Choosing Midwifery Care for Your Next Birth: A Doula’s Perspective for Alberta Families
- Kristy Cooper
- 3 days ago
- 16 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
What I wish more families knew about midwives, hospital birth, and your options.
Hey Prairie Mama! As you prepare for your next big adventure—adding to your family—I want to share some thoughts about midwifery care. I know many families don’t realize just how accessible and supportive it can be, especially out here in our rural Alberta communities. Here’s all the scoop you need to know! But if you want to head straight to my tips to get a midwife here is a shortcut. CLICK HERE
Why Consider Midwifery Care?
Midwifery care is all about personalized support throughout your pregnancy, during labor, and into the postpartum phase. Midwives are your biggest advocates, encouraging you to trust yourself and your body. Trust me, they are amazing!
Now, I want to be clear — I’m not saying midwifery is the right fit for everyone. We will get more into this further into this blog. Every family’s needs, preferences, and circumstances are different. That said, one thing I keep noticing in my practice, even here in 2026, is that so many families have no idea that midwives are even an option. That’s exactly why I’m writing this post: to share information, shine a light on your choices, and give you something you can pass along to friends, family, or anyone curious about birthing options. Knowledge is power, and sometimes just knowing what’s out there can make a world of difference.
The majority of my practice now is with Alberta families whose care providers are Alberta-registered midwives. Witnessing birth alongside these incredible humans has completely changed the way I see birth. I want to create a space where others can have the opportunity to learn more from someone they trust, and feel confident exploring midwifery care for themselves and their families.
First things first: Midwifery Care is FREE!
FREE?!?! Yep — one of the biggest perks of midwifery care is that it’s completely covered by Alberta Health Services (AHS). No out-of-pocket expenses for your midwife, which makes this an accessible option for many families. Honestly, this is one of the first things people are surprised about — most assume they’d have to pay for this kind of care.
Know Who Will Be There for Your Birth
One significant advantage of choosing a midwife is that you’ll know who will be at your birth. With many rural hospitals moving to an “on-call” schedule just like the city, it’s becoming a reality that you might not know who your doctor will be on your big day. Gone are the days of doing all your prenatal visits with one doctor and knowing they will be there for the birth. Instead, you could end up with whoever happens to be on duty that day. If that in itself gives you the Ick....keep reading.
For example, in Wainwright, Alberta, this is the new reality: most (not all) of the doctors with baby-catching privileges have moved to an on-call schedule. For many of my clients, this can feel pretty unsettling as the due date gets closer. I’ve noticed that, as GPs and OBs work to balance their workloads and create a healthier work-life balance, this on-call system is becoming more common — and it’s interesting to see how that shift is reaching even my small rural communities.
This style of care will either feel like no big difference in your journey, or if it does affect you, listen to that feeling. This is exactly where midwifery care is different — you get continuity, relationship, and support throughout your entire pregnancy, so you know exactly who will be there for you every step of the way.
With a midwife, you build a relationship and a true partnership throughout your pregnancy. Your midwife is there for you—not just on the day you deliver, but for the entire journey. And honestly as your doula? This alone is one of the biggest reasons to consider a midwife. The weight I can see and feel lift from my clients’ shoulders the moment they know exactly who will be there for them is wild.
Once it comes time and your midwife joins you in active labor at your chosen birth location, they will have another midwife present at the time of birth. This isn’t because anything is wrong — it’s to double up on knowledge and hands during imminent birth and the early immediate postpartum hours, in case additional support or interventions are needed. It’s all about keeping you and your baby safe while providing the best care possible.
Continuous, Personalized Care
Midwives offer something truly special—ongoing, continuous care. Imagine this: with a midwife, you gain access to six weeks of postpartum support! That’s right, you’re not just seeing a doctor once after the birth. Instead, you have the opportunity to connect with your midwife, get your questions answered, a better breastfeeding journey, address any concerns, and receive support right when you need it the most. You and I both know that the real work of motherhood doesn’t stop at birth; it’s just beginning! Those first weeks after your little one arrives can be overwhelming, and having consistent support during that period can make a world of difference.
