FAQ

There is a large body of evidence that supports midwifery care as a safe choice for low-risk healthy women. Midwifery is a trusted and respected profession in many countries around the world. In fact, researchers found that mothers and babies did better on average in countries where midwifery was the norm. A 2009 study led by researchers from the University of British Columbia found that midwifery care resulted in lower rates of forceps and vacuum deliveries, caesarean sections, episiotomies, infections and babies requiring resuscitation, when compared with women in the same risk group delivering with physician-led care. Midwives are primary health care providers and are considered the experts in normal pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. They spend considerable time with their clients during prenatal appointments, and are with them throughout all stages of maternity care. Midwives support physiologic birth and often report low rates of medical intervention.

You can apply any time for midwifery care during your pregnancy by adding your details to the province-wide registry. We can only take a limited number of clients, so applying early in your pregnancy is preferable.
Midwives care is for individuals with low-risk pregnancies. Individuals who have previously experienced caesarian section may receive midwifery care. To be eligible to receive publicly funded midwifery services you must have either an Alberta Personal Health Care Number, an RCMP Health Care Number, or a Canadian Military Health Care Number before the birth of your baby. If you have not been accepted into care with us by the time you reach 12 weeks of gestation, we advise seeking prenatal care with a physician. Please note that you can be accepted into midwifery care at any point during pregnancy and that your care can be transferred to a midwife if you are already seeing a physician.