6 steps to find a midwife in Toronto
If you’re expecting in Toronto, finding a midwife can be a bit of a race against time. Midwives are in high demand, and the earlier you get on the waitlist, the better your chances of securing one.
When I was pregnant with my first, I learned quickly that waiting until the last minute wasn’t an option! My mom friends all advised to get on the waitlists as soon as possible.
Here’s my step-by-step guide to finding a midwife in Toronto:
1. Sign up to multiple clinics
Like I mentioned, midwives book up fast! I recommend signing up for a few different clinics. Some clinics have long waiting lists, and it’s good to have options. Most clinics allow you to sign up online or by phone, so don’t wait until your 12-week mark. Make sure to get on the list as soon as you find out you’re pregnant!
2. Check for Clinic Availability
Once you’re on a few waitlists, it’s time to start checking back. If you’re contacted by one of the clinics, they’ll give you details about availability. Remember that some clinics may be full, but others might still have spots so don't worry too much!
3. Research Local Clinics and What They Offer
Lookup Google and Reddit reviews. I also recommended checking mom groups for reviews, as well as facebook or instagram pages. Many of them have social media pages, so you can get a sense of their work and philosophy by browsing their profiles.
Here are a few well-known and highly recommended midwifery clinics in Toronto:
Midwives Collective of Toronto: Address: 1203 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N4
One of Toronto’s midwifery practices with an excellent reputation. They offer a range of services from prenatal care to postpartum support.
Kensington Midwives: Address: 340 College St Suite 450, Toronto, ON M5T 3A9
This clinic offers personalized care with experienced midwives. They focus on providing care to low-risk clients during pregnancy as well as care for parents and babies for six weeks after birth.
I've heard great things about the midwives here, though I do not have any personal experience!
West End Midwives: Address: 1275 Finch Ave W Ste #807, North York, ON M3J 0L5
If you are looking for a North York midwife, reach out to West End Midwives. Serving families in North York, they offer a full range of maternity services, including home births.
Uptown Midwives: Address: 3426 Bathurst St, North York, ON M6A 2C3
Also located in North York, Uptown Midwives & Family Wellness provides pregnancy, birth and postpartum care to newborns and families in the North York area.
Sages-Femmes Rouge Valley Midwives: Address: 91 Rylander Blvd #1020, Scarborough, ON M1B 5M5
For Scarbourough moms, definitely reach out to this clinic and get on the waitlist. Sages-Femmes Rouge Valley Midwives provides care to clients throughout pregnancy, birth and for 6 weeks postpartum.
4. What to Expect During Your Midwifery Appointment
Midwives provide personalized care, which often means more one-on-one time compared to OB-GYNs. At your initial appointment, you’ll talk about your pregnancy history, your health, and what type of birth experience you’re hoping for. Midwives are there to support your birth plan, whether it’s a home birth, hospital birth, or a birthing centre.
5. Get Familiar with Toronto’s Hospital and Birth Center Options
While midwives can attend home births, many also work closely with hospitals and birth centers. Knowing your options for where you can give birth is just as important as finding a midwife. In Toronto, hospitals like Mount Sinai, St. Michael’s, and Toronto Western are known for working closely with midwives.
6. Consider Insurance and Costs
Midwifery care in Ontario is covered under the provincial health insurance plan (OHIP), so you won’t have to pay out-of-pocket for most services, whether you’re giving birth at home or in a hospital. However, there might be additional costs for things like a home birth kit or optional prenatal classes, so make sure to ask about any potential extra fees when signing up.
A Note from Me
Hi, if you're new here, I'm Jess - your Toronto family photographer and mom of 2 littles! As a newborn photographer in Toronto, I know how important it is to feel supported throughout your pregnancy journey. From your maternity session to capturing those special moments with your newborn, I’m here to help you make memories that will last a lifetime.
Feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat more about how I can help document your beautiful new chapter!
For all things motherhood photography and mom life in Toronto, feel free to follow my instagram page: @jessgcphotography