Midwife Qualifications
In Alberta, midwives undergo extensive training. They hold a Bachelor of Midwifery (or an equivalent degree), pass a national certification exam, and are registered with the College of Midwives of Alberta. Midwives focus on low-risk pregnancies but are fully prepared to recognize complications and facilitate a hospital transfer if needed. Essentially, the tools, knowledge, and skills a midwife brings into the birth space are equivalent to those found in a Level One hospital (for example, Viking, Wainwright, Fort Saskatchewan).
They are experts at supporting low-risk births — which also makes them pros at spotting when things may be shifting out of that “low-risk” zone. I call these “Pink Flags.” When these flags appear, your midwife will guide you through decision-making, helping determine whether it’s time to head to a hospital closer to an operating room. If you’re already in a hospital, they’ll coordinate an OB consult to ensure you have the right plan of care.
I love this video. Please watch so you can see what Midwives bring to your birth!
What Happens If I Need a C-Section with My Midwife?
If you find yourself needing a C-section, don’t worry—your midwife will be there to support you throughout the process if they can. Your midwife has been consulting with an OB to ensure you and your baby are in the safest hands for your birth. They will provide emotional and physical support during this transition in your birth story.
Depending on hospital policies, midwives are often allowed into the operating room to continue their supportive role—but honestly, it can vary day to day. If they can’t be in the OR, they’ll usually meet you in recovery or your postpartum room. You won’t lose the care you’ve come to rely on!
In most cases, baby will be admitted back under your midwife’s care once all is well, or as soon as you’re both discharged. And remember, you still have access to your full six weeks of postpartum care, so you’ll get the support you need as you adjust to life with your little one.
Midwives Support Birth in Hospitals
What’s even more amazing is that midwives can also support you during hospital births. Yep — you really can have the best of both worlds. Many hospitals allow you to create a more comforting, low-intervention birth environment while having a midwife by your side. Depending on the hospital, this can include things like access to birthing pools, and if you’re wanting more pain-management options, epidurals are absolutely still on the table. You’re not boxed into one kind of experience.
One important thing to know (and this is where a little flexibility helps): not every midwife has privileges at every hospital. Hospital access depends on where a midwife is credentialed, so you may need to be open to birthing at a specific hospital based on the practice you’re accepted into — or do a bit of research ahead of time to see which practices are most likely to support the hospital you’re hoping for. In Edmonton, for example, most midwives hold privileges at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH), while availability at other hospitals can vary.
Your midwife will walk you through all of this so you’re never guessing — it’s just one of those good-to-know details that helps you plan with confidence.
Once you give birth in the hospital, you may have the option to be discharged within 3–4 hours if everything is safe and low-risk, and head back to your home or a nearby hotel. Your midwife will then visit you within 24 hours for a home check.
If you need more monitoring or just don’t feel ready to leave the hospital, your midwife can help arrange a postpartum room so you can stay a little longer while still receiving supportive care.
Out-of-Hospital Birthing Options
1. Home Births: This is one of the safest places to have a baby. A cozy option for families looking to give birth in their own space, supported by their midwife. This isn't going to be an option for everyone, but if you wanna learn a little but more, check this link out: HERE
2. Birthing Centres: Birth centres in Alberta are free-standing healthcare facilities. They offer a safe, comfortable, homelike atmosphere with professional midwifery support. They are family-centred place to give birth outside of the hospital. Edmonton is lucky to have TWO great options:
Hotels or Airbnbs: If you prefer to be away from home but still want a private and comfortable environment, consider booking a local hotel or an Airbnb. Many Airbnbs offer a cozy and relaxing space for your birth, allowing you to create a nurturing atmosphere while still having your midwife by your side. Room service & you get to stay in bed?! WIN WIN
Go follow @edmontoncommunitymidwives on IG! They will often host "Choice of birth setting" Information nights at their clinic! This is a great way to see the equipment they use, meet some midwives and hear from local people about their choice of birthing location. CLICK HERE
The Ontario Midwives have some incredible resources I want you to look at which include some stats on birthing locations. View here
Pros and Cons of Having a Midwife
Pros:
- Personalized Care: Midwives often spend more time with you with longer prenatal appointments, making you feel supported and heard. Appointments are typically longer, more conversational, and focused on education, not just checklists.
