Welcome to From the Frontlines, a special Healthcare Change Makers mini-series. Healthcare providers and support staff have been on the frontlines, fighting for Canadians since the start of this pandemic. In this series we're handing the microphone over to some of those amazing individuals.

Today, HIROC's Michelle Holden and Philip De Souza sit down with Claire Dion Fletcher, Indigenous Registered Midwife and Co-Chair of the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives (NACM). Claire gives us an inside look at what midwifery and patient care look like in today's new normal.

She speaks about the important role that Indigenous midwifery plays in our healthcare system and what Canadians can do to better understand this relationship.

For those looking to learn more about NACM and the role of midwives in our healthcare system, Claire leaves us with some salient takeaways.

Key Takeaways:

[1:05] Claire tells us about herself and her work

[2:18] The centering of clients and families in the care experience is crucial to providing good healthcare

[3:12] How midwives play a role in the revitalization of Indigenous knowledge and culture in healthcare

[4:16] What has changed and what has stayed the same in midwifery care since the start of the pandemic

[7:02] Talking to clients about the unknowns around being pregnant and delivering during the pandemic

[8:44] The day-to-day of a midwife

[10:03] NACM's work around inequities in the healthcare system and the demand for better access to care provided by Indigenous midwives

[12:23] Claire's work with the Midwifery Education Program at Ryerson

[13:06] One thing Canadians can do to better educate themselves and see the true value of midwives in society

[15:00] How the attention being drawn to racism today is interlinked with midwifery

Mentioned in this Episode:

Seventh Generation Midwives Toronto

National Aboriginal Council of Midwives (NACM)

Carol Couchie

Midwifery Education Program (Ryerson University)

Access more interviews with healthcare leaders at HIROC.com/podcast

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