MENWAASIGEJIG: INDIGENOUS MIDWIFERY PROGRAM

We are excited to announce the expansion of the Midland Midwives by the Bay with the addition of our Indigenous Midwifery Program (IMP) called "Menwaasigejig" meaning "the ones who shine nicely" in Ojibwe. This new program aims to increase access to culturally safe midwifery care in our region, supporting the health and well-being of Indigenous people, babies, families, and communities.  

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SERVICES PROVIDED

Menwaasigejig offers comprehensive and holistic family support throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Our services include: 

 

• Prenatal and Postpartum Care: Personalized care including prenatal and postpartum visits, family visits, labour assessments, assisted births, postpartum checks, newborn assessments, breastfeeding assistance, well-baby visits, and referrals. 

• Ceremony and Rites of Passage: Honouring traditional practices and cultural ceremonies. 

• Traditional Medicines: Incorporating traditional medicines into care plans and access to traditional medicines to take home.  

• Navigation Support: Navigating social services, such as helping with access to housing, food, baby items, etc.

• Community-Based Program: Group drop-in program during pregnancy and postpartum for community support and connection. 

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ELIGIBILITY

Our services are available to those who: 

• Reside in our catchment area, including Midland, Penetang, Tay, Tiny, Christian Island, and surrounding areas. 

• Either the pregnant person or their partner self-identifies as First Nation, Métis, or Inuit. 

• Prefer to have a home birth or give birth at Georgian Bay General Hospital. *Note: if you would like to receive care from the IMP but not planning to deliver locally, you may still be eligible.

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We are dedicated to enhancing culturally safe midwifery care and traditional services for expectant families within our community. If you are seeking a culturally respectful and supportive midwifery experience, we welcome you to explore Menwaasigejig. 

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COST

Our services are free and you do not need a health card to access them.

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FEEDBACK

An essential element of our IMP is to ensure it is reflective of the community it serves. This survey is one of several feedback mechanisms we have in place to gather ongoing client and community feedback on the birthing needs in the Indigenous community in the North Simcoe-Muskoka region. To complete the survey, please click here.
 

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