Frequently Asked Questions

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No.  In 1994, midwifery became an integrated part of the Ontario healthcare system and is funded through the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. 

No. A midwife provides all the care necessary for a healthy woman and her baby throughout pregnancy, birth and for six weeks afterward.  If complications arise, midwives consult with the appropriate healthcare professional including family doctors, obstetricians, and pediatricians. 

No.  A referral is not necessary to request midwifery services.  Please complete the online intake form located on our home page (at any stage in your pregnancy) if you are interested in care. 

 Yes. Midwives, like doctors, are primary care providers and provide all routine care including ordering ultrasounds, genetic screening, blood tests and the prescribing of medications such as antibiotics. 

Pregnancy, labour and birth are usually normal events in the life of a low-risk, healthy woman. Midwives are experts and trained to care for such women and their babies. They are also trained in how to deal with emergency situations.  In the event of a complication or emergency, midwives work with, consult or transfer care to an appropriate specialist as needed. 

No. Midwives offer a choice of birthplace.  You can deliver your baby at home (if your pregnancy remains normal) or at the Niagara Health System - St. Catharines Site hospital on Fourth Avenue. 

No. Although many women choose this option, there are pain relief options available such as narcotics or an epidural – both of which are available only in hospital. 

Doulas provide physical, emotional and information-based support to their clients during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. They do not perform clinical tasks or make medical recommendations, but they can help you optimize your birth experience with their tools and knowledge about the birth process and coping in labour.

DONA International research shows that doula-supported women were:

 28% less likely to have a C-section

 31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin to speed up labour

 9% less likely to use pain medication

 34% less likely to rate their experience negatively

Here are some Niagara doulas for hire as of September 2022:

The Art of Birth  www.theartofbirth.net

True Love Birth Services – Kayla  www.truelovebirthservices.ca

The Life Nest  www.thelifenest.com

Storybook Birth – Cody Seguin  www.storybookbirth.com

Delightful Birthing – Tina Wall  www.delightfulbirthingdoula.com

When Storks Fly – Caroline Maria www.carolinemaria2016.wixsite.com/whenstorksfly

Hendriks Doula Services – Meghan Hendriks  www.hendriksdoulaservices.com

Nest and Tribe - Jillian  www.nestandtribe.ca

Bellies and Baby Care – Jennifer  www.belliesandbabycare.com