The MCNS believes that midwifery provides the highest standard of care for mothers, babies and families. They believe it is an important part of maternity care and is a choice that should be available to families in Nova Scotia. For nearly 20 years, the goal of the Midwifery Coalition of Nova Scotia has been to work toward a health system with midwives providing complete care during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Midwifery is an independent profession, and like other health professions, has regulations that govern who can be a midwife, the level of education midwives must have and how they must do their work.
Midwives work in communities as part of the health care team.
If a mother needs medical help or special care, the midwife refers her to a specialist. In order to practice, midwives must be able to offer safe, effective care in hospitals, birth centres or at home.