Midwives laud expanded training opportunities
By Contributor
The Midwives Association of British Columbia (MABC) welcomes the Provincial Government’s commitment to increase the availability of midwifery training and services, said Ganga Jolicoeur, Executive Director of MABC.
Jolicoeur, along with new mom Channing Rodman of Vancouver, participated in an event today at which the Minster of Health, Mike de Jong and Minister of Advanced Education, Naomi Yamamoto, announced that the Government of B.C. would double the number of existing first-year spaces from 10 to 20 at the University of British Columbia’s midwifery education program starting in 2012/13.
“New provincial government funding is great news for expecting women and families who now have greater choice and access to quality maternity care services,” said Jolicoeur.
Through a new two-year service agreement recently negotiated with the MABC, the Province will provide new funding for midwives to establish and maintain practices in rural or remote communities that do not enjoy access to midwifery services. The agreement also provides $500,000 in new funding for midwives to increase home births in British Columbia.
“As a new mom who was cared for by a midwife, I am very pleased the provincial government is listening to women and expanding access to midwifery training and services,” said Rodman. “Greater access to midwifery care and its benefits will promote and enhance the health and wellness of countless newborns, their families and the communities in which they live.”
Registered midwives are highly-trained, educated and regulated professionals that provide quality prenatal, birth and post natal care covered by the Province’s Medical Services Plan.
“Registered midwives improve maternal health outcomes, while helping control health care costs,” added Jolicoeur. “By improving outcomes, reducing lengths of stay and alleviating pressures on hospital beds and resources, midwives save the system money and make it more sustainable.”
The MABC educates the public about midwifery carewhile supporting the growing number of midwives across the province. Registered midwives are experts in normal birth, with extensive training that focuses on pregnancy, birth and the postpartum for both mom and baby. Midwives are a safe and recognized choice for maternity care in BC, across Canadaand around the world.
Submitted.