-Midwifery care also plays an important role in culturally grounded and community-based birth care, including Indigenous midwifery traditions that honour birth as both a medical and cultural experience.
- You don’t miss out on medical care. This one’s big. With a midwife, you still have access to all the standard blood work, ultrasounds, and testing (if you choose). Nothing is done to you — everything is talked through, explained, and decided on together. It’s collaborative, respectful, and centred on you
- Empowerment: They prioritize your choices, ensuring you feel in control of your birth experience.
- More of a Birther centered Approach: Midwives address your emotional and social needs in addition to physical care.
- A huge bonus for midwife clients at RAH is that the hospital now has an in-house midwife working in triage and labor & delivery. This is an amazing resource — it means your midwife has a direct presence in the hospital, helping support you and your care team every step of the way.
Cons:
- Limited Emergency Facilities: While they’re trained for many emergencies, Midwives may not have immediate access to advanced medical technologies when birthing out of hospital. This risk is very similar to birthing at a level one hospital that does not have a fully staffed OR at all times.
- Possible Hospital Transfer: If complications arise during pregnancy or birth putting you or the baby at higher risk, a transfer to a hospital may be necessary, or even a transfer of care to an OB, so it’s good to keep that in mind.
- You may need to travel to give birth. If you’re choosing midwifery care and live in a more rural area, it can sometimes mean planning to travel to an agreed-upon birth location. For many families, that looks like being closer to the Edmonton area, where midwifery-supported birth options are more readily available. Your midwife will talk this through with you early on so you can plan ahead and feel supported.
Birthing in Water with Midwives
Let’s talk about water birth for a minute, because honestly… it can be such a game-changer. One of the really beautiful things about midwifery care is that all midwives support birthing in water when it’s a safe option for you and your baby. That can look like birthing at home, in a birth centre, in certain hotel spaces, or even in specific hospitals that allow water birth with midwives.
I personally love my Ivory birth pools from Birth Pools by Grace — they’re beautiful and such a great option for water birth. If buying isn’t your thing, you can also rent your very own pool from Grace or Milly, which many families find super convenient. And don’t forget, lots of doulas also offer pool rentals through their own practices, so it’s always worth asking.
Warm water can feel incredibly grounding during labour. It often helps take the edge off contractions, allows your body to relax, and gives you the freedom to move in ways that just feel right. A lot of families describe water birth as calmer, more intuitive, and more connected — like your nervous system can finally take a deep breath.
Your midwife is right there with you the whole time, keeping a close eye on you and your baby, supporting you, and making sure everything stays safe while you do the work your body already knows how to do.
If you’re curious about the benefits of birthing in water and want to learn a bit more, Ontario Midwives has a really helpful breakdown you can check out here: https://www.ontariomidwives.ca/water-birth
What to Do If Your Partner Isn’t On Board
Okay, real talk — sometimes your partner might give you the side-eye when you mention midwifery care. Totally normal. Here’s how to get them on board without the eye-rolls:
Take them to an Info Night – Edmonton
Community Midwives hosts nights where partners can come, see the space, meet a midwife, and watch other partners ask questions. Trust me, seeing it in action is way more convincing than hearing you talk about it.
Show them the gear – Birthing tubs, tools, cozy spaces… once they see it, they’ll get a much better picture of what midwifery care actually looks like.
