All midwives in BC are searchable by community and language. Search for a midwife where you live in your language using the Find a Midwife search tool.
If you are a refugee covered by the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) you do not have to pay for midwifery services and can use the Find a Midwife search tool to find a midwife registered with this program in your area.
Midwifery services are covered through BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP). If you are not a refugee and have health care coverage through MSP you do not have to pay for midwifery services.
To learn how to register for health care coverage, visit the MSP website.
If you're not covered through MSP, your first step is to make contact with a midwifery clinic and discuss with them the option of paying for your care privately.
Without health care coverage, you may be responsible for additional costs, including supplies, laboratory tests and blood work, ultrasound scans, or any hospital or physician charges including the costs associated with hospital births. You are usually required to pay a deposit to the hospital in advance of your birth.
The midwifery model of practice in British Columbia supports the needs of expectant families in all contexts. Midwives can help newcomers to Canada make community connections and access available resources and programs. With their extensive training, midwives provide a level of care that is safe, individualized and accessible.
Midwives share a common philosophy that all people have a right to accessible, comprehensive midwifery services. They provide care without discriminating on the basis of race, ethnicity, political or religious beliefs, immigrant status, marital status, age, gender, sexual orientation, or physical or mental ability.
The International Definition of a Midwife state:
The midwife has an important task in health counselling and education, not only for the woman but also within the family and the community. The work should involve antenatal education and preparation for parenthood and may extend to women’s health, sexual or reproductive health and child care.
While midwives around the world are guided by this definition, regulations pertaining to midwifery services will differ from one country to the next. Learn more about the BC Model of Practice here.
Please visit our Newcomer Resources page to find out about programs and services across the province available to you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions about midwifery care are answered on our FAQ page, available in seven languages.
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