International Day of the Midwife & BC Midwives' Day
May 5th is a very important day for midwives around the world. It is the day that we pause and consider all of our colleagues who are devoted to maternal and infant care; who are on call 24 hours a day for expectant families in sometimes remote areas; who work hard not only to support their clients, but also work to support the growth of their profession.
On May 4th, 2012, BC midwives proudly received the following investments in the expansion of the UBC Department of Midwifery, strengthening of homebirth supports, and investments in midwifery practice in rural and remote communities.
- Starting in 2012-2013, UBC's midwifery education program will be expanded from the existing 10 first--year spaces to 20 first--year spaces.
- UBC will receive $1.914 million in one--time funding, and an increase of $833,920 in ongoing operating funding for a phased five--year expansion of the midwifery education program.
- $500,000 in new funding to increase the number of home births in B.C. From this funding, midwives will be able to hire support staff so families can choose to deliver safely in their own homes, which will free up capacity and avoid the higher costs of delivery in the acute care system.
- Access to funding to establish and maintain a practice in rural and remote communities that currently do not have access to midwifery care.
Watch the full 30-minute video here
On May 5th, 2012, midwives, families and advocates surprised onlookers at the Vancouver Art Gallery with a flash mob! To raise awareness of the contribution of midwives to healthy mothers and babies around the world: Watch the video here
Our gratitude to all of the wonderful individuals who came out with their kids, friends and partners to support midwifery in BC!
Gallery
Put support for midwifery on the map!
Please take a moment to join our "virtual gathering" by posting a supportive message to our MAP! Our interactive map is east to use: simply click here and fill out the form to add your message.
Members of Parliament and friends around the world will be able to see our map and all the support given to midwives in this province. Together, our individual efforts will have a greater impact both in BC and around the world.
When you’ve posted to the map, please take a minute to 'like' the Midwives Association of British Columbia Facebook page. We love hearing from you and connecting to all the amazing people who support midwifery in BC, so please say hello!
Other ways to help:
- Add our ‘Special Delivery’ button to your blog or website! By adding this button, visitors from your page can easily jump to the MABC website for details on how to support maternal care in BC. Check out our “Get The Button” section below!
- And for our friends on Twitter, please follow us at @bcmidwives
Let's help mothers and babies get the support they need through increased commitment to global and local midwifery services. Let’s celebrate midwives everywhere!
Get the button
Cut and paste the code below into your blog or website to get this button and show your support for midwives!
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