Remote Midwifery in Nunavik, Québec, Canada: Outcomes of Perinatal Care for the Inuulitsivik Health Centre, 2000–2007

• Published in: Birth
• Main Authors: Van Wagner, Vicki, Osepchook, Claire, Harney, Evelyn, Crosbie, Colleen, Tulugak, Mina
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2012
• Subjects: inuit; Nunavik
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-536x.2012.00552.x; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fj.1523-536X.2012.00552.x; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1523-536X.2012.00552.x

Abstract Background The Inuulitsivik midwifery service is a community‐based, Inuit‐led initiative serving the Hudson coast of the Nunavik region of northern Québec. This study of outcomes for the Inuulitsivik birth centers, aims to improve understanding of maternity services in remote communities. Methods We used a retrospective review of perinatal outcome data collected at each birth at the Inuulitsivik birth centers to examine outcomes for 1,372 labors and 1,382 babies from 2000 to 2007. Data were incomplete for some indicators, particularly for transfers to Montreal. Results Findings revealed low rates of intervention with safe outcomes in this young, largely multiparous “all risk” Inuit population. Ninety‐seven percent of births were documented as spontaneous vaginal deliveries, and 85 percent of births were attended by midwives. Eighty‐six percent of the labors occurred in Nunavik, whereas 13.7 percent occurred outside Nunavik. The preterm birth rate was found to be 10.6 percent. Postpartum hemorrhage was documented in 15.4 percent of women; of these cases, 6.9 percent had blood loss greater than 1,000 mL. Four fetal deaths (2.9 per 1,000) and five neonatal deaths (< 3.6 per 1,000) were documented. Nine percent (9%) of births involved urgent transfers of mother or baby. The most common reasons for medical evacuation were preterm labor and preeclampsia, and preterm birth was the most common reason for urgent neonatal transfer. Conclusions The success of the Innulitsivik midwifery service rests on the knowledge and skills of the Inuit midwives, and support of an interprofessional health team. Our study points to the potential for safe, culturally competent local care in remote communities without cesarean section capacity. Our findings support recommendations for integration of midwifery services and Aboriginal midwifery education programs in remote communities. ( BIRTH 39:3 September 2012)