Is a Midwife Right for Your Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is one of the most transformative and exciting times in a woman’s life, and choosing the right care provider plays a significant role in how you experience this journey. One option to consider is working with a midwife, a healthcare professional who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Having been cared for by a midwife during my own pregnancy, I can share firsthand how wonderful and personalized the experience can be. Let’s dive into what a midwife is, what they do, and why it might be the right choice for you.
What Is a Midwife and What Do They Do?
A midwife is a trained professional who provides care to women throughout pregnancy, during childbirth, and into the postpartum period. Midwives focus on supporting low-risk pregnancies and natural births. They work with you to monitor your pregnancy, guide you through labor, and provide postpartum care—all with a focus on building a trusting, supportive relationship.
Unlike obstetricians, who tend to handle more medical interventions, midwives are specialists in assisting women who want a more natural, low-intervention birth. They take a holistic approach, helping to educate and empower you during your pregnancy while offering a calm, compassionate environment.
What Are the Requirements to Be a Midwife in Canada?
In Canada, becoming a registered midwife requires specific training, certification, and licensing. To be classified as a midwife, a professional must graduate from an accredited midwifery program, which typically takes four years of study. Upon graduation, midwives must pass a certification exam and meet the requirements of their province's regulatory body.
In British Columbia, midwives are licensed by the College of Midwives of British Columbia (CMBC), and they must maintain ongoing education and certification to provide the highest standard of care. One important aspect of midwifery care in BC is that midwives have hospital privileges, meaning they can attend births in both home and hospital settings, depending on your preferences and birth plan.
How Does a Midwife Practice Work?
One of the things I truly appreciated during my pregnancy was the personalized care offered by my midwife team. When you choose a midwife, you are usually followed by a team of 2-3 midwives, ensuring you have continuity of care and someone available to answer all your questions. Throughout your pregnancy, your midwives will monitor the health of both you and your baby with regular check-ups, tests, and ultrasounds as necessary.
What stands out about midwifery care is the slower, more personal appointments. Unlike the often rushed feel of traditional doctor’s visits, my appointments with my midwives were an opportunity to relax, ask questions, and really feel heard. I never felt like a number, and I truly appreciated the time they spent addressing any concerns, no matter how small they seemed.
For labor and delivery, one of the midwives from your team will attend your birth, whether it’s at home or in the hospital—depending on your birth plan. Midwives are trained to handle a range of scenarios, including medical emergencies, and they work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to ensure you and your baby’s safety.
Postpartum Care: A Clean, Family-Friendly Office Environment
One of the aspects I found especially comforting was the postpartum care I received after my baby was born. My midwifery practice offered postnatal check-ups at their clean, kid-friendly office—which was a breath of fresh air after giving birth. I loved that the office was not filled with sick patients, but instead had other new moms and babies, creating a calming, supportive environment. My older child was even entertained by the toys and books available, which made the visits feel less stressful for the entire family.
What’s even better is that my midwifery practice was female-run, which felt empowering and reassuring to me as a new mother. The all-female team brought a sense of understanding, compassion, and care that I truly appreciated. There was a sense of camaraderie and warmth, making it clear that the focus was not just on medical care, but on supporting the whole family through the challenges and joys of new parenthood.
Is a Midwife Right for You?
Deciding whether a midwife is right for you is a personal choice that depends on your preferences, values, and the kind of birth experience you want to have. For me, being cared for by a midwife was a deeply positive experience. I appreciated the slower, more personal appointments, the clean and family-friendly environment, and the high level of support I received throughout my pregnancy and postpartum period.
However, not all pregnancies are the same, and some come with more inherent risks. For example, if you are pregnant with multiples or have a complicated pregnancy, a midwife may not be the best or only choice for care. It’s important to discuss your situation with your primary care doctor to determine the best approach for your pregnancy. Some women with high-risk pregnancies can still work with a midwife alongside a specialist to ensure they receive the appropriate care. This combined care can offer the best of both worlds: the personalized, holistic support of a midwife and the specialized care of a doctor when necessary.
If you are curious about having a midwife, it’s important to ask for more information early in your pregnancy, as midwives typically have a limited number of expecting moms they can take on per month. Their schedules can fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to reach out early to secure your spot and ensure continuity of care.
If you are looking for a natural, low-intervention approach to pregnancy, or simply want more time and personalized care, midwifery may be a great option. Midwives work with you to create a birth plan that aligns with your preferences, whether that’s a hospital birth or a home birth, and provide exceptional postpartum support for you and your baby.
Why Choose a Midwife in Surrey, BC?
In Surrey, BC, midwives offer compassionate care with the added benefit of hospital privileges, ensuring you have access to medical care when necessary. Whether you're interested in a more holistic, natural pregnancy experience, or simply want a supportive team that focuses on you as a person, a midwife could be the right fit.
If you’re considering midwifery care for your pregnancy, I encourage you to reach out to a local midwifery practice to explore your options. It’s important to choose a care provider who aligns with your values, and midwives offer an excellent option for those seeking personalized, woman-centered care.
Book Your Newborn Photography Session Today
Whether you choose a midwife or an obstetrician for your care, I’d be honored to capture your baby’s first moments through a personalized newborn photography session at Elizabeth Lang Photography in Surrey, BC. Let us help you preserve the memories of your little one’s first days with beautiful, timeless photos. Contact us today to book your session!