What we do
In British Columbia, midwives are primary healthcare providers. We provide evidence-informed, client-centered pregnancy, birth and newborn care and are an established part of the BC healthcare system. Midwifery supports the ability to experience birth with minimum intervention and is committed to respect and support for all clients.
PREGNANCY
During pregnancy, visits with your midwife are scheduled every 1-5 weeks, with visits more frequent as your pregnancy progresses. Visits typically last between 30-60 minutes, allowing for physical, emotional and social health assessments, and building a trusting relationship between midwives and clients.
Midwives offer a complete panel of prenatal laboratory tests, genetic screening and diagnostic options, ultrasound imaging and many other tests and procedures.
BIRTH
Midwives respect the right of the client to choose the birth setting. We hold hospital privileges and provide safe care both in- and out-of-hospital.
Midwives provide continuity of care, which means that the midwife attending your birth will be a midwife that you have gotten to know throughout your pregnancy.
Midwives work collaboratively with obstetricians, nurses, family physicians, pediatricians, and lactation consultants, among others.
AFTER DELIVERY
After birth, clients will continue to see their midwives for postpartum care. Midwives monitor the health of client and newborn and provide breast/chest-feeding support. They ensure the client is recovering physically and emotionally.
Visits in the first 2 weeks usually happen where the family resides, and remaining visits happen in the clinic until 6 weeks postpartum. After this, care is transferred to a family physician or nurse practitioner.
Between visits, midwives provide 24/7 call coverage for urgent care or concerns.
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We are committed to providing care that is evidence-informed, family-centred, and community-building throughout your pregnancy, birth, and early parenting experiences.
During your pregnancy you will have the opportunity to build relationships with each of your midwives. We look forward to learning what’s important to you during this time, so we can provide care that is unique to you and your family. We honour all forms of families and are committed to respect and support for all clients.
Midwives are guardians of birth. We think birth is a holistic experience—we provide prenatal, birth and postpartum care that considers your physical, emotional, mental and cultural needs.
We acknowledge in solidarity and with gratitude that we work and live on the unceded, traditional, and ancestral territories of the Syilx Okanagan Nation. We recognize the urgency of reconciliation and anti-racism in our communities and in our work; we commit to doing this through ongoing education, listening, relationship-building and accountability.
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Midwives are regulated health professionals who maintain registration with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Midwives complete a four-year university degree that encompasses a variety of subjects related to midwifery, ethics, and clinical skills. After graduating, and before applying for registration, a national skill and ability exam must be completed.
Registered midwives renew their registration each year and ensure that they maintain certification in neonatal resuscitation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), fetal health surveillance and emergency skills.
Midwifery care is covered by the Ministry of Health for B.C. residents with a Care Card through the Medical Services Plan (MSP). If you are not covered by the B.C. provincial health care plan, please contact the clinic to discuss options—we do not want cost to be a barrier to care.