Midwife means "with woman."

Midwives in Manitoba are trained specialists who care for women throughout pregnancy and birth, and for mothers and babies in the first weeks after birth.

Midwives…

• believe that pregnancy and birth are part of a woman’s normal life cycle. Midwives recognize most pregnancies and births are healthy and normal, and are skilled and know what to do if complications or difficulties arise.

• recognize that childbearing affects a woman and her family deeply. Midwives understand that changes during pregnancy, birth and after affect you emotionally, socially, spiritually as well as physically.

• build relationships. You will see the same midwife and her partners throughout pregnancy, and can expect a midwife you know well will be with you during labour and birth.

• provide information and answer questions. Midwives will talk with you about healthy foods and lifestyles, choices for labour pain and place of birth, feeding your baby, and other topics.

• care for woman and newborns in many settings. Midwives work in communities and may meet with you at a clinic or in your home. They provide care during births in hospitals and for births at home.

• work with others. Midwives are Primary Health Care providers who will help you to have a healthy pregnancy and baby. They are also part of the health care team and can refer you to doctors, specialists, public health nurses and other health care providers, as well as community resources.

• Are highly trained. Around the world, midwives offer high-quality care for mothers and newborn babies. In the five countries with the lowest rates of infant deaths, the main caregiver for births is a midwife. Worldwide, more than 80 per cent of babies are born into the caring, skilled hands of a midwife.

Who Do I Talk To?

If you would like to obtain the services of a midwife:

For information about midwifery services in other Regional Health Authorities,
please contact:

Midwifery Consultant
Manitoba Health
Primary Health Care
1065 - 300 Carlton St.
Winnipeg MB   R3B 3M9
Phone:  (204) 786-7286
FAX:  (204) 779-1044

Becoming a Registered Midwife in Manitoba:

College of Midwives of Manitoba
235 - 500 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg  MB   R3C 3X1
Phone:  (204) 783-4520
FAX:  (204) 779-1490