Frequently asked questions
What is midwifery in Ontario all about?
Midwifery care in Ontario is based on three principles: informed choice, choice of birthplace,
and continuity of care.
1. Informed choice means that you are an active decision-maker in your health care. Your
midwife will discuss all healthcare with you and give you information to make informed
decisions.
2. Choice of birthplace means that you get to choose where you want to have your baby.
Midwives are able to provide care during labour and birth in the hospital or home setting.
3. Continuity of care means that midwives spend time with clients and develop relationships.
Midwives provide complete care throughout pregnancy, labour, birth, and the first six weeks following birth. This basket of services -- referred to as a "course of care"-- provides continuity, optimizing your safety and comfort.
Is midwifery care free in Ontario?
How do I apply for midwifery care and The Expecting & Connecting program?
Can I have my baby in the hospital?
How are midwives trained?
What is the difference between a midwife and an obstetrician?
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.
How are doulas different from midwives?
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.
What if I want or need pain medication? Can I get an epidural if I have a midwife?
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.
What if I need a caesarean section?
Can I have a water birth?
Can I also see an obstetrician if I’m in midwifery care?
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.
Referral form can be found here.
Have more questions?