Midwives can help you plan for and create a safe, natural childbirth at home.
In Ontario, a midwife is a registered health care professional who provides primary care to low-risk women throughout pregnancy, labour and birth. Midwives also provide care to both mother and baby during the six weeks following birth. They are available to clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week by pager.
A woman receives care from a small number of midwives. You will know the midwife who attends your labour and birth.
In Ontario, if you see a midwife you will not see a physician unless there are concerns or complications. Most births are normal and there are no complications. If there are complications, midwives can consult or transfer care to a physician. Midwives provide safe and expert care to healthy women and newborns.
Ontario midwifery is based on three principles:
Continuity of Care
Midwives provide care throughout pregnancy, labour, birth, and the first six weeks following birth. Midwives develop relationships with women and are available to clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week by pager.
Informed Choice
Women are active decision-makers in the care they receive; midwives give information to help women make informed decisions.
Choice of Birthplace
Women may choose to give birth safely at home or in hospital. Midwives have hospital privileges in Ontario hospitals. This means that they can admit and discharge clients at hospitals and access hospital resources needed by clients, including a consultation from a doctor if there is a concern or complication. Midwives are the only health care professional specifically trained in home birth.
Community Midwives of Halton
407 Speers Road, Oakville, ON L6K 3T5
tel: (905) 338-8004
Midwifery Care of Peel & Halton Hills
Georgetown Office: (905) 702-1911
Mississauga Office: (905) 890-4914
http://www.midwifery-care.com/index.html
Association of Midwives of Ontario
365 Bloor Street East, Suite 301, Toronto, ON M4W 3L4
http://www.ontariomidwives.ca/