Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Apr 14/00) - Midwives play a valuable role at the Rankin Inlet Birthing Centre and their services will soon be available to women across the Kivalliq who qualify for their care.

Sue Lightford, who oversees the birthing centre's operation, says the centre will be prepared to start receiving women outside Rankin next month.

Lightford adds the expansion is part of a natural progression since the centre opened in 1993, with funding from the Government of the Northwest Territories.

The need for the birthing centre's services was identified in a medical study conducted in the 1980s. In November 1995, the centre moved from being a project to a running program.

"An evaluation was part of that process which found it would be in the program's best interest for women from around the region to come here," says Lightford.

"We have adequate staffing now to enable us to do this. We've hired a third midwife who will be starting in May and we're going to start with a gradual increase so the centre won't be overwhelmed."

In addition to its three midwives, the birthing centre also has two maternity workers on staff.

Lightford says the centre's goal is to have the maternity workers progress to the point where they can take their examination and become certified midwives.

"Our two maternity workers have built a skill and knowledge base that's really quite remarkable. Hopefully, they'll be able to take the exam and become certified in the next few years."

Expectant mothers who want to deliver in Rankin will be monitored during pregnancy to assess risk factors.

The centre will only accept those who are considered a low-risk pregnancy.

Midwife Chris Siksik says the centre staff will be involved with the entire process.

"We will have some contact with them during their prenatal care, which will make it a lot easier for the moms when they come here. We will discuss their suitability with about six weeks to go in the pregnancy and conduct a conference call.

"The call will include the mom and health-care worker from her community, as well as a doctor, nurse in charge and birthing staff.

This way, they get a chance to kind of meet us during the call and get to be in on any discussions as to their suitability," said Siksik.