Remind them a midwife ≠ home birth – Midwives work in hospitals, birth centres, hotels… home birth is just one option. There’s flexibility for what feels right for your family.
Let them breathe – Give them a minute to process and ask questions. Involving them helps them feel like part of the decision, not just along for the ride.
Still submit your Request for Care – Odds are, once they meet your midwife in a prenatal meeting, they’ll absolutely get on board. You do you, queen! 👑
Honestly? Once they see the other partners, meet a midwife, and check out the equipment, you’ll probably hear, “Okay… this actually makes sense!”
Midwifery Care is Not for Everyone
It’s essential to understand that midwifery care isn’t the right fit for everyone even if the evidence supports better outcomes. Due to high demand, midwives may not be able to accept all clients, and it’s important to consider your own needs and preferences. Here are some reasons midwifery care might not be the best choice for you:
You DO NOT feel completely safe with a midwife for your care: A midwife can assess your health and risk without an OB’s assistance. If you need help, they’ll refer you, but typically, midwives are qualified to care for low-risk pregnancies. If you have concerns about your safety or feel unsure about trusting the midwifery model of care, it might be beneficial to discuss these feelings with your care provider to address any uncertainties.
You are already high risk due to pre-existing conditions or something found on an ultrasound: If you have pre-existing health conditions or if an ultrasound has indicated any potential complications, midwifery care may not be the best fit for you. In these cases, families are often best supported by an OB, who can provide the medical interventions and monitoring necessary for higher-risk pregnancies. You can always still apply if you wish to explore your options.
You believe hiring a midwife is a lucky rabbit’s foot: The effectiveness of midwifery care comes from building a partnership based on trust, not just hiring someone and hoping for the best. Be prepared to engage actively in your care. Midwifery is a collaborative process, and your participation and communication with your midwife are crucial in creating a positive birth experience. A midwife will not guarantee complications will not arise.
You don’t plan to eat well: Good nutrition is vital during pregnancy. If you’re not willing to take care of your diet, it may increase your risk of complications. Eating a balanced diet will nourish both you and your baby, setting the stage for a healthier pregnancy and smoother labor.
You don’t plan to exercise/move your body: Exercise is crucial for building endurance for labor. Regular movement can also help relieve discomfort, improve circulation, and not only prepare your body for the demands of labor, but help with your mental health.
You don't feel like you need to have a healthy relationship to birth: Having a positive relationship with the concept of birth can make a significant difference in your overall experience. If you struggle with fear or negativity surrounding childbirth, it’s essential to explore these feelings. Education and support from your care team can empower you to view birth as a natural process rather than something to fear.
You’re opposed to seeing a chiropractor or any bodywork: Chiropractic care, massage, and acupuncture can all help optimize fetal positioning and reduce labor pain. These therapies are supportive tools that can benefit you during pregnancy. Try to be open to integrating this complementary care into your routine with or without a midwife, as they can have positive impacts on your labor experience.
Not All Midwives Are Created Equal!
When it comes to midwifery care, it’s important to remember that while everyone may follow the same foundational model of care, each midwife and clinic brings their own unique flavour to the experience. Just as no two births are the same, or two Doulas, no two Midwives are alike!
Keep in mind that you may not have the ability to pick a specific midwife for your first baby due to availability; however, once you enter midwifery care, it’s common for families to stick with the same midwife if they loved their first experience.
To find the right fit for you, I encourage you to start following different midwifery clinics on social media. This is a great way to get a feel for their values, approach, and community involvement. Engaging with their posts can give you insight into their philosophy and the kind of support they offer.
Additionally, make it a point to attend open houses and information nights. These events provide an excellent opportunity to meet the midwives in person, ask questions, and learn more about their care practices. Plus, you’ll be able to gauge if their vibe resonates with you.
Okay, be honest — am I winning you over yet?
