Our Philosophy

Our practice is based on the midwifery model of care, which is woman centered and which recognizes pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding as inherently healthy processes. It is based on the understanding that these are profound experiences which carry significant meaning for a woman, her family and her community. It is traditionally holistic and grounded in the principles of health and well-being.

 

Midwife means “with woman”. We believe that each woman and each birth is unique, and as such must be respected and supported. Birth is something that women do, not something that happens to them.

 

The emotional needs of a woman have a very real impact on the well-being of the baby. Prenatal visits within the midwifery model tend to be much longer, allowing for more time to address questions and concerns. The midwifery model recognizes the importance of nutrition as the best way to prevent the most common complications of pregnancy. It emphasizes the importance of companionship and encouragement during labour as a way to minimize technological interventions in the birth process. It does not impose arbitrary time limits on natural processes. Within the midwifery model, medical intervention is not appropriate unless it is truly necessary. It recognizes, of course, that medical intervention may be sometimes necessary and appropriately applied in those cases.