Midwifery in N.L. will make 'huge difference' for families, says advocate
The long-awaited arrival of regulated midwifery in Newfoundland and Labrador is on the horizon, and the province's Doula Collective is celebrating what it means for child-bearing families.
"Choice is a really, really big thing. A lot of women and birthing parents having their babies in Newfoundland are really stuck with the lack of choice that they have, in what kind of care they can pursue," said Sarah Minty, a doula — or childbirth coach — with the organization.
"It will make such a difference for an expectant parent to know they are more in control of their scenario. Childbirth is not a medical emergency. It is a part of life, and it can be very, very normal."
The province announced Thursday midwives will soon be recognized as health care professionals, with regulations on training and qualifications to come into effect Sept. 30.
Boost to health care finances
Minty said midwives can help ease the cash-strained health care system, by providing a lower-cost option for birth.
"It certainly makes a huge difference in terms of finances," she told CBC Radio's Central Morning Show, adding that given the variety of birth scenarios, it's hard to put exact figures on that.
However, Minty pointed to one study from British Columbia which estimates that a home birth with a midwife can save about $2,500, compared to a doctor-supervised birth in a hospital.
Midwives can also supervise postpartum care through the first year of a baby's life.
"It can continue to save money that entire time," she said.
Recruitment challenges
One huge problem the province will have to tackle is how to attract midwives to work here.
People can still choose the medical model. but having choice is key.- Sarah Minty
"This will be really key, and this is one of my main concerns with this, is that I hope there is a good plan for recruitment and retention of midwives. Our population of midwives has completely dwindled," said Minty.
"We really need to entice people to come to the province and set up midwifery practices, and what is the government going to do to help with that scenario?"
Minty said while there isn't a clear idea of what midwife practices would look like, there are numerous possibilities, such as birthing centres, home births, or midwives working at hospitals.
She added midwives won't replace obstetricians and nurses, but they can complement each other to provide fuller coverage for expectant mothers.
"People can still choose the medical model. but having choice is key."
With files from the Central Morning Show