Independent Report on Midwifery in Nova Scotia Released

An independent report on midwifery released today, Aug. 10, will help ensure Nova Scotia mothers and their families get the best possible maternity care.

Four leading Canadian experts in midwifery and maternity care assessed the introduction of regulated midwives into the Nova Scotia health system to date.

"For any mother, giving birth is one of the most important events in her life. For some mothers, the choice of health-care provider is equally important," said Health and Wellness Minister Maureen MacDonald. "Earlier this year, I requested the independent assessment of midwifery in Nova Scotia and the models used at the three sites that offer care from midwives.

"Now that I have received the report, our department will carefully review the recommendations. I am committed to midwifery and want to ensure it is operating sustainably in the three district health authorities in which it is currently provided."

Regulated midwifery was introduced in Nova Scotia in 2009. Publicly funded midwifery services are now available at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, South Shore District Health Authority and Guysborough Strait Antigonish Health Authority.

As part of their assessment, the experts visited the three sites and met with more than 40 health-care professionals involved in maternity care, including midwives, nurses, family doctors, obstetricians, and medical staff at district health authorities and the IWK.

The report is available at www.gov.ns.ca/dhw .