Notice to the Public: Non-Registered Midwives
Please be advised that the College of Midwives of Alberta (“CMA”) has become aware of individuals in the areas of Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer and Lloydminster advertising and providing services as a “traditional midwife” or “birth attendant” and engaging labour management and delivery when they are not permitted to do so.
Please be aware that only midwives registered with the CMA are entitled to use the title “midwife” and manage labour or deliver a baby. Midwives registered with the CMA have undergone specialized education, passed required examinations, and completed a period of supervised midwifery practice to ensure they have the required competencies. These Registered Midwives provide safe, competent, ethical, compassionate and evidence-informed care to diverse populations in both in hospital and community settings – all funded by Alberta Health.
While you may retain a doula or birth attendant to be present during the birth of your child, these individuals are not permitted to manage labour or deliver the baby.
A good tip when hiring a person to assist in the delivery of your child is to ask for their CMA registration number and contact the CMA to confirm they are a registered member. If you are unsure about whether the individual you have retained to assist in your birth is a registered midwife or have questions as to what registered midwives versus other birth attendants are permitted to do, please contact the CMA, we would be happy to assist you.
Similarly, if you have information regarding an individual who is purporting to act as a midwife without being registered with the CMA or you have concerns regarding an individual’s credentials, we encourage you to contact the CMA.
College of Midwives of Alberta
Phone: (403) 474-3999