Midwifery supporters gathering for more protests
More than 670 babies were born at Valley Regional Hospital last year because there are no midwifery services in the Valley.
Women in the region have long been calling for the return of midwives.
Burnout was cited as the cause earlier this month for the suspen- sion of the South
Shore’s midwifery program, which Kentville doula Dawn Hare says Valley women have been travelling to access.
A member of the Midwifery Coalition of Nova Scotia, which was formed more than 30 years ago, Hare lamented the long period of advocacy and concerted campaigning to increase the number of midwifery sites.
More than two years ago when then health minister Leo Glavine was asked about using midwifery expertise to make up for a lack of obstetrician/gynecologists in Kentville, he said the collaborative model was, “begging to be implemented here in the Valley. It will take time and expertise, but I would like to see a robust provincial plan. I am hoping it won’t be too long before here is the next place we introduce midwives.”
Danielle Macdonald, a nurse
Rosanne Wentzell and friend Anita from Newport Station were visitors of her sister Peggy, and Gordon Harris on Jan, 22. The gals went out for lunch and hit some of the high spots in Berwick.
In other community news, Bud Ewing, of Waterville, has returned home after a 10-day stay at the Valley Regional Hospital. Hope you are feeling much better!
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Have you ever heard of the saying, doing her PH’D in the field, says, “people are really incensed. There is a serious movement afoot. You can see it on social media.”
A protest in Bridgewater on Jan. 22 focused 100 people on Liberal MLA Mark Furey and Macdonald says other rallies are planned for Liverpool and Halifax.
“A great many of us are going to be making a lot of noise,” she stated. “This is very disappointing. From the gender perspective, the federal government backs midwifery, it needs to be echoed at the provincial level.”
According to Macdonald, both New Brunswick and Newfoundland are about to launch midwifery programs. “We’re not a leader in Nova Scotia,” she said. “What we need is a sustainable midwifery program, especially in rural areas.”
An external assessment report, completed in 2011 for the provincial government, recommended 20 fulltime positions with added sites in the Valley and Cape Breton by the end of 2017, Macdonald noted.
As a nurse, she has cared for too many mothers and babies to count, but mentions her sister Zoe’s away from home deliveries, as noteworthy. A midwife attended her first birth in 2009 when she went to Ontario and the Valley resident had to go to Halifax for the birth of her second child in order to be under the care of a midwife.
“Every woman should have a choice. For safety and comfort, midwifery births are an excellent choice. We have the scientific evidence to
“only once in a full moon”? Well, it happened recently - on Jan. 31 to be exact. It is also forecasted to take place again on March 31. The next time that happens will be in 2037. Sometimes you have to wait three years to have a blue moon.
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Some dates to keep in mind: The Town of Berwick is having a Winter Carnival from February 9 to 11.
February 9: Chilli supper and cook-off at the Lion’s Hall from 5 to 7 p.m. Children $4 or $6/ adults $6 or $8.
Baked bean supper and Chase the Ace at the Berwick Legion from 5 to 7 p.m. $8 or $10 with dessert. 7:30 p.m. is entertainment
know that.”
Hare finds it interesting that the government acted so quickly on a report to break up the province’s school boards, but seven years of excellent midwifery service has not resulted in any expansion.
by Cameron Nickerson.
Glow Trail Walk under the Stars, Nordic Pole walking event. Sign up at the Apple Dome at 6:30 p.m.
Bonfire in Rainforth Park, 7 to 10 p.m. Fireworks at Rainforth Park at 8 p.m.
Outdoor Community Rink is open for public skating under the lights from 5 to 10 p.m.
February 10: Breakfast at the Masonic Hall on Mill Street from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Adults $7/ children $3.
Carnival Triathlon begins at Rainforth Park at 9:30 a.m. You must register.
Chainsaw carving exhibition by Justin Dagley at Rainforth Park form 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Midwives also operate out of Antigonish and Halifax, but Hare fears the burnout will spread to Antigonish after attending a meeting of the Midwifery Coalition last week. She is eager to know how many Valley women were unable
Brunch at Kellocks from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Book sale, winter craft or story at the library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tea, coffee or hot apple cider.
Free community skate at the Appledome from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Barbeceu at Rainforth Park from noon to 3 p.m. Fundraiser for Dream Team 2018.
Horse and wagon rides, tours of the downtown between noon and 3 p.m. Pick up is at Rainforth Park.
Snow golf on the ballfield with Mayor Clark at Rainforth Park from 1 to 3 p.m.
Try snowshoeing with Shawn Fevens at the Gazebo at Rainforth Park from 1 to p.m.
Snow Toss for children under
to seek a birth with a midwife attending.
If any moms would like to reach out, Hare suggested the Valley Families for Midwifery Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/172514112761329/about/
12 in lobby of the Apple Dome during first period of the Wildcats game.
Valley Jr. A Wildcats vs Summerside game at the Appledome at 7 p.m.
Outdoor Community Rink. Most carnival events are free. Please make a donation to the Food Bank at the Collection truck. Call Carol at the town hall if you have any questions.
Coming up at the library: Courageous Communication for Women. Join a three-session course facilitated by Mardi Burton. It is free for women ages 20 to 35. Dates are Feb. 1, 8 and 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Space is limited. You must register by calling 902-5388060.
convey and she will be missed. Our family cannot express the gratitude we have to Dr. Saxon and all of the staff at the Heart of the Valley Nursing Home. We will always be grateful to everyone who works there for the love and compassion they showed to our mother. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St. 902-825-3448. Cremation has taken place. Celebration of life services will be held at 11 am on Feb 1, 2018 at the Middleton Funeral Home with Rev. Patty Beals officiating. Donations in memory may be made to the Fairview Cemetery in Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia. On line guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com