In British Columbia, the journey of midwives and their clients is being transformed by the innovative Home Birth Supply Program. Designed to enhance the quality and accessibility of home births, this program provides midwives with vital equipment, medications, and sterilization services, all while ensuring that the practice of midwifery is adequately supported. 

Why the Program Was Established

The Home Birth Supply Program was initiated to address significant gaps in access to essential resources for midwives across the province. Many midwives faced challenges in obtaining necessary medications from hospital pharmacies, which led to a pressing need for an alternative source. Additionally, issues surrounding the sterilization of instruments used during labor and delivery underscored the necessity of creating a structured support system. 

The program also aims to improve the collection of data related to home births, ensuring that these vital statistics are effectively captured and utilized within the healthcare system. 

Key Benefits of the Program 

The Home Birth Supply Program offers numerous benefits to midwives: 

1. Cost Coverage: The health system covers expenses related to oxygen tanks, sterilization, medications, and reusable equipment. This alleviates financial burdens on midwives, allowing them to focus on their clients. 
2. Quality Control: A dedicated team monitors the quality of equipment and supplies, ensuring they meet the highest standards. Midwives have the opportunity to provide feedback, allowing for continuous improvement. 
3. Streamlined Processes: Midwives can access a centralized online portal to order necessary supplies and equipment, simplifying the logistics involved in home births. 
4. Enhanced Visibility: The program increases the recognition of home births within the health system, fostering a collaborative relationship between midwives and healthcare leaders. 
5. Support for New Midwives: A comprehensive orientation module is available through the University of British Columbia's Midwifery Materials Management Course. This resource helps new midwives navigate the program and understand their responsibilities. 
6. Partnerships: The HBSP has partnered with UBC Midwifery Program so that student midwives can be trained using the equipment and supplies used in practice.  

How the Program Works 

Midwives interested in joining the Home Birth Supply Program must first obtain privileges at a hospital. They will then receive an introductory letter detailing the onboarding process.  This includes signing a form, co-signed by a designated hospital representative, to create an account with the Provincial Distribution Center. If you haven’t received the letter, you can read it here.  

Once registered, midwives can order supplies through an online portal, ensuring they have everything needed for safe and effective home births. The program also includes a clear visual algorithm that outlines the steps for returning equipment and managing orders. 

Addressing Provincial Gaps

While the Home Birth Supply Program is a pioneering initiative in British Columbia, there are no similar programs in other provinces, making it a unique model for supporting midwifery practice. This innovative approach has the potential to inspire similar initiatives elsewhere, promoting the safety and quality of home births across Canada. 

A Focus on Sustainability 

In addition to addressing immediate needs, the program also emphasizes sustainability and accountability. Midwives are encouraged to return any equipment that is no longer in use, allowing for the efficient redistribution of resources. Furthermore, the program anticipates the influx of new midwives each year, ensuring adequate supplies are available for those entering the profession. 

Summary of Tips and Information

Ordering Precautions: 

• Pay close attention to item quantities when ordering. Some items may be shipped by the box instead of individually, leading to unintentional large orders. 

Midwifery Training: 

• A module is available in the Midwifery Best Practices in Materials Management course that covers the Home Birth Supply Program, including responsibilities, ordering tips, and program history. This is particularly useful for new midwives in BC. 

Leaving the Program: 

• Midwives need to follow a checklist for exiting the program, including returning equipment and understanding their responsibilities. Disposable supplies ordered can be kept. 
• Leaving checklist  

Health Authority Transitions: 

• When changing health authorities, midwives must formally exit the program, return items, and reapply when starting with the new authority. 

Expiry Dates: 

• Be aware that some items may be closer to their expiry dates; this is sometimes unavoidable to ensure timely delivery. The PDC Pharmacy follows industry guidelines with respect to drug expiry dates. Medication that will expire within one month of delivery will NOT be shipped. The PDC aims to provide medication with a minimum 3-month lifespan. 

Temperature-Controlled Shipping: 

• The program is improving temperature regulation for shipping, particularly for medications. In remote areas where this isn't feasible, midwives are encouraged to stock up during moderate seasons. 

Inventory Management: 

• National shortages may occasionally affect product availability. The program works to find appropriate substitutes and welcomes midwives' feedback on these alternatives. 

Locum coverage:  

• Midwives who are providing locum coverage borrow the birth kits from the midwife they are covering for and can restock that kit using that midwife’s PDC account

By following these guidelines, midwives can effectively navigate the Home Birth Supply Program and manage their supplies efficiently. 

Final Thoughts 

The Home Birth Supply Program is a vital resource that enhances the practice of midwifery in British Columbia. By providing essential supplies, fostering collaboration, and streamlining processes, the program ensures that midwives can deliver high-quality care to families in their homes. 

For midwives in BC, this program not only supports their practice but also enriches the experience of families choosing home births, making it a significant step forward in maternal and infant healthcare.