5 Things You May Not Know About Midwives

August 6, 2021

Midwives are skilled medical professionals and are an excellent choice for anyone who is having a low-risk pregnancy and who wants a vaginal delivery. Midwifery care, like a doctor’s care, is free in Canada and is covered by MSP. If you are looking for a midwifery clinic in Coquitlam, or you are considering your options for your birth and pregnancy journey, here are 5 facts about midwives and midwifery that you may not know.

1: Midwifery has been a profession for centuries

Midwifery has been a respected medical position for centuries. In Canada, The Canadian Associate of Midwives has a set of high standards and rules that are constantly being reviewed and revised. The midwifery education program in Canada is a four-year baccalaureate program, with seven education programs available in the country. You do not need to have a nursing background or other medical credentials required for entry to midwifery programs, as they are direct entry.

2: Midwifery is based on informed consent

Each appointment with your midwife is around 45 minutes, which gives you plenty of time to ask questions and voice any concerns. Because the appointments are not quick, your midwife has time to answer questions, and explain everything step by step. They will inform you of all of your choices and options and give you all of the information needed in order to make educated choices.

3: Midwifery is holistic

Midwifery does not follow the mentality that pregnancy is a condition. Pregnancy is not simply a medical procedure; it is a stage in life. Women who are low-risk and have had vaginal births with midwives are more likely to have a positive experience during labour and birth. Because midwives are open in their communication, you are always informed every step of the way as to what is going on. Midwives understand the need for things such as skin-to-skin contact with your newborn, or that not every woman is comfortable giving birth on her back.

4: You choose where you give birth

You can give birth, with your midwife in attendance, either at home or in a hospital. Some midwifery clinics in Coquitlam will also do house calls during pregnancy and will ensure that you have what you need to give birth where you feel most comfortable.

Hospitals are a great choice if you feel safest in one, or if any health concerns or conditions make it not safe for you to give birth at home. Midwives work alongside hospital nurses and doctors to provide care for you during childbirth. After childbirth, during the postpartum period that lasts for about 6 weeks after birth, you will visit your midwifery clinic in Coquitlam to see your midwife.

5:  You still get all of the same tests and scans done, and you still can have any pain medication you choose

Your midwifery clinic in Coquitlam will give you comprehensive care during pregnancy, birth, and during postpartum period. Midwifery clinics offer the same tests and scan done at hospitals. Your 30-45 minute appointment will include any tests and scans that are necessary, as well as going over your results with you in-depth.

If you feel like you might need pain medication during your birth, you can still get it with a midwife. Midwives are not able to bring pain medication to home births, due to the heightened risks of side effects, so you do need to be at a hospital. At the hospital, pain medication is administered usually by nurses, doctors, or anesthetists, depending on the type of medication.