New Brunswick Midwives: A Critical Shortage

New Brunswick's midwifery services are severely limited, with the sole Midwifery Centre in Fredericton struggling to meet local demand. Established in 2017, the clinic now has only three practicing midwives, and a provincial expansion promised in 2024 has yet to be formalized. This situation reflects a broader national challenge, as demand for midwives consistently outpaces supply across Canada. The Canadian Association of Midwives notes that many provinces, including New Brunswick, struggle with recruitment due to limited practitioners and lack of local training programs. Atlantic Canada lacks undergraduate midwifery education, with students typically needing to study in Quebec or Ontario. Experts suggest purchasing seats in existing programs and supporting clinical placements within the home province as potential solutions. Amendments to New Brunswick's Midwifery Act and enhanced support, such as student loan forgiveness and bonuses, are also proposed to address the shortage and improve access to care during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.