This year marks 25 years since the Midwifery Act was proclaimed in Manitoba, which established regulatory standards of midwifery practice and defines midwives as primary health care providers.
Today, we celebrate International Day of the Midwife, and MAHCP is proud to represent nearly 40 midwives in Winnipeg and northern Manitoba.
Midwives, a term which literally means ‘with women,’ are highly skilled professionals dedicated to providing safe, personalized, compassionate and evidence-based care to healthy pregnant people throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
Recognized as a regulated profession in Canada, midwives are committed to family-centered care and take a holistic approach to care — supporting not just physical health, but also the emotional and social well-being of both parent and baby.
Unfortunately, in Manitoba, not everyone who wants and requests a midwife can get one.
Despite growing demand and widespread recognition of the value of midwifery, our province has fallen behind. Many Manitoba communities — especially rural and remote ones — have no midwifery services at all. In areas where midwifery is available, limited staffing means families are too often turned away or placed on long waitlists.
It’s not due to lack of interest in the profession either. Midwifery students are graduating with the skills and compassion to serve Manitoban families — but they’re facing limited job opportunities. With few options to stay in Manitoba and build their careers, these highly trained healthcare professionals often move to other provinces to work.
The good news? Things can improve
In Budget 2025, the provincial government announced a $1.1 million investment in midwifery services. It’s a step in the right direction, but we need sustained, strategic investment to ensure:
- Midwives are available in more communities;
- New graduates have jobs waiting for them; and
- Families across Manitoba can access the care they need
Midwifery is essential. Midwives don’t just attend births — they provide whole-person care, empower families, and strengthen communities.
Interested in learning more about midwifery in Manitoba? Sign up for the Midwives Association of Manitoba’s newsletter and check out this profile from MAHCP member, Manitoba midwife, and all-around pregnancy and childbirth superhero, Abigail Larson!