Finding Your Midwife: The Early Bird Gets the Worm
1. Apply ASAP Like… I want a Request of Care submitted before telling your partner — jk… but actually lol. Midwives are in high demand, so don’t wait around. Get your application in while that “test is still wet.”
In Alberta, many families submit a request for care as soon as they have a positive pregnancy test — often way before their first ultrasound. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of securing a spot.
2. Share Your Birth Wishes: Now that you’ve got that application open in another window and you’re filling it out, you’ll come to a spot where you can be open and specific about what you wa
nt your birth to look and feel like. Midwives love when you have a clear vision and trust yourself, your body, and your baby. Put it all out there — this is your space.
3. Let Them Know About Your Doula: If you’ve booked a doula, definitely mention that in your application! It shows you’re serious about having a big supportive birth team.
4. Widen Your Search: When selecting clinics, choose “all available clinics” instead of just your top three. Limiting your choices can mean missing out if a clinic is full. More options give you better chances!
5. Consider Extra Mileage: For my rural Prairie families, living far from a midwife’s base can sometimes affect their ability to offer care. Some clinics get extra funding to support mileage for birth and postpartum visits, while others do not. If you’re able, it’s a good idea to note in your application that you’re willing to cover extra mileage costs.
If your dream is a home birth, you can also add that if a home birth isn’t possible due to distance or backup coverage, you’d be willing to meet your midwife at a closer location. This helps clinics plan and shows your flexibility — while still keeping your birth preferences clear.
6. Send it off! Once you hit submit, you’re officially in the system — go you! Now we wait. In the meantime, if you need medical care or support, keep seeing your family physician. Most people hear back within a few days to a few weeks — sometimes up to 12 weeks “ish sometimes even longer.” Keep in mind that availability can be tighter during busy times like summer and the holidays. Be patient, trust the process, and remember: if it’s meant to be, it will be.
DISCLAIMER FOLLOWING ALL THESE STEPS MAY NOT GUARANTEE GETTING MIDWIFERY CARE
At this point, the majority of my work is with Alberta families whose care providers are midwives — and what I witness over and over again is a different energy in the room. More trust. More calm. More confidence. Families know who is showing up for them. They’ve built a relationship. They feel heard, respected, and involved in every decision — and that changes everything.
It’s not my job to tell you what’s best for you, but it is my job to show you the options. This journey is yours.
I see parents walk into birth feeling supported instead of bracing themselves. I see partners soften once they realize they’re not carrying this alone. I see how powerful it is when someone realizes, “I’m safe here. I’m not doing this by myself.”
And postpartum? They’re not just discharged and left to figure it out. They’re still being checked on. Still being held. Still being cared for in those tender, blurry early weeks when support matters most.
Midwifery care doesn’t guarantee a perfect birth — NOTHING DOES — but what it does offer is continuity, trust, and a deep sense of being known. And as a doula, that is something I see ripple through the entire experience, again and again.
I’m here for you, cheering you on every step of the way. If you have questions, want to talk this through, or just need someone in your corner, I’m always here. You’ve got this — and I can’t wait to hear your story.
Kristy
RESOURCES:
Alberta Midwives (REQUEST CARE HERE)
College of Alberta Midwives:
Association of Ontario Midwives : ( PACKED FULL OF GOOD INFO)
https://www.ontariomidwives.ca/
See Midwives At Work:
Curious to explore Alberta midwives? Check out these local clinics below or go to a community midwife info night near you. It’s a low-pressure way to see what your options really look like! Finding a midwife who aligns with your vision for your birth experience can make a world of difference. Trust your instincts and take the time to explore your options before your pregnant so you waste no time when you see those two pink lines and can submit your request for care!
Local Edmonton Midwifery Clinics to Follow:
Other Clinic's Around Alberta:
North Zone
Central Zone
Calgary Zone
South Zone
Explore these clinics to find one that resonates with you, and feel free to reach out with any questions!
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