Midwives assist with childbirth. They monitor expectant mothers through their pregnancies to help them deliver the baby at home or in a hospital setting with minimal medical intervention. They follow-up with the clients once the baby is born, offering postnatal care.
Duties of a Midwife:
- They monitor the expectant mother during the pregnancy
- Offer advice on the pregnancy and options for childbirth
- Support during labour guiding the birth process
- Exam and care for newborn infants
- Follow-up with the family after the birth
- Educate the clients about infant care, growth and development and breastfeeding.
Types of Work Environments:
- Private clinics
- Homes
- Hospitals
- Birthing centres
Personality Requirements:
- Caring nurturing disposition
- Confidential
- Organizational skills
- Excellent communications skills
Education: 4 years post-secondary
Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery
Certification:
Ontario: registration with the College of Midwives of Ontario
Courses taken during high school which will assist you in a career as a midwife:
- Family Studies
- Biology
- English
- Science
Job placement – after 4 years of post-secondary education your chances of finding a job are considered - Good
The Province of Ontario has recently passed legislation integrating midwives into the public health care system, which has increased demand for midwives.
Wages:
Average annual income: $40,000 to $70,000
Links:
Association of Ontario Midwives
http://www.aom.on.ca
Canadian Association of Midwives
http://www.canadianmidwives.org
Association for Safe Alternatives in Childbirth
http://www.asac.ab.ca
Motherstuff - Midwifery
http://www.motherstuff.com
The Compleat Mother
http://www.compleatmother.com
Midwives Alliance of North America
http://www.mana.org
