About the Alberta Association of Midwives
Since 1986, the Alberta Association of Midwives (AAM) has been the professional body dedicated to supporting the passionate community of midwives and advancing the midwifery profession in Alberta. As primary healthcare providers, registered midwives offer high-quality, safe, and cost-effective care throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and the six-week postpartum period. Midwifery care empowers people to feel more in control of their health, their pregnancy, and their birth outcomes by fostering a strong partnership between the midwife and their clients.
The Canadian midwifery model of care is built on four core principles: continuity of care, informed choice, evidence-based practices, and choice of birth setting. Alberta’s midwives uphold these principles, delivering services in a sustainable manner that aligns with this model.
Currently, there are approximately 186 Registered Midwives in Alberta, attending nearly 10% of births annually.
Midwifery in Alberta: A History of Growth
In 1992, Alberta became the second province in Canada to legally recognize midwives. It wasn’t until 1998, that a regulatory framework under the Health Disciplines Act was established, allowing midwives to be officially registered. In 2013, the College of Midwives of Alberta was formed, and in 2019, the profession was transitioned under the Health Professions Act.
Midwifery services in Alberta became publicly funded by Alberta Health Services in 2009. Since that time, midwifery care has continued to grow. In 2009, midwives attended 975 births, and by 2019, this number had risen to over 4,000. In 2021, midwives attended 5,323 births.
Mount Royal University is the only institution in Alberta offering a Bachelor of Midwifery program, which began in September 2011.
