CJ Blennerhassett: Growing Midwifery in an Area Where it’s Really Needed

Healthcare Change Makers

Our guest CJ Blennerhassett, began her career as a midwife in a busy Toronto practice. She has since moved back to her home province of Nova Scotia where there are just 16 midwives who deliver reproductive care in an area that has both urban and large rural pockets.

CJ is still a practicing midwife but now combines her duties with her role as Vice President of the Association of Nova Scotia Midwives and President-elect of the Canadian Association of Midwives.

In those roles, CJ is honoured that her midwifery colleagues trust her to push health authorities, government, and decision-makers to think about creative solutions to the primary care crisis in Nova Scotia and across the country.

So many people in her province are without care, she says, while midwives are here and willing and excited about delivering that care.

Quotables

“When the opportunity presented itself to be back here in Nova Scotia, I really jumped at that – to be closer to family but also to participate in growing the profession in an area where it’s really needed.” – CJB

“Unfortunately, in Nova Scotia we turn away as many people as we take in to midwifery care. We’re only able to care for 50% of people who request midwifery care.” – CJB

“British Columbia has a model where they try their best to ensure the right care provider for the right patient at the right time.” – CJB

“I think about leadership as being somebody who is speaking on behalf of the will of the group.” – CJB

“We really want to see Indigenous midwives working in all Indigenous communities in Nova Scotia not only to bring birth and care to people in their home communities but to improve birth outcomes for those communities.” – CJB

“We offer a kind of care that is really unparalleled in this country and that’s something to be supported and celebrated.” – CJB

“One thing I have always felt strongly about in terms of midwifery care and ways it can benefit the healthcare system in lots of other areas is this focus on informed choice.” – CJB

“I’m really inspired by people who blend creativity with policy work.” – CJB

Mentioned in this Episode:

Association of Nova Scotia Midwives

CAM knovember 2022

Canadian Association of Midwives

Kensington Midwives

Jessica MacDonald

National Aboriginal Council of Midwives

Alisha Julien Reid, Mi’kmaq Midwife

Canadian Alliance of Racialized Midwives

Jennie Joseph

Stacey Abrams

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