Hope House Guelph’s Post

Did you know Black women are 3x more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women? This isn't just a statistic - it's a crisis affecting our mothers, sisters, and friends. But midwives are stepping up, providing culturally competent care and championing reproductive justice for Black women. They're not just delivering babies; they're delivering real change and saving lives. Want to learn how midwives are revolutionizing Black maternal health? Read our latest blog post to learn more about how midwives are making a difference, and how you can be part of the solution. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gtkxKGh6 #BlackMaternalHealth #ReproductiveJustice #Midwifery #Doulas #MaternalHealth #Feminism #Intersectionality #SisterLoveInc

💡Midwives save lives! Well-trained midwives working in a fully functional environment could help avert roughly two thirds of all maternal and newborn deaths, according to the most recent State of the World’s Midwifery report. They could also deliver 90% of all essential sexual, reproductive, maternal and newborn health services, yet because they are both underutilised and in short supply, they account for only 10% of those currently providing these services. The gaps are clear, an indication that we need to ACT! cc: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) | Coalition for Women's Health in Africa (COWHA) #motherhood #globalgoals #womenshealth #midwives #africa

Please find the updated ICM Essential Competencies for Midwifery Practice 2024 by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) which have officially been published (see attached). Please circulate widely with your midwifery partners. New developments to note in the 2024 updated competencies include: - Competencies expanded from the initial 4 to 5 (see table below). The additional category (Sexual & Reproductive Health and Rights) underscores the midwife’s broader role in sexual and reproductive health care, counselling and education, including contraception, pre-conception and comprehensive abortion care) - Care for women and their families in humanitarian settings and emerging megatrends (technology in midwifery care, climate change)

Despite the ongoing crisis, Haitian midwives remain steadfast in protecting the lives of women and children.  Your support can make a difference. The Association of Haitian Midwives put out a statement denouncing the devastating repercussions of Haiti’s current crisis on sexual and reproductive health. They state that  “the ongoing crisis, whether economic, social, security or political, has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities and created new barriers for women in terms of health.” Amid Haiti's ongoing crisis, Haitian midwives, alongside their dedicated partners (INSFSF (National Midwifery School), IPPF (International Planned Parenthood Federation), and GodocGo),  remain on the frontlines. Despite the immense challenges, they continue to provide critical comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services. They work tirelessly to protect the lives of women and children in their communities. But they need our support more than ever. Healthcare is a basic human right. We must guarantee equitable access to healthcare, ensure psychosocial support for those impacted by trauma, and strengthen health facilities so they can continue their life-saving work.  Immediate funding is essential to provide the resources, training, and hope these midwives need to carry on their mission. Together, we can make a difference—because every woman deserves safety, care, and the chance for a healthy future. Join us in supporting Haitian midwives in this critical fight for women’s health. https://lnkd.in/gYgZ6WGw #Haiti #MidwivesForHope #INSFSF #IPPF #GodocGo #CervicalCancerPrevention #WomensHealth #HealthcareForAll #EmergencyFunding #ReproductiveHealth #HopeInAction #SupportMidwives Song Title by Momento Mizik - All rights to this song belong to Momento Mizik

First Nations communities experience an unacceptable gap in health outcomes and First Nations babies and their mothers have critically poorer outcomes than non-First Nations people. The Baggarrook Yurrongi culturally inclusive caseload midwifery pilot program began as a collaboration between researchers at La Trobe University, Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and three major Melbourne metropolitan hospitals. Women in the program reported positive experiences of maternity care during labour, birth and the early postnatal period and felt emotionally and physically supported. Numerous studies have found that midwifery-led continuity of care is associated with substantially better perinatal health outcomes. That's why there is such a demand for the Baggarrook Yurrongi caseload midwifery program. This unique model differs from fragmented mainstream care where First Nations women usually receive care from a number of different and unfamiliar health care providers, and often experience racism. Midwives working in the model were also highly satisfied with the work, valuing building close relationships with women and providing continuity of care in a culturally sensitive way. To support this program and other wonderful gender-wise initiatives please visit the AIIW Project Portal via: https://lnkd.in/e7wdphUA #womenshealth #naidoc #keepthefiresburning #genderequality #philanthropy #investinwomen #firstnations #Baggarrookyurrongi #midwifery #genderwise #philanthropy #genderlens #investinginwomen #funding

DID YOU KNOW? THERE IS A MATERNAL HEALTH CRISIS. The United States ranks #1 and has the highest rate of women dying in pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum compared with all other high-income nations. There were about 22 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births in the United States AND the rate of maternal deaths among Black women in the United States remains even higher, at nearly double - 50 deaths per 100,000 live births. There are existing barriers, and some contributing factors include racial bias and limited access to community amenities & resources, such as housing, transportation and access to health care. JustLiving Advocacy Inc. supports Doula and Midwifery care for pre and post pregnancy care. #doulacare #midwifesupport #maternalcare #pregancysupport #nonprofitsupport #midwifery #healthequity

#16DaysofActivism Against Gender-Based Violence 🟠 Today, we spotlight obstetric violence—a form of gender-based violence that impacts countless women. In Oyo State, Nigeria, midwifery service managers are paving the way for change. A new study by Adetunmise Oluseyi Olajide and Sinegugu Evidence Duma assesses their readiness to combat obstetric violence using the Community Readiness Model, finding that preparedness is at the "preparatory" stage. This foundational work is a critical step toward respectful, violence-free maternity care for all. 📖 Learn more: https://zurl.co/McVO #ObstetricViolence

This paper from Midwifery explores systemic barriers to providing smoking cessation care. It focuses on relapse prevention among pregnant and postpartum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Read it here: 🔗 https://bit.ly/4h29A0f

https://lnkd.in/eepkmfZz New paper Gender inclusive language in midwifery and perinatal services: a guide and argument for justice! @ash_bainbridge @sallypezaro @bunty.lb +++ - it is an essential read for everyone in the perinatal service sector! “there have been calls for reform through the development of inclusive guidelines and policies to be reflective of all who birth.2 However, there is a conservative counter-resistance calling for the continued use of “sexed language”.6 In this paper, we will illustrate how such a move inadvertently reinforces the structures that presently oppress all birthing people, the majority of whom are cisgender women, and midwifery itself.” Finally a paper that counters opinion pieces (often held up as evidence or fact!) that argue against one of the founding pillars of midwifery care: (of all medical care!) autonomy and choice. Read and share far and wide! Make sure your organisation or collective is including it in their pride month comms. #pride #transman #transwomen #nonbinary #transgender #pregnancy #midwifery #doula #birthwork