What do Midwives do?

What Do Midwives Do?

Midwives—both Indigenous and non-Indigenous—are trained to:

• Provide prenatal care tailored to the physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs of the parent

• Assist during labour and birth, often incorporating traditional knowledge and ceremony

• Support postpartum recovery, including breastfeeding, parenting support, and connection to cultural teachings

Indigenous midwives often go beyond medical care by:

• Supporting the revitalization of language and ceremony

• Honouring birth as a rite of passage

• Advocating for birth on the land and within communities

Types of Midwives in Canada

In Canada, there are several paths to midwifery, including:

• Registered Midwives (RMs) – trained and licensed to practice across provinces and territories, often in both clinical and community settings

• Indigenous Midwives – who may be registered or non-registered, and are recognized for their unique knowledge, skills, and role in restoring birth to Indigenous communities

• Aboriginal Midwifery Programs – community-driven training programs that blend formal education with cultural mentorship