Midwives are qualified registered professionals who offer a high quality of complete care during pregnancy and who is more like your OB or doctor. Their service includes diagnostic tests, bloodwork, detects complications, address concerns, help mothers with preventive measures, promotes natural birth, wellness and health of the mother and baby, emotional support, assist with delivery, and personalize the services to the mother.
The earlier the midwife is brought in to care for the mother is best. Midwives and parents plan and work together to develop a familiar and reliable relationship that is very helpful during delivery in making informed choices and care of mother and baby.
The primary care of healthy mothers is managed by the midwife unless complications emerge that may result in a consult or transfer to the OB, pediatrician, or family doctor. The midwife stays with the mother throughout the delivery, always providing care and support.
In all cultures, the midwife’s place is on the threshold of life, where intense human emotions, fear, hope, longing, triumph, and incredible physical power enable a new human to emerge. Her vocation is unique.
Sheila Kitzinger
Midwives typically offer the following services:
- Provide mother with respectful and maternity centered care
- Recognize if a pregnancy becomes high risk
- Be the primary care provider during pregnancy, labour, birth, and postpartum
- Carry out prenatal education and prenatal care
- Request testing such as laboratory, screening, and ultrasound
- Consult your doctor or OB about your care if the need arises
- Examine and monitor mother and baby
- Care of mother and baby or babies for six weeks postpartum
- Advice and apply pain management; knowledge of medications
- Educate mother on the care of baby and help with breastfeeding
- Support, advice, and counseling through difficult challenges
