Erika Sherk
Northern News Services
Published Monday, October 19, 2009
IKALUKTUTIAK/CAMBRIDGE BAY - Expectant mothers in Cambridge Bay will soon have the chance to give birth closer to home now that the hamlet's birthing centre has hired its first midwife.
 Sharyne Fraser is Cambridge Bay's first full-time midwife. At least one more is expected to join her in the coming month. |
Another midwife is on the way, and a third will hopefully be in place by the new year, according to Clara Evalik, the regional director for Kitikmeot health and social services.
Pregnant women are now sent to Yellowknife or Edmonton three weeks before their delivery date, said Evalik.
"It's supposed to be an exciting time, giving birth to a baby," she said. "But when you're in Yellowknife on your own and the family members are not a part of the birth, it's unfortunate."
Kelly Lear is due February 26. She is taking early maternity leave to be extra careful during her pregnancy. "That's how badly I want to stay in town," she said. Her pregnancy is low-risk so far and that's the way she intends to keep it.
"Just the thought of going down (South) for a month before, sitting twiddling my thumbs, it would be very easy for any woman to set into depression," she said. "Being home around family makes it so much easier."
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