Midwifery is an ancient art that encompasses well woman care during the childbearing year. A midwife’s goal is to empower clients by promoting choice throughout pregnancy, and by encouraging women to discover their own natural ways to give birth. A friendship is built that allows the midwife to draw on the woman’s individual strengths during labour. Midwives deliver babies both in the home or in the hospital depending on the client’s preference. The new mother-to-be is supported throughout labour and is therefore less likely to require medical interventions. Yet the benefits of modern medicine and technology are close at hand should the need arise for these advancements. During the postpartum period, midwives will come to your home or the hospital to ensure the new mom and babe are recovering well after the birth. The midwife will also help to establish successful breastfeeding practices and assist new families with newborn care. For up to six weeks the midwives continue to support this transition to parenthood, and assess the newborn for appropriate growth and development.