Do I have to pay for a midwife?
Midwifery services are funded through the Ministry of Health of Ontario.  There is no direct cost for midwifery services to residents of Ontario.

I like the idea of a midwife, but I want to have my baby in a hospital. Can I do that?
Midwives support a woman’s choice of birthplace, be that home or hospital. Midwives have admitting privileges at hospitals, just as physicians do, and can provide complete childbirth care for you and your baby in the hospital setting.

Speaking of physicians, do I need to see a doctor during my pregnancy as well?
Midwives are primary care providers, which means that you do not need a referral to enter care with a midwife and you do not need to see a doctor; in fact, some women will come to their midwife for pregnancy testing. Midwives can order blood tests and ultrasounds, and provide complete childbirth care. If you should require medical attention unrelated to your pregnancy, then you would need to be seen by your physician. During your pregnancy, your midwives are available to you on-call 24 hours a day.

What happens if I develop problems during my pregnancy? How does the midwife deal with them?
Midwives are guided by the College of Midwives of Ontario document called “Indications for Mandatory Discussion, Consultation and Transfer of Care”, with respect to a woman’s medical history or problems that arise during pregnancy. If a problem arises during pregnancy, your care may be handled collaboratively with a specialist (usually an obstetrician), or completely transferred to obstetrical care. If your care is transferred, your midwife would provide supportive care for you during the labour and birth, and resume caring for you and your baby after the birth, providing all is well. Similarly, if your baby develops any problems after the birth, specialist care would be consulted as needed.

What kind of training do midwives receive?
Midwives practicing in Ontario have been educated through various routes. The midwives in Uxbridge Communtiy Midwives are graduates of the Ontario University Midwifery Education Programme, a four-year baccalaureate degree which is offered at McMaster, Laurentian and Ryerson Universities.

I’ve heard that it’s almost impossible to get a midwife, is this true?
It is true that the demand for midwifery services in Ontario currently far exceeds our ability to provide care. In other words there aren’t enough midwives in the province! If you desire midwifery care and are pregnant, please call as soon as possible! Waiting until you confirm your pregnancy with your physician may mean that you will be placed on a waiting list for our care.