Since 1996, the World Health Organization has called for eliminating unnecessary intervention in childbirth. Yet in the US, birth interventions have reached epidemic proportions. Sadly, there is a lack of resources available to women to help them achieve their goals of a normal, safe, and healthy birth. The norm for birth in the US today includes the use of technology and interventions that are not proven to benefit healthy women and babies during childbirth. (Our Moment of Truth, American College of Nurse Midwives)
Midwives offer care that is evidence-based, cost-effective, and highly satisfying to women and families. Care by a midwife reduces need for intervention and decreases cesarean risk. Midwives are experts in normal, healthy childbirth. They believe that birth is a normal process and intervention is necessary only if complications arise. Midwives specialize in care that is individualized. They listen to women, they educate women throughout a lifetime, so that they become empowered to care for themselves and their children with confidence and knowledge. At its core Midwife means ‘with women’. With each consideration for each women’s individuality; midwives provide primary health screening, family planning education, pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding support, menopausal support and more. For many women, midwives become an intimate healthcare ally throughout a lifetime!
Increased access to Licensed Midwives is the answer to the World Health Organizations plea. Increased utilization of midwives within all women’s health care settings is the solution to reducing health care cost. Educating the public about the many benefits of midwifery care will better our health care system overall and better our communities.
Within the Western New York community, licensed midwives abound! You will find them increasing safety within the hospital setting, attending home births and hospital births, providing care to women within community health centers and private practice settings. Western New York midwives are currently affiliated with organizations such as March of Dimes, Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, and Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network. In alliance with these organizations, midwives are working to educate healthcare professionals and administrators about the benefits of midwifery. They are striving to develop comprehensive midwifery care throughout the community and within local hospitals and are moving forward with intention to develop Buffalo’s first Midwife Birth Center.
NATIONAL MIDWIFERY WEEK: Oct 4-10, 2015
October 4 through October 10th, the Western New York community of Licensed Midwives invites one and all to learn more about the benefits of midwifery care. Please consider attending any of the following events:
Free Screening of Mama Sherpas:Midwives Across America
Wednesday October 7 at 6:30pm – hosted by Catholic Health WomenCare
144 Genesee Street, Buffalo NY
Followed by a panel discussion with the Mercy Midwives.
RSVP October 2nd 862-2182 or sbs@chsbuffalo.org
Light refreshments served
Patricia Harman, book reading and signing
Thursday October 8 at 7pm
Talking Leaves Book Store, 3158 Main Street, Buffalo NY
Patricia Harman is a beloved author of midwifery memoirs and novels. Her books include: The Midwife of Hope River, and the Blue Cotton Gown.
Midwifery Celebration
Saturday October 10 from 1-4pm
Gather, share stories, learn and enjoy light refreshments with the WNY community of Licensed Midwives
Parkside Lodge, Delaware Park, 84 Parkside Avenue, Buffalo NY