This is a press release that ran in the local newspapers in both Airdrie and Cochrane. Bonnie Bent and Sarah Deveau have been putting in countless hours helping Ulrike Kimbley-Nicolai put together what will hopefully be a successful rally. Press releases like this one are a huge help in getting the word out.
Airdrie, Alberta. March 27, 2008. Airdrie business owner Sarah Deveau of Cater Tot Consignment and Bonnie Bend of Great Things in Store in Cochrane are working together to support action to encourage the Alberta government to provide funding for midwifery care in this province.
Alberta is the last province or territory in Canada to not publicly fund or publicly commit to fund midwife services in the future. “I had my second child this past Christmas at home with the support of a midwife,” says Bend. “Everything about the midwifery care model is so valuable to mothers, from hour-long appointments to post-partum care, and I feel that by not covering the cost of midwives in Alberta, our government is doing mothers a great disservice.”
The average price to hire a midwife is $3,450 and many believe the fee discriminates against low-income women, especially those who might benefit best from the more in-depth care provided by a midwife.
“All of the research shows outcomes of low-risk pregnancies assisted by midwife are as safe or safer as doctor assisted births,” says Deveau. “I considered a home birth for my second child, born this February, but the cost was simply out of my reach this time. I'm hoping it will be covered by Alberta Health when I'm ready to have another child.”
A petition to the Alberta government requesting that midwifery services be publicly funded is available for signing at Cater Tot Consignment in Airdrie ad Great Things in Store in Cochrane until April 30.
Bend and Deveau will be attending a demonstration on May 5, 2008 in Calgary at McDougall Centre from noon to 1pm on the International Day of the Midwife. Community members from Airdrie, Banff, Canmore, Didsbury and Cochrane will join Calgary supporters in demonstrating for publicly funded midwifery under Alberta Health and Wellness.
Some Facts about Midwife Assisted Births
Improve outcomes of hard to reach and low income women
Reduces c-sections, drug-use and medical interventions
Increases infant birth weight
Costs less
Births at home or in birth centres ease the shortage of hospital beds and staff
Contacts:
Bonnie Bend
Sarah Deveau
Ulrike Kimbley-Nicolai
Event Organizer
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