Midwifery in Ontario, as regulated by the College of Midwives of Ontario, is based on three primary principles:
Continuity of Care
Throughout pregnancy, labour and birth, and for six weeks postpartum, clients are cared for by the same midwives. The midwives are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provide all available services for low risk obstetric and newborn care. They also provide supportive care if a client’s condition becomes high risk.
Informed Choice
Midwives believe that health care decisions are best made by the mother and whoever she chooses to be part of that decision making process. Midwives spend considerable time explaining the various tests and options available to women, and support the choices that women make once they have been fully informed.
Choice of Birthplace
Midwives support the right of women with normal pregnancies to choose to give birth at home or in hospital. All midwives are required to maintain the skills necessary to attend women in both settings.
