Midwifery Services
CBHSSJB Midwifery Services are experts in normal pregnancy, birth, and newborn care. They provide comprehensive, continuous, and culturally safe care from the beginning of pregnancy until 6 weeks postpartum, respecting Cree traditions.
Discover the dedicated Birthing Homes in Waskaganish (now open!) and Chisasibi (open since 2021), where families can experience giving birth in the community surrounded by loved ones and rooted in Cree culture.
Midwives care for healthy, low-risk people. If you are interested in having a midwife, please contact the services to find out if you are eligible. Birth on territory with midwives is intended for low-risk clients aiming for a natural birth. Clients who choose, or need, to give birth in Val-d’Or will be cared for by doctors and nurses there, but can still have prenatal and postnatal care with midwives in Chisasibi.
You can call Midwifery Services at any time for information, and you can meet with a midwife as soon as you become pregnant. You do not need a referral from a doctor or nurse, although they can help you with this request.
Clients are encouraged to include their partners, family and friends in their care.
Midwifery Services is currently offered in Chisasibi for residents of Chisasibi, Wemindji and Whapmagoostui. Even if you live in another community, please contact Midwifery Services to see what is possible.
Residents from Wemindji and Whapmagoostui receive most of their pre- and post-natal care at home with Awash nurses and doctors, but also have virtual and in-person consultations with midwives. They go to Chisasibi to give birth. Midwifery Services has a Boarding Home for clients and family caregivers.
Midwifery Services and Birthing Homes are planned for Mistissini and Waskaganish, which will also service the communities of Waswanipi, Ouje-Bougoumou, Eastmain and Nemaska.
Midwives are experts in normal pregnancy, birth and babies and provide complete care, including regular visits, routine tests and bloodwork, information and emotional support. Care starts in early pregnancy and lasts until six weeks postpartum.
Midwives support birth in a setting the person chooses. In Chisasibi, this includes at the hospital, the Birth Home, private homes, and in traditional dwellings. Place of birth is assessed for risk of complications; sometimes birth off territory is recommended.
Midwives believe pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding are normal, natural events. And that everyone possesses within themselves the resources for giving birth and becoming a parent. Midwives support this process with careful monitoring, education and support. If you have a midwife, you do not also need a doctor.
Midwifery Services also has Cree Birth Assistants. They take care of the birth home, assist the midwives, provide labour support, and help link clients with resources.
If you are interested in seeing a midwife, contact your local CMC or you can contact Midwifery Services directly:
Communities |
Phone numbers |
Addresses |
| Waskaganish | (819) 895-2160 | 5 Chief Isaiah Road, Waskaganish, QC J0M 1R0 |
| Chisasibi | 819-855-2744 ext. 22166 | C.P. 250, 12 Maamuu Rd, Chisasibi, QC J0M 1E0 |
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CBHSSJB Midwifery Services are experts in normal pregnancy, birth, and babies.
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