FAQ | Family Care Midwives

Can I have a midwife and a doctor? No. Women can have either a midwife or a doctor for pregnancy, birth and newborn care. Midwives, obstetricians and family doctors are all primary caregivers. A primary caregiver takes responsibility for your care.
Why do women choose midwives? Midwives help to protect physiologic birth. Women receiving midwifery care are more likely to go into labour on their own and not have interventions like induction, forceps, vacuum, episiotomy, electronic fetal monitoring, or cesarean section. This leads to excellent health outcomes for women and their babies.
When should I contact a midwife? It is best to call us as soon as you know that you are pregnant. However, you can call anytime during your pregnancy if you decide that midwifery care is for you. You do not need a referral to see a midwife.
What is the cost for a midwife? Midwifery care is part of the Ontario health care system and is fully paid for by the government to any resident of Ontario, with or without OHIP.
Can I get an epidural with a midwife? Yes. Midwives teach women about all the various ways to manage labour pain. While epidurals are available, many midwifery clients decide not to use drugs for pain relief. This usually helps them to recover more quickly after giving birth.
How does midwifery care work? Our practice includes registered midwives and midwifery students who provide care to low-risk women. You will usually see 3 to 4 midwives during your course of care. Appointments in our clinic are approximately once a month until 28 weeks, every 2-4 weeks from 28 – 36 weeks, then every 1-2 weeks until you give birth. Appointments range from 30 – 60 minutes long. After the baby is born, midwives visit you during the first week, then you come to the clinic with your baby at approximately 2, 4, and 6 weeks. For urgent concerns and labour, a midwife is available by pager 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All routine pregnancy lab tests and ultrasounds can be ordered by a midwife.
What if there’s a problem with my pregnancy? Midwives are experts in normal pregnancy and birth and provide safe care for both mother and baby. If there is a health concern or complication, your midwife follows the standards set by the College of Midwives of Ontario and arranges for you to be seen by a physician. If needed, your care is transferred. Your midwife continues to provide support and the doctor will transfer your care back to the midwife as soon as possible.
How are midwives trained? Registered midwives complete a four-year Bachelor of Health Science Degree in Midwifery through the Ontario Midwifery Education Program. If a midwife has been trained outside of Canada, she completes the International Midwifery Pre-Registration Program. Once a midwife has completed her training, she is licensed through the College of Midwives of Ontario. Newly registered midwives are required to complete a mentorship year with an experienced midwife.