Who are Midwives?

"Midwife" means "with woman." Midwives are trained specialists who care for women throughout pregnancy and childbirth. More than 80 percent of babies world-wide are born into the caring, skillful hands of a midwife. A new law makes midwives legal and available to Manitoba women. Manitoba is the fourth province in Canada to take this step. Midwives offer a new choice for you and your baby. Our web site will answer some of your questions about this important profession.

Midwives.....

believe that pregnancy and birth are part of a woman's general health. Midwives expect childbirth to be straightforward but they are skilled and know what to do if there are any complications or difficulties.
recognize that pregnancy and birth affect a woman and her family deeply. Midwives know that the changes in the childbearing year affect a woman emotionally, spiritually and socially, as well as physically.
get to know you. You will see the same midwife and her partners all through your pregnancy. You can expect that a midwife you know will be with you throughout your labour and when your baby is born.
will answer your questions and talk to you about your worries. They will give you information about healthy foods, feeding your baby, different choices for labour pain and other topics.
can be with you at the birth wherever you want your baby to be born. Midwives can be with you in a hospital or at your home. If you need extra care a midwife can put you in touch with a doctor, public health nurse or other caregiver.
are highly trained and experienced. Around the world, midwives have excellent records of safety and offer high-quality care for mothers and babies.

Midwives are key players on the health care team, working with other caregivers to provide women and their babies the best possible care.

In the five countries with the world's lowest infant death rates,
midwives are the main caregiver at about 70 percent of all births.

The Success Story Continues...

Midwives throughout history have been community experts in providing knowledge, skill, guidance and support to women through pregnancy, labour and birth. Indeed, the World Health Organization recognizes midwives internationally as the specialists in normal childbirth.

Today, midwives provide both advanced clinical skills and a focus that puts women and their families at the centre of care.

In 1997, the Manitoba government declared midwifery an independent, regulated health care service. This valuable service is intended to be available and accessible to all Manitoba women.