How to become a midwife
In Quebec, there is only one recognized program to become a midwife, a Baccalaureate program on the practices of midwifery given by the University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières and that lasts four and a half years. Midwives who complete the program successfully then have to become members of the Ordre des sages-femmes du Québec to practice their profession legally.
Relationship between midwives and medical professionals
It’s not just with the government that we still notice a lack of knowledge of the practice of midwives and the role they play in a woman’s pregnancy. Indeed, although they regularly work with medical staff, they realize that there is much work to be done to improve relationships and create a better collaboration as noted by Geneviève Guilbault: « We see some health care professionals question our annual numbers and saying our figures are very low compared to theirs. I wish they would realize that we don’t just do the work of a physician, we also assume the role of other professionals and it is this continuity in the services we offer that is our wealth and that that is what women are looking for. ».
Sandra Demontigny adds that: « The lack of fluidity and transparency in communications with certain medical professionals is difficult to manage. It’s tough to do what you are supposed to do when all these people carry erroneous prejudices against what you do and when you have to constantly break down these myths so that we can provide women with the best possible care. » When asked what should would like these medical professional and families who are considering using the services of a midwife, she told us with conviction: « Give yourself the chance to know exactly what the services you can expect to receive from a midwife and you will see that our services are high quality, safe and adapted to the needs of women and families all around the world! ».
Sources : Ordre des sages-femmes du Québec, Regroupement les sages-femmes du Québec, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières – Baccalauréat en pratique sage-femme, Canadian Midwifery Regulators Consortium, Canadian Association of Midwives, CSSSBNY – Pratique sage-femme, Santé et services sociaux du Québec - Politique de périnatalité 2008-2018, Métiers Québec – Pratique sage-femme.
