2024 Midwifery Matters Conference: Embracing Diversity in Midwifery
The Alberta Association of Midwives is proud to present the 2024 Midwifery Matters Conference, an event that brings together midwives, maternal health professionals, and advocates to engage in a dynamic and inspiring exploration of diversity within midwifery. This year’s theme, Embracing Diversity in Midwifery, reflects our commitment to fostering an inclusive and compassionate environment that enhances care for every family across Alberta.
What does it take to become a midwife?
The journey of bringing new life into the world is one filled with anticipation, joy, and sometimes uncertainty. Midwives act as guardians to expectant mothers by offering care and support combined with expertise gained from years of training.
Pay-What-you-Can Perinatal Counselling
Hello! I’m Jenn (she/her). I’m in final year of a masters in counselling psychology and providing perinatal counselling as a student therapist.
In my 13 years working as a midwife, I have had the honour of holding space for people through life’s most beautiful and most painful moments.
As a mother of three young kids, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of navigating pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting. Our mental health as parents matters.
Alberta Association of Midwives Celebrates Midwives and Inclusive Birthing Care
The Alberta Association of Midwives (AAM) joyfully celebrates the vibrant community of midwives and the flourishing midwifery profession in Alberta. Committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and inclusive perinatal, pregnancy, and birthing care, Registered Midwives have been primary healthcare providers since 2009, delivering essential services to all birthing people.
Alberta Association of Midwives Appoints Visionary Leader to Lead its Future
The Alberta Association of Midwives (AAM) is delighted to announce the appointment of Jennifer Gullage-Payne as its new Executive Director, effective January 2, 2024. This significant milestone marks a pivotal moment for AAM as it continues to advance its mission and commitment to excellence in midwifery care across Alberta.
Alberta Association of Midwives Request for Proposal for the Development of a Five Year Strategic Plan
The Alberta Association of Midwives (AAM) is accepting proposals to assist the organization in Strategic Planning. The AAM is committed to anti-oppression and equity. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply and voluntarily self-identify in their proposal. The strictest confidentiality will be maintained with all submissions, to which only the recruitment committee will have access.
Quality Assurance: Infection Protection and Control (IPAC)
The Association of Alberta Midwives (AAM) provides support and advances exceptional care through meeting the current, and emergent needs of our midwifery membership. The AAM Board of Directors has included work on IPAC in our strategic plans since December 2019, and as of April 2022 decided to elevate this work to one of our top areas of focus. We are committed to the safe operation of all Midwifery services throughout the province.
AAM: COVID-19 Vaccinations & Pregnancy
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) recommends that people who are pregnant or breast/chestfeeding should be offered vaccination at any time if they are eligible and no contraindications exist.
Laurentian MEP Closure - AAM Endorsement
The Board of Directors of the Alberta Association of Midwives has endorsed the Statement on Closure of Laurentian University School of Midwifery published on April 13, 2021 by the Canadian Association of Midwives/Association canadienne des Sages Femmes, the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives, CAMEd/ACFSF, Canadian Midwifery Regulators Council/Counsiel canadien des ordres de sages-femmes, and the Student Midwives Association of Canada/ Association canadienne des étudiant(e)s en pratique de sage-femme.
Members who are interested can express their support by signing a petition. The link can be found inside this post.
Midwives and Interprofessional Collaboration
Did you know that midwives collaborate with health care colleagues? Interprofessional collaboration ensures the client is kept at the centre of their care, receiving the right care at the right time from the right provider.
Rural Midwifery is Catching!
Renowned sociologist Barbara Katz Rothman once said, “Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers – strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.”
Taber, Alberta registered midwife, Stacy Peleskey, couldn’t agree more. “Since starting to practice as a maternity care professional in Southern Alberta in 2008,” says Stacy, “I’ve had the privilege of supporting many pregnant people in transforming into strong mothers. I’m so pleased that our government is committed to growing rural midwifery in Alberta.”
Year of the Midwife: Honourary Members
2020 has been designated as the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife by the World Health Assembly. Along with the World Health Organization, the International Confederation of Midwives and other partners, the AAM is celebrating the work of Alberta midwives. As part of this special year, members are being asked to approve honourary membership for the following forerunners:
2020 keeps Fort McMurray's first midwives busy as services booked until February
For Fort McMurray’s first midwife, her first year in the region has been an interesting one.
Debbie Mpofu of Passages Midwifery began working in the city this past February and after a few weeks, she was already booked until the end of September.
Did You Know That Midwives…
Midwives are highly skilled and educated primary care providers who specialize in pregnancy, labour, birth and newborn care. However, most people, have questions about what a midwife does. Here are fourteen things you may not have known about midwives.
MRU, RSM and CREB support the community during the pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down post-secondary institutions, resulting in alternative course delivery and cancelled or changed internships, Mount Royal University’s nursing and midwifery students stepped up to the plate to make their alma mater proud.
International Day of the Midwife 2020
During the pandemic, people are still pregnant, still having babies and still have the right to a safe and positive childbirth experience. THANK YOU to Alberta Midwives for continuing to provide exceptional care to pregnant people and their babies. We see you. Thank you.
More Alberta women reconsidering birth plans during pandemic, midwives say
Alberta midwives say more couples are opting for home births as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.