For the past year, the Nova Scotia Department of Health has been working diligently with the midwives and consumers of Nova Scotia to integrate midwifery care into our health care system. In February 2008, the department requested that interested District Health Authorities declare their desire to become one of the model sites for midwifery care in Nova Scotia. This would mean that women in these specific District Health Authorities would have free access to midwives. This includes pre-natal and post-natal care and would also give women control and choice on where they delivery their child, either at home or in the hospital. Canadian midwives are professionally trained and are required to complete a comprehensive assessment process to demonstrate a high level of skill and competency to provide quality care to women and infants. One of the most important aspects of the midwifery experience is that women have the opportunity to develop a strong relationship with their midwife prior to the time of birth. We sign this petition to demonstrate our support and desire to have midwifery services offered by the South West Nova District Health Authority. This would enable women from the tri-counties to have free access to the care of a midwife during their pregnancy, birth and in the postpartum period. We urge the South West Nova District Health Authority to explore becoming one of the model midwifery sites in the province to have such services available to the women of the area in a timely manner. The ultimate goal is for midwife care to be provided throughout the province accessible by all Nova Scotian women.

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