Midwifery FAQs
What is a Midwife?
Midwives are primary healthcare providers who provide prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care to healthy pregnant people and their newborns. Midwives are responsible for all aspects of prenatal care, provide clinical monitoring and support during labour, and take care of clients and their newborns for up to 6 weeks following birth.
Do I need to pay for midwifery services?
Midwifery services are covered through the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. All residents of Ontario with or without OHIP coverage, have their midwifery services paid for through this program (please note, this does not include hospital fees or some lab fees).
Do I have to have my baby at home if I have a midwife?
No. For low-risk clients, midwives offer you the choice of whether you would like to deliver your baby at home or in the hospital. In Cambridge, about 20% of babies delivered by a midwife, are born at home, and 80% are born at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Home births are a safe option for low-risk pregnancies. Please see our resources page for more information on these options.
How do I know if midwifery care is right for me?
Midwives provide maternity care based on the three tenets of:
- Continuity of Care – you’ll get to develop a relationship with your midwives and know who will be helping you give birth to your baby.
- Informed Choice – midwives recognize that you are the primary decision-maker in your care, and your midwife will provide you with the information about all of the choices you will make throughout your care.
- Choice of Birthplace – you have the choice to give birth at home or in the hospital.
If these are things you would like to incorporate into your care, midwifery care is likely for you!
Do I need a referral?
A doctor’s referral is not required to access midwifery care. Simply complete our intake form or call us as soon as you know you are pregnant to become a midwifery client.
Do I have to deliver my baby at home?
No – the choice is yours. You can choose to deliver where you feel most comfortable – at home or in hospital. Home births are a safe option for low-risk pregnancies. Our midwives hold privileges at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, and our clinic is located adjacent to the hospital.
Our Catchment Area
Our catchment area covers Cambridge, North Dumfries, and the surrounding area.
We are located at 765 Coronation Blvd, Unit C1, Cambridge, Ontario. Our clinic is adjacent to the Cambridge Hospital, with easy access to public transportation. We are accessible on the main floor allowing for wheelchair and stroller access. An ultrasound office and pharmacy are also conveniently located in our plaza, and a LifeLabs office is located in the next plaza over. Parking is ample and free of charge for our clients – please ensure you get a parking token prior to leaving our office.
Home or Hospital Birthing
We offer the choice of giving birth to your baby either in the comfort of your home or in hospital. Home birth is a safe and suitable choice for low-risk pregnancies. Read more about the research and safety on home births.
Cambridge Memorial Hospital
We have privileges at Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Our experienced midwives work at their fullest scope able to order and manage epidurals and inductions of labour.
Teaching Midwifery Practice
We are a teaching midwifery practice supporting the future of midwifery. We welcome midwifery students with open arms, but we respect your preference whether to include a student in your care. The choice is yours!
Regulations and Standards
All of our midwives practice in accordance with the regulations and standards of the College of Midwives of Ontario and the Cambridge Memorial Hospital. We are committed to providing our clients with the highest level of care and support.