Midwifery

In 2008, the government proclaimed legislation allowing for the delivery of regulated midwifery services in Saskatchewan. Today, midwives in Saskatchewan are licensed and regulated by the Saskatchewan College of Midwives, which has the duty of assuring the public of the knowledge, skill, proficiency and competency of its members.

Several Saskatchewan regional health authorities employ registered midwives who provide publicly-funded services. (See below.) Registered midwives who choose to enter into private practice charge clients directly for their services.

Registered midwives work as specialists in normal birth. They assess and monitor women and their babies during pregnancy, labour, birth and the postpartum period. Registered midwives have privileges to do deliveries in the hospital or, if appropriate, in the comfort of the client's own home.

A second attendant - either a registered midwife or another qualified care provider - also attends the birth. Registered midwives are able to order tests and assessments (including ultrasounds) during pregnancy, and diagnostic tests for newborns. They can also prescribe and administer many common drugs that are used during pregnancy, birth and throughout the postpartum period.

Availability of Services

Publicly-funded midwifery services are at various stages of planning and implementation across the province. As of January 2011, services are available through:

Saskatoon Health Region  www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca/your_health/ps_midwifery.htm

Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region    306-766-3702

All Nations Healing Hospital, Fort Qu'Appelle - Women's Health Centre  306-332-2673

Cypress Health Region  www.cypresshealth.ca/midwifery.htm

Currently, there are no registered midwives in private practice in Saskatchewan. For more information on midwifery in Saskatchewan, visit the Saskatchewan College of Midwives website at www.saskmidwives.ca.