Philosophy of Midwifery Care in Ontario

Pregnancy, labour and birth is a natural physiological process that women have the pleasure of experiencing. Midwifery care emphasizes the normalcy of this process.

Midwives provide care to women throughout their pregnancy, labour and birth. Care of the mother and her newborn extends to six weeks after the birth and take place in the hospital, her home as well as the clinic setting. Midwives also assist women in adjusting to parenthood while respecting their choices and values.

In Ontario, the Philosophy of Midwifery care is based on three principles:

Continuity of Care: Midwives providing 24-hour coverage for clients during pregnancy, labour, birth and up to six weeks after the birth.

Informed Choice: An exchange of information given to women which enables her to make choices about her care and her unborn child. This information sharing is conducted in a relaxed and non-authoritarian atmosphere.

Choice of Birthplace: Clients may choose to give birth at home or in hospital.

We believe that planned home birth is a safe option for healthy women with low-risk pregnancies. Early and ongoing prenatal care is important to help detect and avoid possible complications. Continuous assessments by the midwife, throughout the labor allows for possible concerns or complications to be dealt with in an appropriate and timely manner.

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