Midwives across Central Alberta had a reason to celebrate today, as a new agreement was formed between Alberta Health Services and the Alberta Association of Midwives ensuring stable government funding.

The agreement includes increased funding, supports Midwifery graduates from Mount Royal University and provides better access to rural and remote Alberta families.

Advocate for midwifery care Linnea Deutscher, said they’ll take all the help they can get.

“A lot of women, especially in the deep south and north have to drive to go to hospital births. If we had midwifery practice in rural areas they wouldn’t have to do that.”

The agreement also includes a plan that will increase the number of midwives practicing in Alberta.

Sarin Harrison had two midwives-assisted births and said the choice needs to be available for every woman in Canada.

“The care was just so different from what I hear about what you get at hospitals.”

“I know that’s not always the case, but it was a lot more gentle, peaceful and more relaxed being in my own environment. I want all women to have that choice, of choosing where they birth, and how and with whom.”

From 2014-2016 there have been 5,148 midwife assisted-births in Alberta.

Since 2015, the government has committed close to $13 million in midwifery care including a three-year $11 million investment in the 2016 Budget.