Since 1998, only registered midwives have been legally allowed to use the title "midwife" and to practise as midwives in B.C. The BC College of Nurses and Midwives regulates the profession by setting and maintaining standards, granting registration and investigating complaints.
As of September 2025, there are nearly 450 practicing midwives in B.C., providing care across urban, rural, and remote communities, and midwives attend nearly one-third of all births in B.C., with over 10,000 families receiving midwifery care each year.
Midwifery practice in B.C. includes:
Autonomous primary care
B.C. midwives provide autonomous, community-based primary care. A midwife in B.C. is the most responsible caregiver during the antepartum period, labour, birth and postpartum period.
Midwives collaborate with other health professionals and transfer care to a physician when the client's risk status changes and as necessary. Midwives provide continuity of care by developing an ongoing relationship of trust with clients.
While many midwives provide care across pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postpartum period, others may focus on specific aspects of care, such as antenatal or postpartum care, depending on community needs and practice models.
Informed choice and evidence-based practice
B.C. midwives assist clients and their families to make choices about their care by providing relevant, evidence-based information in a supportive manner. Midwives must follow current evidence and up to date clinical guidance.
Choice of birth setting
B.C. midwives work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics or clients' homes. Midwives often have admitting and discharge privileges at their local hospital(s) with support from nursing staff and other health professionals as needed. At a home birth midwives work with another midwife or an additional attendant (e.g. nurse). At a hospital birth, the client is supported by both their midwife and nurses during labour and birth.
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