Choosing midwifery care means selecting a model of maternity care that views pregnancy and birth as healthy, natural life events. This approach emphasizes continuity of care, informed decision-making, and a strong partnership between clients and their care providers. Midwives are autonomous primary-care professionals who are publicly funded to offer complete care throughout pregnancy, labour and birth, and up to six weeks after birth. For individuals experiencing a low-risk pregnancy, midwifery care serves as an alternative to physician-led maternity care. If complications occur, midwives collaborate closely with medical and nursing teams to ensure appropriate care.
Prenatal appointments take place in the clinic, while labour and birth support can be provided at home or in hospital. After birth, early postpartum visits occur in the client’s home, followed by later visits at the clinic. For those planning a hospital birth, midwifery care typically includes labour support at home during early labour, transfer to hospital later in active labour (or once labour is well established for subsequent births), and discharge from hospital—often within four hours—followed by continued postpartum care at home.
Midwifery care centres on the belief that birth is a normal physiological process and a meaningful life experience. Midwives support clients in making informed choices and provide care only for low-risk pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. The care model prioritizes minimal intervention, aiming to reduce routine reliance on medications and medical technology when they are not necessary. For example, careful health history may be used instead of routine ultrasound to estimate due dates, and during labour, techniques such as movement, hands-on comfort measures, and emotional support are used to help manage pain. While medical interventions and technology are available when required, individuals who prefer routine use of these approaches may find physician-led care better suited to their needs.
Midwives are unique among maternity care providers in offering a choice of birth setting. Learn more about your options by clicking here or watching the video below.
Taken from https://midwivescollective.ca