Alberta government to fund 400 more births by midwives this fiscal year

EDMONTON — The Alberta government is funding up to 400 more midwife-assisted births.

Health Minister Sarah Hoffman said Tuesday that an additional $1.8 million in funding will see the number of births with midwives increase to about 2,774 this year.

Hoffman said continuity of care for women and babies is so important and this gives women a safe option for delivering their babies.

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“I’m a firm believer in the right health care services delivered in the right place by the right health care professional, and that’s exactly what midwives provide,” said Hoffman.

Alberta has publicly funded midwifery care since 2009.

Nicole Matheseon, president of the Alberta Association of Midwives, said more and more women want the continuous, personalized care that midwives provide.

“Now more expectant mothers have the opportunity to decide what’s best for them – giving birth in a hospital, in a birth centre or at home,” said Matheseon.

There are currently 94 midwives practising in the province, an increase of 163 per cent in the past five years.