Midwives understand that everyone is different, and provide care based on your own physical and emotional needs. Midwives are Health-Care Professionals required to complete a four-year university science degree with the Midwifery Education Program in Ontario

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• Midwives are experts in providing safe, research-based care during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period to both clients and newborns.

• Midwifery services are completely funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, so women do not pay for care out-of-pocket if they have OHIP.  Women who are not currently covered by OHIP can still receive midwifery care. Cost can be associated to those that do not hold an OHIP card.

• Our Midwives work closely with nurses and doctors when needed.

• Midwives and Student Midwives, study normal pregnancy, labour and newborn care, as well as emergency skills

Midwifery is based on 3 fundamental principles; Continuity of Care, Informed Choice, and Choice of Birthplace. Ontario midwives provide care under a model and philosophy that includes the belief that women have the right to make informed choices.

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• Midwives provide complete care from early pregnancy to six weeks after labour to you and your baby. You will have a team of up to four midwives who are responsible for your care until you give birth. Two of these midwives will most likely be at your birth.

• Midwives are able to attend births at home, in birth centres and in hospital. When under the care of a midwife, you choose where to give birth. Your midwife will assess your health needs and provide information to ensure you can make a safe and informed decision about where to have your baby.

 

Want to know more about Midwives? For more information about Midwives in Ontario please visit the following sites:

• http://www.ontariomidwives.ca/

• http://www.cmo.on.ca/

Midwifery Services of Durham is a teaching practice, so in addition to the Registered Midwives, midwifery students are normally associated with our practice. These students are enrolled in the Midwifery Baccalaureate Program and spend about 50% of their education time in a Midwifery Practice. Currently in Ontario one woman is turned away from midwifery care for every woman that is booked and in order to ensure better access for women to midwifery care, it is important that we see students graduate from the program.

• A midwife teach will always be present or nearby when you are with the student

• The student will give labour support, information and extra time

• The student will be an extra pair of helping hands so that there is more time to spend with you

• The student will be at as many of your visits as possible so you can get to know each other

• The student will usually be at your birth, she may be watching, helping to take care of you, or catching your baby. The midwife teach will show the student how to care for you and your baby