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Medicine Hat Midwives to deliver babies in hospital

Jan 19, 2017 | 4:32 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Midwives in Medicine Hat can now deliver babies at the Regional Hospital.

Terrie Meynders is a registered midwife in the city, with 28 years of experience delivering babies. Up until now she’s only been able to do home births. But now a new agreement with Alberta Health Services is allowing expectant moms to deliver their babies in the hospital with a midwife.

“In Medicine Hat yes, it’s the first time that midwives have been registered and have hospital privileges here,” said Meynders.

AHS confirmed it is the first time an agreement has been made in the city. The only other hospital in the South Zone where midwives have access to is in Cardston.  Dr. Jack Regehr, South Zone Medical Director, said “having midwives in the hospital environment will be a nice option.”

Dr. Regehr added it’s a big step forward for the city and surrounding area.

The hospital privileges give expectant moms the ability to choose where they want to give birth.

“I think that’s why women would choose a hospital birth over a home birth, because they feel like there’s a comfort zone or a safety level there,” said Meynders

Dr. Regehr said it does provide an extra level of safety during childbirth which can come with complications at the best of times.

“We have nursing staff to help, as well we have the laboratory services, and respiratory technicians, and all the x-ray and diagnostics that may be needed to assist,” he said.

Meynders said the deal took over a year to sort out here in Medicine Hat, in the mean time they were given privileges to deliver babies in a Calgary hospital.

Dr. Regehr says Alberta Health Services needed to figure out how midwives and medical staff would coordinate and work together.

“Sorting that out is part of the reason why it’s taken us a while to get midwives privileged in the hospitals.” said Dr. Regehr.

The hospital privileges open up the choices local women have when it comes to giving birth, and Meynders said she expects that will mean more people will consider using midwives.

“This is thrilling and we’re really excited about this potential,” said Meynders.