I see my midwife?
Prenatal visits at our clinic are once a month until 28 weeks, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks. After 36 weeks, visits are weekly until your baby is born. Once the baby is born, your midwife comes to see you at home several times during the first two weeks. You return to the clinic for further visits until 6 weeks postpartum.
Most visits are about 30 to 45 minutes long.
Is there a cost for having midwifery care?
No, midwives are paid by the Ontario Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care. There is no charge for midwifery care.
Do I need a referral to see a midwife?
No, you can make an appointment to meet with a midwife by phoning the clinic. The first visit is for you to get information about midwifery so that you can decide if that is the right care for you and your baby. You are welcome to bring your family members to that visit and to get your questions answered.