Midwives are experienced primary health care professionals. We are experts in normal, low risk pregnancy, birth and newborn care. We promote a natural approach to childbirth, focusing on prevention of complications, answering questions, and accessing medical technology as needed. If complications arise, we work with other health care providers, such as doctors, dieticians and complementary therapists.

Midwives offer you the choice to give birth at home or in the hospital. We provide care in both settings.

Midwifery has a long history of helping pregnant women have safe and healthy births. In Ontario, midwifery has been regulated since 1994. We are all registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario, a regulatory body which sets professional standards and ensures the quality and safety of midwifery services.

No! Midwifery Care is paid for by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care so there is no cost to clients with OHIP. For those clients without OHIP, the midwifery services are still free, however you may encounter charges for necessary lab fees, ultrasound costs and for the hospital stay if you are planning a hospital birth, but nothing further.

Yes, absolutely. One of the benefits of midwifery care is deciding, with the advice from your midwife where you would like to give birth, home or hospital. Registered midwives hold privileges in many hospitals across Ontario.

For further updates on hospital privileges please visit our UPDATES & EVENTS page.

This is your choice and your midwife will explore your options for pain medication with you further when you meet if this is something you are interested in. Again, with the recommendations from your midwife, the choices are yours!

Not true! If you wish to use the services of a midwife you need only call and once accepted into care, your midwife will be your primary care provider. This means that you do not need to see your doctor at the same time as you are under midwifery care, as this would be a duplication of services. If a referral becomes necessary due to a high risk health concern, then your midwife will discuss this with you and consult accordingly.

The Quinte Midwives is a practice of midwives who provide care to the greater Quinte region. With Belleville as our central point, our catchment area includes Prince Edward County to the south, east to Napanee, west to Colborne and north to Madoc.

We provide respectful, compassionate care to you with consideration for your unique life situation. We welcome everyone.

We aim to develop a comfortable and trusting relationship with you. We encourage the involvement of your partner, children and/or other support people in your pregnancy and birthing experience.

For more information please visit our Midwifery Care page.

Midwife qualify for registration with the College of Midwives of Ontario either by graduating from the Ontario Midwifery Education Program, a four year university degree program, at McMaster, Ryerson or Laurentian Universities or the International Midwifery Pre-registration Program offered through Ryerson University's continuing education division. Midwives must then complete their New Registrant year with an established practice, after which they are then considered to be a General Registrant and can practice where they wish. For more information please visit www.cmo.on.ca.