Frequently Asked Questions

A woman in an orange shirt feeds a baby with a bottle.

  • Midwives typically begin a routine course of care around 8-9 weeks gestation; however, we suggest contacting us as soon as you have confirmed your pregnancy. There is very important information to provide to you in your early pregnancy that can impact your health and your baby's health. Drugstore pregnancy tests are reliable for confirming pregnancy.

  • We are limited in the number of clients we can care for each month, so we suggest applying for care as soon as you know you are pregnant. There are times in the year when our numbers swell and we fill our positions quickly; some months bring an abundance of babies\! This, however, is not usually predictable; Openings may become available throughout the year, so it is always worth inquiring even if your pregnancy has advanced. The most important thing is to call early in your pregnancy so we can place you on our roster.

  • No referral is necessary. Those interested in midwifery care can contact our office directly using the apply for care link on this page.

  • No. Midwifery care is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Community Services Branch. There is no direct expense to any woman for using midwifery services. This means that even women who do not have Ontario Health Insurance can use midwifery services in Ontario, although it may require a bit of extra paperwork. For women without Ontario Health Insurance, some funding for labwork, ultrasounds, and professional medical services may be available. Please inquire if you have questions about this. The cost for hospital stays for non-OHIP clients must be paid by the client.

  • The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care provides funding for one primary health care provider for your maternity care, so you must choose between medical and midwifery care. Midwives are primary health care providers who care for low-risk women following similar criteria under which family doctors provide care. However, midwives specialize exclusively in pregnancy, labour and birth and care of the well woman and her newborn.

  • If pregnancy complications arise that make a pregnancy high risk, Midwives and Family Doctors can consult with or in some cases, transfer care to obstetricians or Paediatricians . However, even with a complicated medical or obstetrical history you can receive at least part of your care locally with your midwife, with a few exceptions. This often reduces the amount of travel outside of your community when you have a complicated pregnancy. In addition, if you are a Muskoka resident who for medical reasons must deliver in Orillia under the care of an obstetrician, your midwife will still usually be present during your labour and delivery, as the Midwives of Muskoka have privileges to provide care at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital.

  • You have options! Under a midwife's care you can access the same tests, procedures, services and medications as clients who are under the care of a doctor. Your midwife will discuss your choice of tests and procedures and the appropriate use of medications and interventions with you during your pregnancy, and together you will decide what is right for you. In addition, your midwife can provide the traditional skills and less invasive options that have historically been used to help people give birth safely and powerfully, and in ways that support the normal process of birth.

  • No, you have options! Choose between home birth or one of 3 hospitals where we hold privileges: Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Huntsville District Memorial Hospital or South Muskoka Memorial.  People who choose hospital birth can opt to be initially assessed at home in early labour. After delivering in the hospital, midwifery clients have the option of being discharged home as early as 3 hours after the birth of their baby, or staying in the hospital’s postpartum unit for up to 48 hours after the birth.

  • The catchment area for Midwives of Muskoka includes the District of Muskoka and the northern part of Simcoe County. The boundaries of the catchment area are well-defined in the interests of safety, and we encourage clients to discuss them with us. Prenatal and postpartum visits at home are provided within the entire catchment area.   

    For women living in locations slightly outside our catchment, consideration will be made when there is no other midwifery care available in that area. We encourage your inquiries. You must be able to attend prenatal and late postpartum appointments at our clinic, and early postpartum visits at a location within our borders.

  • Midwifery care is funded by the Ministry of Health and is available even without OHIP.
    While there may be out-of-pocket costs for hospital stays or some lab work, we’re happy to guide you through paperwork or discuss funding options. Please reach out — we can help.

Midwife measuring a Mother to be's belly in a clinic or medical setting.