Nova Scotia needs more midwives

New Waterford -- As communities across Nova Scotia celebrate midwives this weekend, the NDP is calling on the Liberal government to expand the provincial midwifery program to sustainable levels.

“We know there are women who want to access midwifery services in Nova Scotia and can’t, either because they don’t live where the service is available, or the midwives we have are too busy,” said NDP Health Spokesperson Tammy Martin. “For many women, a midwife would be an easy alternative to a clinic when going through a pregnancy. Our province should have enough midwives so that anyone who wants to use that service is able to.”

The Yarmouth Hospital recently had to inform patients that they may not be able to deliver babies due to a lack of an anesthesiologist. An expanded midwifery program could help alleviate pressure on maternal health care, especially in rural communities.

“When one of our province’s regional hospitals cannot guarantee they can deliver babies due to lack of staff, no one can deny we’re in a crisis,” said Martin. “No expecting parent should be left to worry about where they’ll have to deliver their baby. Expanding midwifery is part of the solution that our province should be acting on.”

The NDP Caucus introduced legislation this sitting to create a full midwifery program throughout Nova Scotia. May 5th is the International Day of the Midwife.

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