Yukon Midwifery Program

The Yukon Midwifery Program will offer:

• supportive, person-centred care; 
• high-quality maternity care that is publicly funded;
• a full range of midwifery services, from prenatal and labour to postpartum care; 
• choice of birthplace with a registered midwife if it is appropriate for you;
• routine diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds and lab work, and prescriptions; 
• screening for physical, emotional and social health; 
• referrals to other care providers and specialists, as needed; 
• information to help a pregnant person make informed decisions; and
• care that centres on your values, experiences, culture and traditions. 

Our values

The Yukon Midwifery Program values are: 

• supporting informed decision making; 
• meeting you where you’re at;
• enabling your choice of birthplace;
• providing care when and how you need it;
• providing inclusive care through small teams; and
• honouring culture and tradition, along with your unique values and beliefs.

Registered midwifery services are safe

Research shows that both regulating and fully integrating midwifery into a health system is critical to creating safe birthing environments for both the birthing parent and infant. For example, giving birth at home with a registered midwife can be as safe as a hospital birth for the infant and pregnant parent. This is according to a Canadian study of 23,000 home and hospital births that was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in 2015.

The difference between a registered midwife and a doula

Registered midwives are trained health professionals who:

• are licensed, insured and fully integrated into the health system;
• provide a high standard of specialized care for pregnant people;
• deliver babies; and
• look after newborns. 

Registered midwives are trained to provide all necessary medical care and support within their scope. This includes providing care at people’s homes, at the midwifery clinic or at a hospital. Registered midwives can also order routine diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds and lab work, prescribe medications and screen for physical, emotional and social health. 

Doulas do not provide medical care or deliver babies. They provide emotional and physical support during pregnancy, labour or postpartum. They can work as part of the care team to provide a positive experience for people who want this extra level of support. 

This public program is offered on Mondays from September to the end of December 2024 (excluding statutory holidays). Call ahead to book a private appointment or drop in between 1 to 4:30 pm. 

A registered midwife and a registered nurse who have training and experience with infant feeding will be available to answer questions, provide advice and support to Yukoners who are currently pregnant or parents of infants up to 12 months of age.

For more information or to book a private appointment, phone 867-393-7120 or email midwifery@yukon.ca.

In the Yukon

Yukoners can now apply online for midwifery care.

If you need support to complete your application call 867-393-7120.

Apply now

The program is open to all Yukoners, but in-person care and birthing services are only available in Whitehorse at this time. Virtual care visits will be scheduled as requested.

• Indigenous midwifery and culturally safe care
• Midwifery and the Canadian model of midwifery care
• The Government of Yukon’s Midwives Regulation
• Study on the safety of registered midwifery for at-home and in-hospital deliveries

If you have questions about the Yukon Midwifery Program, phone 867-393-7120 or email midwifery@yukon.ca.