In the late 90′s, when midwifery was seeing a come back in other provinces, St-Pierre-Jolys and surrounding area showed strong support for being the first communities to offer these services in Manitoba.

A partnership between Midwife Carol Griffin (above left), the Crow Wing Trail Farm Women’s Institute and the Rat River Health Council led to a successful proposal by South Eastman Health Regional Health Authority to Manitoba Health.

In 2000, the “Midwifery House” opened its doors on Hwy 59 in St-Pierre-Jolys, to the welcoming arms of local mothers-to-be. The Program is very successful, having to turn away many expectant mothers for lack of available midwives.

Midwives provide primary care for women during their prenatal, labour and birth, postpartum and newborn care up to 6 weeks postpartum. Care is based on informed choice so that women are the primary decision makers in their care. Midwives ensure women are fully informed about the risks and benefits of lab tests and medical procedures thereby giving them the option to choose which ones are the best fit for them. As well, women are given the choice of birth place such as hospital, home or birth centre (where available) while providing safe practice for normal, low risk pregnancies. Should a medical condition arise in pregnancy, midwives work collegially with physicians in the region as well as obstetricians in Winnipeg for consultation, discussion and/or transfer of care where the condition warrants such set out by the College of Midwives, Standards of Practice.