About
What is midwifery care?
Midwives specialize in low risk pregnancies and childbirth. Midwifery is based on the principles of health and well-being, recognizing that conception, pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding are natural life processes. The care midwives provide include offering the standard of care, while also conducting informed choice discussions throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum periods so that families feel informed and that they can make choices that are best for them and their families. Midwives work collaboratively with other health care providers and are able to do consultations with obstetricians if things arise in pregnancy that are outside of the scope of midwifery. Midwives are also trained in emergency skills, and carry equipment in their cars for safe out of hospital births. One of the most sought after things about midwives is the continuity of care they provide throughout the pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey.
Choice
Midwifery is a partnership between a midwife and a pregnant person, which is based on mutual respect. Midwifery actively encourages informed choice throughout the childbearing cycle by providing relevant, objective information about care alternatives, including risks and benefits, to facilitate informed decision making. Midwives assist the pregnant person to develop understanding, skills, and motivation necessary to take responsibility for and control of their own health and that of their family.