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.

• Midwives to be recognized as health care professionals in N.L.

"Choice is areally, really big thing. Alot of women and birthing parents having their babies in Newfoundlandare 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 coachwith 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,verynormal."

The province announced Thursday midwives will soon be recognized as health care professionals, with regulations on training and qualificationsto 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 pointedto one study from British Columbiawhich estimates thata home birth with a midwife can save about $2,500, compared to a doctor-supervised birthin 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 problemthe province will have to tackle is how to attract midwives to work here.

People can still choose themedical 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 populationof 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 thatscenario?"

Minty said while there isn't a clear idea of what midwife practices would look like, there are numerous possibilities, such as birthing centres, homebirths,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 themedical model. but having choice is key."