Birthplace Options
Midwives are the only health care providers who offer choice of birthplace.
Hospital, home, birth centre — your birth, your choice
There is no wrong place to give birth. During your pregnancy, your midwife will talk to you about your birthplace options, discuss the risks and benefits of each setting, answer all of your questions and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision on where you are going to feel most safe and comfortable. Regardless of the location you choose, you will receive the same exceptional care from your midwife.
Hospital
In Alberta, approximately 68% of people in midwifery care plan to give birth in the hospital. Hospitals provide quick access to specialist care and increased monitoring for you and your baby. All Registered Midwives in Alberta maintain hospital privileges. If you are at increased risk for certain complications, giving birth in the hospital is recommended.
Home
Midwives are the only primary care providers in Alberta who receive extensive education and training to help clients safely birth at home. 25% of Alberta midwifery clients plan to have home births. If you are experiencing a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, research has shown that a home birth is just as safe as a hospital birth for both you and your baby.
Birth Centre
Birth centres in Alberta are community-based, health care facilities that offer a safe, home-like atmosphere and family-centred space to labour and birth. To give birth at a birth centre, you must be in the care of a Registered Midwife.
There are five midwifery-led birth centres in Alberta:
Arbour Birth Centre, Calgary
Lucina Birth Centre, Edmonton
West Country Midwives Birth Suite, Rocky Mountain House
Rinita Birth Centre, St. Albert
Download our resource in your preferred language: Birthplace Options
“My midwife was comfortable with all viable options. We ended up needing to go to a hospital and it was the greatest experience ever. It was perfect not having nurses and others in and out. She knew all of me, having had not missed one prenatal appointment, and in emergency during transfer of care she was in the operating room. Midwives are amazing in all situations.”
– Ashley Thomas
