Birth centres in Ontario are free-standing, community-based, healthcare facilities. They offer a safe, comfortable, family-centred place to give birth outside of the hospital.
In birth centres, care is provided by midwives.
Midwives are the only primary care providers in Ontario with specific education and training to help people safely give birth outside of the hospital.
Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha Ona:grahsta’, Six Nations Maternal and Child Centre was the first birth centre in Ontario to open its doors in 1996. Care at this birth centre is provided by Aboriginal midwives . In Ontario Aboriginal midwives provide primary health care to Indigenous families during pregnancy, labour and birth. The Ontario Midwifery Act grants Indigenous midwives who provide traditional midwifery services to claim the title Aboriginal Midwife. Aboriginal midwives are exempt from the Regulated Health Professions Act; they are recognized and regulated by their own communities.1National Aboriginal Council of Midwives. Reconciliation, Regulation & Risk [Internet]. 2020.
The birth centres in Toronto and Ottawa both opened their doors in 2014. Care at the Toronto Birth Centre and the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre is provided by midwives from the surrounding area.
