Midwifery care is based on a respect for pregnancy as a state of health, and childbirth as a normal physiological process. The practice of midwifery is founded on the understanding that pregnancy, labour, and birth are profound experiences, which carry significant meaning for an individual, their family, and their community. Midwives strive to enhance these life experiences, providing continuity of care within a relationship of mutual respect with a client and the client’s family.
Midwives promote decision-making as a shared responsibility between the client, their family and their caregivers, by providing relevant, objective information and counselling to facilitate informed choice. Midwives respect the client’s right to choose both their caregiver and place of birth in accordance with the legislation, policies and guidelines of the Saskatchewan College of Midwives. All clients, regardless of their socio-economic circumstances, have a right to accessible, comprehensive midwifery care. Fundamental to midwifery care is the understanding that a client’s caregiver provides respectful and supportive care so that the client giving birth does so safely, with power and dignity.
Midwifery is traditionally holistic, combining an understanding of social, emotional, cultural, spiritual, psychological and physical aspects of a client’s reproductive experience. Midwives promote wellness in clients, babies and families, both as autonomous practitioners and in collaboration with other health care providers. With midwifery care, the client is the centre of the childbirth experience and a great influence on their own and their family’s health and well being. The practice of midwifery focuses upon the individual, recognizing each client’s unique strengths and needs. Midwifery care promotes self-care, growth, awareness and confidence and is delivered in a manner that is flexible, creative, empowering and supportive.