MAM News, the 2023 Edition

What a splendid autumn season it is!

We hope that you are all in good health. The MAM retreat last spring was a truly delightful experience, fostering strong connections and rejuvenating our dedication to our work. The board remains active, convening to strategize communication plans and relationship building with the new government. We are collectively grateful that our contracts were successfully resolved last spring, alleviating any uncertainties in that regard

This year we have 21 students in the BMid program spanning from second to fourth year. We have 13 learners currently on placement throughout the province in the NRHA, PMHA, SRHA and WRHA.

This year, our second year cohort has 8 students, third year has 10 students and fourth year has 3 students. We are very excited to celebrate our first graduating class this coming spring

Membership Sign-up – Midwives Association of Manitoba (midwivesofmanitoba.ca)

There are updates in emergency skills.  The new AOM ESW workshop delivered by MAM is continually keeping the content current with online workbook and tests.  Register for the upcoming Emergency Skills for Midwives Workshops.  A schedule has been set for the next few years so please pay attention and register early. 

MAM Emergency Skills Course for Midwives – Midwives Association of Manitoba (midwivesofmanitoba.ca)

2023:  November 17, 2023 (Niverville)

2024:  February (Winnipeg); June (Thompson); September (Brandon)

2025:  February, June, September and November.

A group of midwives from Manitoba attended the CAM conference in Ottawa from October 4th to 6th. During the event, we were inspired by presentations on indigenous midwifery training initiatives organized by the National Council of Indigenous Midwives (NCIM). Discussions revolved around the broadening scope of midwifery in all areas related to reproductive, sexual, and newborn health explored innovative service delivery methods. These presentations left us feeling motivated to foster relationships, engage in collaborative efforts, and explore new avenues for the growth of midwifery in Manitoba.

The Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM) serves as the national representative body for midwifery in Canada. Membership in a provincial association automatically confers membership in CAM, making every provincial association member a part of the national organization. CAM actively engages in advocacy at the national level, advocating for the interests of midwives and issuing significant statements on behalf of the midwifery community. Additionally, CAM provides support for the Canadian Journal of Midwifery Research and Practice, a valuable benefit available to CAM members. For more information on the journal, please visit their website at Home — Canadian Journal of Midwifery Research and Practice (cjmrp.com)

CAM Global is partnering with other countries to build midwifery capacity. CAM Global – Canadian Association of Midwives (canadianmidwives.org)

CAM is in the process of developing a new board structure, which marks a transition from the traditional regional representation to a skills-based composition. This shift aims to more accurately align with CAM’s evolving role, especially as a significant portion of its operational resources and staff are supported by global partnerships.

It’s worth noting that all Canadian territories and provinces now have regulated and publicly funded midwifery services. In a recent development, Prince Edward Island (PEI) has also passed legislation to formalize this.

In addition to these changes, CAM has introduced a novel platform known as “The Exchange.” This platform is designed to facilitate resource sharing among regional associations, fostering knowledge sharing across the country.

Furthermore, CAM is planning a review of its fee structure. Currently, fees are subject to a 3% increase every other year, with the expectation of future adjustments.  TAKE NOTE:  increases in CAM and HIROC fees will be affecting MAM membership dues. 

A new bill is proposed in Quebec that could result in removing midwifery as autonomous healthcare providers.  Please consider supporting Le groupement Les sages femmes du Quebec

The MAM merchandise is a big hit.  Everyone loves the flowering uterus!   A few people exercised some patience as we figured out ordering and delivery.  
We are planning another round of merchandise. Stay tuned.  We will open the “store” for a few weeks to order your t-shirts and sweatshirts.  

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