Midwives are experts in low-risk pregnancy, labour and post-partum care up to six weeks after your baby is born.

We see pregnancy and labour as a normal process. Midwives believe that women should be active participants in their care, and through informed choice discussions, women should be able to make decisions about their care that makes sense to them.

You are encouraged to ask questions and we strive to make sure you have all the information you need in order to make appropriate decisions for you and your baby.

You will be cared for by a small group of midwives. One of them will be available to you by pager for urgent concerns 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while you are in our care. This makes it very likely that you will know the person who attends you in labour.

Midwives attend births both at home and in hospital. We are fortunate that in our community, epidural anesthesia and oxytocin induction and augmentation are available to our clients without care being transferred to an obstetrician. What that means is, that if you wish to have an epidural, you can still have a midwife.

Sometimes, during the course of your care, your midwife will need to consult or transfer care to a physician. We work closely with the nurses and obstetricians at St. Joseph’s Healthcare and have excellent working relationships with anyone who may become involved with your care.

No. Midwives offer choice of birthplace. You can have your baby at home or in the hospital.

Where you choose to have your baby is up to you.

No. While midwives accept referrals from various physicians, most of our clients refer themselves.

You do not need a blood test to confirm the pregnancy. Drugstore pregnancy tests that use urine to confirm pregnancy are enough. If it is positive, contact us.

Yes. If you choose to have an epidural, your midwife will consult with the on-call anesthesiologist who will place the epidural. Your care will remain with your midwife.

Midwives provide clinical care to you and your baby. Along with you, we manage your pregnancy, labour, delivery and postpartum care.

A doula is a professional labour support person.

Doulas do not provide clinical care, but may be helpful to you during labour. Some doulas also provide postpartum support.

Yes. Your midwife can order all pregnancy-related blood tests, urine tests, vaginal swabs and arrange ultrasounds.

At Mountain Midwifery Care, we can draw your routine blood work right in our clinic. For other blood work and ultrasounds, there is a laboratory and ultrasound clinic conveniently located on the first floor of our building.