The College of Midwives of Manitoba is the regulatory body for the profession of midwifery. The purpose of the College is to:
The College is made up of members whose names appear on the registers specified by the legislation, and who have paid the fees provided for in the By-law. These are:
The College is governed by a council comprised of midwives, at least two members of the public and a representative of the College's Standing Committee on Issues Related to Midwifery Care to Aboriginal Women. Midwife members of council are elected by the College's membership and must include at least one midwife who practices in a rural area. Public representatives are appointed by the Committee to Select Public Representatives. The College also has the following committees: Executive, Board of Assessors, Standards, Quality Assurance, Education, Complaints, and Inquiry.
Council meetings are open to the public. They are held regularly throughout the year at the College office. Contact the College to confirm meeting time and locations.
History of the College
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Midwives throughout history have been community experts in providing knowledge, skill, guidance and support to women through pregnancy, labour and birth. Indeed, the World Health Organization recognizes midwives internationally as the specialists in normal childbirth.
Today, midwives provide both advanced clinical skills and a focus that puts women and their families at the centre of care.
In 1997, the Manitoba government declared midwifery an independent, regulated health care service. This valuable service is intended to be available and accessible to all Manitoba women.
The Midwifery Act was proclaimed on June 12, 2000, and is the means by which the autonomous profession of midwifery in Manitoba is regulated. The Midwifery Act defines midwives as primary health care providers with a specified area and scope of practice. The Act also establishes a self-regulating governing body known as the College of Midwives of Manitoba. One of the main functions of the College is protection of the public by ensuring that midwives follow the standards of midwifery practice.
Similar to a number of Canadian provinces, midwifery practice in Manitoba has been regulated relatively recently. In June 2000, the Manitoba Legislature proclaimed the Midwifery Act and the Midwifery Regulation, establishing midwives as primary health care providers. In 2000, the first group of midwives completed a one-time Assessment & Upgrade Program and was registered to practice.
By the same legislation, the College of Midwives of Manitoba (CMM or the College) was established as the regulatory body for the profession. All midwives who practice in Manitoba must be registered with the CMM. The requirements for registration are outlined in the Midwifery Regulation. Practising midwifery in Manitoba, or holding oneself out as a midwife, without being registered with the College of Midwives is illegal.
Currently, there are approximately 35 practising midwives providing services via regional health authorities in urban areas as well as in rural and northern Manitoba. They work in collaboration with other health care providers to deliver the best possible care to women and their families. Women who choose a midwife as their caregiver may birth their baby in hospital or in an out-of-hospital setting. At present, the demand for midwifery services exceeds the supply of midwives who can provide the service.
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