Midwifery FAQ
Midwifery delivers the right care, at the right time, in the right place and by the right care provider.
1. Do I have to pay for A Midwife?
There are no costs. Midwifery services are paid for by the Ontario health-care system (MOHLTC), to provide care to all residents of their catchment area, regardless of whether or not they have OHIP.
A resident is a person who maintains an address in the catchment area.
A resident is a person who maintains an address in the catchment area.
2. Can my midwife order blood tests and ultrasounds as with a doctor?
Midwives can arrange all routine prenatal testing, including ultrasound and genetic testing, as well as standard laboratory and diagnostic tests. Test results are sent to the midwives who discuss them with their clients.
During appointments, midwives will talk to you about what each test looks for, how it is performed, possible advantages and disadvantages, and any risks involved. Some tests are performed in the midwifery clinic, others may take place at a hospital or medical lab in your community. In addition to arranging tests, midwives can also prescribe certain drugs related to clients’ care.
During appointments, midwives will talk to you about what each test looks for, how it is performed, possible advantages and disadvantages, and any risks involved. Some tests are performed in the midwifery clinic, others may take place at a hospital or medical lab in your community. In addition to arranging tests, midwives can also prescribe certain drugs related to clients’ care.
3. What is a Registered Midwife?
Midwives are regulated healthcare professionals, just like doctors. At minimum, they have a 4-year university degree in midwifery (Bachelors in Health Science, Midwifery). They are highly trained clinicians, providing primary care to pregnant people and their newborns.
You can choose to have a midwife or a doctor, not both, as it would be considered double-billing the health care system. You don't need a referral from a doctor to have a midwife, just contact us directly.
As midwives who are experts in low-risk pregnancy and birth, they will use their clinical judgement and refer to a physician as indicated. At times, this may be your family doctor, or a specialist, if there are concerns or complications with the pregnancy, labor, birth or post-partum. Midwives may consult and/or transfer a client’s care to a physician as indicated by clinical judgment, hospital protocol or their College regulations.
If care is transferred, midwives continue to support their clients and resume primary care when it is possible.
What is the difference between a midwife and doula?
When you see a midwife, you can expect to receive safe, quality care from a qualified health professional who is registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario. Midwives are regulated health-care providers through the Midwifery Act, 1991, and the Regulated Health Care Professions Act (RHPA). Only individuals who are registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario may use the title “midwife.”
A birth doula is a trained labour support person who provides emotional and physical support to those giving birth and their families. While not medical professionals, doulas can offer a wide range of comfort measures (emotional, informational and physical support).
You are responsible to find and pay your doula yourself, as doula services are not covered by the MOHLTC. If you are considering having a doula at your birth, talk about it with your midwife.
You can choose to have a midwife or a doctor, not both, as it would be considered double-billing the health care system. You don't need a referral from a doctor to have a midwife, just contact us directly.
As midwives who are experts in low-risk pregnancy and birth, they will use their clinical judgement and refer to a physician as indicated. At times, this may be your family doctor, or a specialist, if there are concerns or complications with the pregnancy, labor, birth or post-partum. Midwives may consult and/or transfer a client’s care to a physician as indicated by clinical judgment, hospital protocol or their College regulations.
If care is transferred, midwives continue to support their clients and resume primary care when it is possible.
What is the difference between a midwife and doula?
When you see a midwife, you can expect to receive safe, quality care from a qualified health professional who is registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario. Midwives are regulated health-care providers through the Midwifery Act, 1991, and the Regulated Health Care Professions Act (RHPA). Only individuals who are registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario may use the title “midwife.”
A birth doula is a trained labour support person who provides emotional and physical support to those giving birth and their families. While not medical professionals, doulas can offer a wide range of comfort measures (emotional, informational and physical support).
You are responsible to find and pay your doula yourself, as doula services are not covered by the MOHLTC. If you are considering having a doula at your birth, talk about it with your midwife.
4. What choice of birthplace do I have with a midwife?
East Ottawa Midwives can attend your birth at home, at l’Hôpital Montfort or in the midwifery-led birth centre: the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre. Your midwife will talk to you about your options, answer your questions and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Midwives are trained in water immersion and waterbirth. Waterbirth is only possible at home, or at the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Center. When considering a waterbirth at home, talk to your midwife, as they will provide you with information about pool rental options, or use of your tub at home for this purpose. L’Hôpital Montfort restricts the use of their tubs to labor only.
Midwives are trained in water immersion and waterbirth. Waterbirth is only possible at home, or at the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Center. When considering a waterbirth at home, talk to your midwife, as they will provide you with information about pool rental options, or use of your tub at home for this purpose. L’Hôpital Montfort restricts the use of their tubs to labor only.
5. What pain relief options are available for labour with a midwife?
During labour, midwives offer a range of natural and pharmaceutical pain relief options. Some options are limited for home or the birth centre. Speak to your midwife about the options available at home, the birth centre or in the hospital. Please note, access to epidurals is only available in the hospital.
If you choose to have an epidural or need an induction, your midwife can still care for you, as these skills are part of their scope of practice at l’Hôpital Montfort.
If you choose to have an epidural or need an induction, your midwife can still care for you, as these skills are part of their scope of practice at l’Hôpital Montfort.
6. What if I have more questions?
We will be happy to answer additional questions. Please call us or book an appointment and/or, to meet with a midwife.
