Find a Vancouver Midwife

As a birth doula, I often get asked by pregnant women where they can find a Vancouver midwife.  There are several midwifery clinics in Vancouver, and it can be difficult to know where to start when choosing which clinic you would like to support you during your upcoming birth. (If you’re wondering what the difference is between a doula and a midwife, check out my previous post on the topic!)

This article explains how to choose your midwife, and lists your options for midwives in Vancouver. 

How does a Vancouver Midwife work?

Registered Vancouver midwives generally work in teams of 3-4. You will meet all of your midwives in your various prenatal visits as you approach the birth of your baby, and which one will attend your birth depends who is on call when you go into labour. If you are having a hospital birth, only one midwife will attend. For home births, you will have two of your midwives support your birth.

The only Vancouver midwife I know that has a solo practice is Dawn Henderson with Pomegranate Community Midwives. Solo practice means she alone will be your care provider prenatally, and she will be the one to attend your birth. Although there are advantages and disadvantages of the solo vs group model of midwifery care, it’s great to have at least one Vancouver midwife who offers a solo practice to pregnant women here.

How to Choose your Vancouver Midwife

When choosing your birth care provider, it is extremely important to find one (or a team)that you trust and feel safe with. You need to feel relaxed and at ease with anyone who will be attending your birth! It’s a good idea to contact a couple of the clinics to get a sense of their differences.

Some things you may want to consider:

• How large their “teams” are. Will you have a team of 2,3, 4 midwives? Or is it a solo practice?
• Is the location a reasonable one for you to get to for your regular prenatal appointments?
• What other services does the clinic provide?
• Which hospitals do they have privileges at?
• Are you able to get testimonials or feedback on other people’s experiences with this particular clinic or group of midwives?

Midwives and Doulas

No matter which clinic you choose, your Vancouver midwife will welcome the addition of a doula to your birth team. Doulas and midwives work well together to create a solid support system for you (and your partner!) during childbirth. While your midwife will be your medical care provider for your birth, your doula will provide education, support and comfort measures prenatally and during birth. Research has shown that women who use doulas are more likely to have postive birth experiences and fewer unplanned interventions during childbirth. For information on how a doula can be beneficial to your birth, click here.

Vancouver Midwifery Clinics

Here is a list of the clinics to consider when looking for a Vancouver midwife:

Birth and Beyond Midwifery Clinic 310 – 5950 University Blvd

P: 604.822.8800 F: 604.822.4089 E: info@birthandbeyondmidwives.com

Bloom Community Midwives 408-1033 Davie Street

P: 604-609-3550 F: 604-628-3369 E: info@bloommidwives.com

Bloom community midwives also has a breastfeeding clinic and lactation consultant to assist women and their new babies with feeding.

Commercial Drive Midwives 8-2495 Commercial Drive

P: 604-875-1899 F: 604-875-1220

Commercial Drive Midwives has a video that provides information about their clinic and services.

Midwifery Group 3980 Main Street

P: 604-877-7766 F: 604-877-0238 E: info@midwiferygroup.ca

This clinic has a good online resource list for educating yourself as your prepare for birth.

Open Door Midwifery   210 – 3195 Granville Street

P: 604-708-0738 F: 604-874-0748 E: info@opendoormidwifery.ca

Pacific Midwifery 517-1540 West 2nd Avenue

P: 604-33600444 F:  604-336-0445

Pomegranate Community Midwives 2647 East Hastings Street

P: 604-255-5556 F: 604-255-5576 E: office@pomegranatemidwives.com

Pomegranate offers access to alternative practitioners and childbirth educators in addition to their midwifery practice. They also have an extensive online resource list.

South Community Birth Program 201-5838 Fraser Street

P: 604-324-2201 F: 604-324-2205 E: scbprog@telus.net

SCBP is a unique program in Vancouver that gives pregnant women access to a team of family doctors, midwives, nurses and doulas.

Strathcona Midwifery Collective 439 Dunlevy Avenue

P: 604-558-1701 F: 604-558-1702 E: strathconamidwiferycollective@gmail.com

Westside Midwives 303-2083 Alma Street

P: 604-224-0686 F: 604-221-0574 E: contact@westsidemidwives.com

Other options for support during childbirth include Traditional Birth Attendants, Family Doctors, or Obststricians. Some families also choose to birth “unassisted”, without professional support.

Have you given birth with the care of a Vancouver midwife? Feel free to comment below on your experience!

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