Midwives are formally trained and fully integrated primary health care professionals who provide comprehensive care to women during pregnancy, labour and birth, and the first six weeks postpartum. Across the rest of the world, most babies are born into the hands of capable midwives. The term "Registered Midwife" is a protected title in BC, and indicates that the midwife has met the standards to register with the College of Midwives of British Columbia and maintains her status through ongoing re-certification and training.