Our Midwifery Program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides a combination of individual and group prenatal care for pregnant patients who are seeking midwifery-led care for low-risk pregnancies, within a hospital setting.
Midwifery-led care provides our patients with:
- Comprehensive, midwifery-led education and care throughout prenatal, labour and birth, and postpartum
- Community and connection through group education and support
- Care provided by a full-scope midwifery team with delivery at Markham Stouffville Hospital
Understanding midwifery care
Midwives are health care professionals who provide expert primary care to pregnant people and their newborn babies. Midwifery care is a government-funded prenatal care option and is covered by all individuals who have OHIP coverage.
Midwives provide care for low-risk pregnancies and births. However, our midwife team works seamlessly with our physician team in the event that any complex interventions are required during your care. If transferred to physician care, our midwives will resume primary care with you as soon as possible.
Your midwifery care team will ensure that all routine prenatal tests are arranged and will take the time to educate you on the reason for and results of your tests. Our midwifery team is a full-scope team and can provide you with a range of options for your birthing plan, including water births, natural and pharmaceutical pain relief, and additional supports.
Your care team
The Midwifery Program is built on a shared midwifery model of care. This means that you will be working with our team of midwives during your prenatal care, labour and delivery, and postpartum care. Our midwife team rotates on a schedule and our goal is to ensure you have connected with all our regular midwives during your time with us.
Our Midwifery Program is a full-scope practice which means we can provide support and care for you whether your birth plan includes water birth, unmedicated birth, or epidurals, induction, or augmentation of labour. All births take place in the Alongside Midwifery Unit at Markham Stouffville Hospital and are supported by two midwives.
Is midwifery care right for me?
Pregnancy and labour are very personal experiences and every pregnant person has a choice in the type of care they prefer. A midwifery-led group care experience may complement people who are seeking a supportive and education-driven approach to care, as well as individuals who value connection and community through group support.
How do I become a patient?
Any pregnant person can self-refer to the Midwifery Program by calling 905-472-7373 ext. 7355.
We will return your call and ask you some questions to help us better understand you, your pregnancy, and your needs. Our midwives will review this information and reach out to you with more information about whether midwifery care is best to meet your needs.
Please allow up to 14 days for our midwives to reach out to you regarding next steps.
Register for group care
Location: Markham Stouffville Hospital, Alongside Midwifery Unit, 4th floor (building B)
Contact: All patients are required to register for group care: 905-472-7373 ext. 7355