Birthplace Options
Hospital, home, birth centre — your birth, your choice
There is no wrong place to give birth. During your pregnancy, your midwife will talk to you about your birthplace options and will discuss the risks and benefits of each setting. You midwife will answer all of your questions and provide you with the information you need so that you can make an informed decision on where you are going to feel most safe and comfortable. Regardless of the location you choose, you will receive the same exceptional care from your midwife.
Hospital
In Alberta, approximately 68% of people in midwifery care plan to give birth in the hospital. Hospitals provide quick access to specialist care and increased monitoring for you and your baby. All Registered Midwives in Alberta maintain hospital privileges. If you are at increased risk for certain complications, giving birth in the hospital is recommended.
Home
Midwives are the only primary care providers in Alberta who receive extensive education and training to help clients safely give birth at home. 25% of Alberta midwifery clients plan to have home births. If you are experiencing a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, research has shown that a home birth is just as safe as a hospital birth for both you and your baby.
Birth Centre
Birth centres in Alberta are community-based, health care facilities that offer a safe, home-like atmosphere and family-centred space to labour and birth. To give birth at a birth centre, you must be in the care of a Registered Midwife.
Water Births
Many people find labouring and/or giving birth in water a very positive experience. Using water during labour aids relaxation, reduces the need for pain relief, and initial research suggests that it is just as safe for both mother and baby as labouring on land. Water births are available at home in your bathtub, a rented birth pool, or at the Birth Centre. There are tubs at the hospital, but these are subject to availability.
For more info on waterbirths, please visit: www.waterbirth.org