Midwifery Questions & Answers

How can I get a midwife?

You can apply for midwifery care at any time during your pregnancy by adding your details to the province-wide registry.

Midwives care for individuals with low-risk pregnancies. Individuals who have previously experienced a caesarean delivery (C-section) may receive midwifery care.

To be eligible to receive publicly funded midwifery services you must have either an Alberta Personal Health Care Number, an RCMP Health Care Number, or a Canadian Military Health Care Number before the birth of your baby.

If there are no midwives practicing in your area, we still encourage you to apply on the registry as this helps track the need for midwifery care and supports future workforce planning.

How long does it take to get a midwife?

After adding your name to the province-wide registry, you can expect to receive a confirmation email to the address that you specified on your application. If you are accepted into care, a midwifery clinic will contact you directly.

The average wait time to hear back from a midwifery clinic is currently two to three weeks. Midwives typically welcome clients into care between 8 and 10 weeks gestation. Clients can be admitted into care from the registry by a midwife at any time during their pregnancy, even as late as their third trimester. However, if you have not been accepted into midwifery care by the time you reach 10-12 weeks of gestation, we advise seeking prenatal care with a physician.

What education and training do midwives have?

Midwives are highly skilled and educated professionals specializing in low-risk perinatal care. Registered Midwives hold a Bachelor of Midwifery degree (or its equivalent).

In order to practice in Alberta, a midwife must be registered with the College of Midwives of Alberta (CMA) which is the provincial regulatory body for the profession. The CMA conducts an extensive review of qualifications, written and practical examinations before a midwife can become registered.

All Registered Midwives must regularly complete continuing education requirements as set by the CMA. Currently, this includes regular recertification of CPR, Obstetrical Emergency Skills and Neonatal Resuscitation.

When and how often will I see my midwife?

Midwives typically welcome clients into care between 8-10 weeks gestation when they have an initial appointment. They are then seen every 4 weeks until 30 weeks of pregnancy, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks of pregnancy. Thereafter, they are offered weekly visits until childbirth. The client has access to their midwife (or midwifery team) 24 hours/7 days a week throughout her care.

Once labour is progressing, the midwife will assess progress and remain with the client once they are in active labour and through delivery in the client’s home, at a birth centre or in the hospital. Typically, 3 to 4 hours after the birth, if the parent and baby are stable, they will be discharged home by the midwife if at a birth centre or the hospital. If the birth occurred at home, the midwife would leave at this point. Postpartum visits at home by the midwife are usually done on Days 1, 3 and 5 unless further visits are required. The parent and baby will generally go to the clinic at 2, 4 and 6 weeks postpartum when care is completed.

How safe is midwifery care?

There is a large body of evidence that supports midwifery care as a safe choice for low-risk healthy women and other pregnant people. Midwifery is a trusted and respected profession in many countries around the world. In fact, researchers found that birthing people and babies did better on average in countries where midwifery was the norm. A 2009 study led by researchers from the University of British Columbia, found that midwifery care had comparable or better outcomes than physician-led perinatal care for low-risk pregnancies. Midwives are primary health care providers and are considered experts in normal pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. They spend considerable time with their clients during prenatal appointments and are with them throughout all stages of perinatal care. Midwives support physiologic birth and often report low rates of medical intervention.

Do I have to pay for midwifery care?

As of April 2009, Alberta Health Services fully funds midwifery services for Albertans. However, the demand for midwifery services in Alberta currently exceeds the availability of midwives. This means that, although you need not pay out-of-pocket for midwifery care, not everyone who applies for a midwife is able to obtain one via the public health care system. Some midwives will provide service for private pay. Clients who are interested in private pay are advised to inquire with midwifery practices directly.

What is the difference between a midwife and a doula?

A Registered Midwife, like a physician, is a primary care provider. Midwives are educated and trained to provide all necessary medical care related to pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Doulas provide continuous emotional and physical support to the labouring client and their family. They are a positive addition to the birth team for families who desire extra support. Doulas do not receive medical training, do not provide medical care and do not catch babies. 

Can I have a midwife and give birth in a hospital?

Yes. All Registered Midwives in Alberta maintain hospital privileges so they can provide comprehensive care in all settings. Midwives support a family’s right to choose the place of birth and offer in-hospital or out-of-hospital births. Some midwives will attend births in free standing birth centres or even in a hotel. Clients should discuss their birth plan with their midwife.

How is midwifery care regulated?

Midwifery has been a regulated profession in Alberta since 1998. The College of Midwives of Alberta (CMA) is the regulatory body responsible for the registration and practice of midwives throughout the province. The title "midwife" is a protected title and its use by anyone other than a Registered Midwife is illegal.