Ontario’s midwives are highly skilled, educated, and provide safe and ethical care.
The College of Midwives of Ontario regulates midwifery in the public interest.
The College of Midwives of Ontario regulates midwifery in the public interest.
Our primary obligation to is to ensure that midwives in Ontario are qualified, skilled, and competent to practise.
Ontarians can be confident that the College makes decisions in their best interest.
Ontario has 26 health regulatory colleges that oversee healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, dentists, massage therapists, and many more.
The College of Midwives of Ontario is the regulator of midwives in Ontario. We regulate practising midwives by:
Registering midwives, ensuring everyone entering midwifery has the education and experience to provide quality care.
Ensuring that midwives meet high standards.
Requiring midwives to stay active in their practise and continue to improve their knowledge and skills.
Investigating and responding to any concerns or complaints about the care provided by midwives.
Midwives provide care in a variety of settings including homes, clinics, hospitals, and birth centres. All midwives follow the same professional standards of practice. We provide guidance to help them do so.
Ontario midwives are primary care providers and will work with you through pregnancy, labour, and the first six weeks after your baby is born. Your midwife will:
Be registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario, and stay current on best practices in maternal and newborn care.
Show evidence of their registration with the College on request.
Meet all College standards. (A list of current standards is available on our website.)
Ensure you receive all necessary tests, examinations, check-ups, and referrals you require and accept. Your midwife will consult with a physician if it becomes necessary.
Inform you about your choices, and respect your decisions about your care.
Answer your questions, and listen to your concerns.
Continue to care for you, and care for your newborn for six weeks after your baby is born.
The College maintains a public register which provides information about every midwife who practices in Ontario. You can search for midwives and midwifery practices on the College website: www.cmo.on.ca
If you have any questions for the College about your midwife or midwifery practice, please call or email us.
If you are contacting the College to make a complaint or register a concern, our professional conduct staff will be able to help. The College has a committee to deal with complaints or concerns regarding midwives’ conduct, and we’re committed to serving the public. More information on the complaints process can be found on our website, or by calling our office.
