The Hamilton Midwives is a teaching practice. We partner with The Midwifery Education program at McMaster University to ensure the sustainability of midwifery for all families and babies in Ontario. Students are present in our office most of the time and participate in all aspects of client care. Students are studying for a 4 year degree and they come work with us for 4 months in their second year and for nine months in their final year. Students in their first placement are laying the foundation of their clinical skills and learning what it means to be a midwife. They focus on normal pregnancy, birth and postpartum care. Students in their final clinical placement work very much like apprentices with both direct and indirect supervision. They take on more and more responsibility as the year goes on and you will have the opportunity to see her grow in skills and confidence as you progress in your pregnancy. Senior students are consolidating their knowledge of the normal while expanding their knowledge of abnormal and emergency situations. Senior students can act as one of the midwives at a birth and do certain home visits and take pages independently. There is always a registered midwife closely following each of our students, making sure that our clients are receiving safe, thorough, excellent care. Most clients come to see their student as an integral part of their team. We encourage clients to be teachers of our students and welcome feedback about their progress