What is a Midwife?

The word midwife has been used for centuries to describe a woman who is "with women" at birth. A well accepted international definition says "midwives are qualified health professionals who provide care to healthy women throughout pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period, and to their newborn infants". They provide counseling and teaching, as well as monitoring the health of mother and baby. Midwives provide care in the community, at home, clinics and in hospitals.

All women, regardless of socio-economic circumstances, have a right to accessible, comprehensive midwifery care and can self-refer themselves to the midwife. B.C. care card or B.C. Medical Service Plan covers the midwifery care.