Supporting families of Northern Alberta through pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for midwifery care?
No, as long as you have a Alberta Health Number midwifery care is free!
If I have a midwife, can I only have a homebirth?
No, when you are in midwifery care you have an option of hospital or home birth. We do deliveries out of the Northwest Health Center (High Level Hospital). As well, we do out-of-hospital deliveries within 30 minutes of emergency services.
Is a midwife and doula the same thing?
No, these are two different services, although both relate to childbirth. Midwives are medically-trained primary care providers that are responsible for the care of clients during their pregnancy, birth and postpartum. They can order labs, ultrasound, prescribe certain medications, perform assessments on moms and babies, perform vaginal deliveries and assist with breastfeeding. Doulas are support persons that assist with the many needs of labor, birth, and postpartum. We have amazing doulas in the area, for more information please contact Wilma O'Rourke 780-285-1530.
Please Note: Doula's are NOT medically trained and therefore they should not be assisting at births on their own.
Do I need a doctor to deliver my baby?
No, midwives are trained to attend to women during labor and birth. However if something comes up during labor, midwives are trained to recognize problems and take appropriate action, which may include consulting a physician or transferring care to a physician. For these scenarios we work as a team with our doctor colleagues to ensure our patients receive safe care. It is a seamless process for us to invite them into your birthing space to help get your baby into the world safely.
What kind of training do midwives recieve?
Registered midwives have a University degree in Bachelor of Science. We are required by the College of Midwives of Alberta to maintain certain emergency courses regularly. The midwives at our practice strive to apply the most up-to-date research in our care.
If a midwife delivers my baby, can I still get an epidural?
Yes. Midwives can care for a client with an epidural in a hospital setting.