Question 1

Is midwifery care free in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Midwives are funded through the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. For clients who have OHIP, there is absolutely no cost to having a midwife.
For clients who do not have OHIP, and are a peranent resident of Ontario they can access midwifery services for free as well. You also don't need a referral. You can fill in our intake form online or call and request midwifery care yourself, once you have a positive pregnancy test.

Question 2

Can I have my baby in the hospital?

Accepted Answer

Yes! One of the most important decisions that parents must make is the location of birth. The midwives at Midwifery Collective of Essex County have hospital privileges at both Windsor Regional Hospital and Erie Shores Health Care. This means that the midwives can provide your care within a hospital setting. If your pregnancy is low risk, you may choose to have your baby either at home or in the hospital, and we will provide full midwifery care in either setting.
 
Learn more about choice of birthplace here.

Question 3

​ How are midwives trained?

Accepted Answer

Midwives qualify for registration by graduating from the Ontario Midwifery Education Program, a four year university degree program. Foreign-trained midwives complete the International Midwifery Pre-registration Program at Ryerson University.

Question 4

What is the difference between a midwife and an obstetrician?

Accepted Answer

Midwives and obstetricians are both primary care providers that provide medical care. Obstetricians are medical doctors who have an expertise in high-risk pregnancies, while midwives are experts in low-risk pregnancies. You can choose to have a midwife OR an obstetrician for your pregnancy and birth. The Expecting & Connecting program offers midwifery led postpartum care to women who have chosen an obstretician for their pregnancy and birth.

Question 5

​ How are doulas different from midwives?

Accepted Answer

A doula is a trained labour support person who provides emotional and physical support to those giving birth and their families. Doulas are not medical professionals. Doula services are not covered by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, however some extended health benefits programmes may provide coverage.
 
Learn more about doulas at https://www.dona.org/
Midwives provide the health care that you and your baby need. Midwives monitor your labour, deliver the baby and make sure that you and your baby are safe and healthy during the birthing process.
Learn more about how midwives are trained and regulated at https://www.ontariomidwives.ca/regulation-education

Question 6

What if I want or need pain medication? Can I get an epidural if I have a midwife?

Accepted Answer

Midwifery clients can access all pain medication options at our local hospitals. These include nitrous oxide or "laughing gas", narcotics such as Nubain, and epidurals. If you need or want an epidural, midwives will consult with a physician for you to have an epidural for pain relief in labour. Many of our clients choose this option. You can only have an epidural in the hospital.

Question 7

What if I need a caesarean section?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes a c-section is the safest way for babies to be born. When that happens, either planned or unplanned, your midwives will continue to provide care to you and your baby in collaboration with the physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists.

Question 8

Can I also see an obstetrician if I’m in midwifery care?

Accepted Answer

Yes , Our Expecting and Connecting Program is a free program that provides midwifery -led prenatal and post partum care to families who have obstetrician. This includes postpartum home visits by midwife who also is a lactation consultant.

Question 9

Have more questions?

Accepted Answer

Call us at 519-252-4700

Frequently Asked Questions

Is midwifery care free in Ontario?

Can I have my baby in the hospital?

How are midwives trained?

What is the difference between a midwife and an obstetrician?

How are doulas different from midwives?

What if I want or need pain medication? Can I get an epidural if I have a midwife?

What if I need a caesarean section?

Can I also see an obstetrician if I’m in midwifery care?

Have more questions?

Midwifery Collective of Essex County

Midwives Essex County

Midwifery Collective of Essex County

Frequently Asked Questions

Is midwifery care free in Ontario?

Can I have my baby in the hospital?

​ How are midwives trained?

What is the difference between a midwife and an obstetrician?

​ How are doulas different from midwives?

What if I want or need pain medication? Can I get an epidural if I have a midwife?

What if I need a caesarean section?

Can I also see an obstetrician if I’m in midwifery care?

Have more questions?

Midwifery Collective of Essex County

Midwives Essex County

Midwifery Collective of Essex County

How are midwives trained?

How are doulas different from midwives?