The Decibel Maternity care and midwives in Canada’s health labour shortage
Jun 12, 2024
Former health reporter Carly Weeks discusses the importance of midwives in Canada's healthcare system, their role in childbirth, challenges they face with recognition and pay equity, and innovative programs to integrate midwives into the healthcare system to address staff shortages and improve access to care.
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Midwifery Prevalence in Canada
- Midwifery is becoming increasingly common in Canada, assisting with nearly 50,000 births in 2021.
- Ontario and BC have the highest prevalence, with PEI recently regulating midwifery in 2022.
Midwifery Care vs. OB Care
- Midwives offer personalized support and home births, focusing on the personal aspect of childbirth.
- They provide similar prenatal care as OBs, including blood work and diagnostic tests.
Scope of Midwifery Practice
- Midwives specialize in low-risk pregnancies, transferring care to OBs for high-risk situations or interventions like C-sections or epidurals.
- They can prescribe medications and order tests, but may transfer care for certain procedures.