Overview of Midwifery in Canada

History and Scope

Midwifery in Canada has deep historical roots, originating in early settler communities where midwifery was informal and community-based. However, by the late 19th century, the profession largely disappeared. Its re-emergence began in Ontario over the past 25 years as part of a broader social movement critiquing existing maternity care. Since 1994, midwifery has been a regulated health profession in Canada, with midwives now better equipped to sustain and expand their roles (reference).

Registered midwives in Canada are primary health-care providers who offer care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and up to six weeks postpartum. Their scope of practice is determined by provincial regulatory bodies and includes specific responsibilities and controlled acts unique to midwifery.

Roles and Responsibilities of Midwives

Midwives play a central role in ensuring safe, holistic, and culturally sensitive maternity care (reference). Their work includes:

1. Antenatal Care

  • Conduct regular check-ups and screening tests
  • Monitor fetal development and identify high-risk pregnancies
  • Offer individualized support and guidance

2. Labour Support

  • Provide emotional and clinical support during childbirth
  • Monitor labour progression
  • Collaborate with neonatal nurses to ensure newborn care

3. Postnatal Care

  • Support mothers and babies within the first 6–8 weeks postpartum
  • Address breastfeeding, parenting, and postpartum recovery
  • Monitor for complications such as infections or jaundice

4. Health Education

  • Educate parents on nutrition, exercise, parenting, and family planning
  • Deliver information in collaboration with other health professionals
  • Empower families to make informed health decisions

Midwifery is regulated and publicly funded in all provinces and territories in Canada. Each jurisdiction has its own regulatory body that oversees midwifery registration, scope, and practice standards.

Cultural and Indigenous Midwifery

Indigenous Midwifery recognizes birth as a sacred and community-rooted event. Indigenous midwives support culturally safe care in both rural and urban settings, grounded in Indigenous languages, traditions, and oral culture.

  • The National Council of Indigenous Midwives (NCIM) promotes reproductive health for Inuit, First Nations, and Métis women, and advocates for community-based midwifery services and education.
  • The Canadian Alliance of Racialized Midwives (CARM) supports and connects racialized midwifery communities, including internationally trained midwives. CARM works to eliminate systemic barriers and advance equity through advocacy, professional development, and networking opportunities.