UBC’s Division of Midwifery, in November 2015, launched a BC-wide network to foster midwifery and maternity care research collaboration across the province.
BC Midwifery Network Overview
The BC Midwifery Network — a partnership between UBC Midwifery, the College of Midwives of BC, the Midwives Association of BC, Perinatal Services BC, and Midwifery departments and divisions across the province’s five regional health authorities — was formally unveiled at BC Women’s Hospital.
The BC Midwifery Network was a hub for advancing midwifery practice, education, and research across British Columbia. This platform connected midwives, educators, researchers, and students to foster collaboration and improve maternal and newborn health outcomes. By prioritizing innovation and community-driven initiatives, the network supported cutting-edge research and practice in the field of midwifery.
Research Highlights
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Probiotics to Decrease GBS
- Lead Researchers: Dr. Saraswathi Vedam, Hamideh Bayrampour
- Focus: Investigated whether oral probiotics during pregnancy could reduce Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization and limit the use of antibiotics in labour.
Water Birth Outcomes
- Lead Researchers: Dr. Saraswathi Vedam, Cathy Ellis
- Focus: Examined maternal and neonatal outcomes in water births compared to traditional birthing methods, emphasizing safety and efficacy.
Labour Cocktail Outcomes
- Lead Researchers: Dr. Saraswathi Vedam, Luba Butska
- Focus: Analyzed the effects of herbal labour induction methods, such as castor oil and Verbena officinalis, on perinatal outcomes.
Poke Root for Mastitis
- Lead Researchers: Cathy Ellis, Dr. Saraswathi Vedam
- Focus: Explored poke root as a potential alternative treatment for lactational mastitis, aiming to reduce reliance on antibiotics.
Perinatal Mental Health
- Lead Researchers: Hamideh Bayrampour
- Focus: Addressed gaps in screening and treatment for perinatal anxiety and depression, ensuring comprehensive care during pregnancy and postpartum.
Midwifery Supervision Model
- Lead Researchers: Dr. Saraswathi Vedam, Kim Campbell
- Focus: Developed a supportive supervision model for midwives to enhance professional growth and care quality in BC.
Global Health Research
- Lead Researchers: Luba Butska, Cathy Ellis
- Focus: Partnered with international teams to improve maternal and newborn health in low-resource settings through clinical trials and capacity building.
Community-Based Research
- Lead Researchers: Saraswathi Vedam
- Focus: Engaged communities in participatory research to address local women’s health priorities and improve outcomes.
Changing Childbirth in BC Study
- Lead Researchers: Dr. Saraswathi Vedam
- Focus: Measured maternal autonomy and respectful care using tools like the MADM (Mother’s Autonomy in Decision Making) and MOR (Mistreatment of Women in Childbirth) indices.
The Legacy of the BC Midwifery Network
These initiatives showcased the BC Midwifery Network’s dedication to evidence-based practice, global collaboration, and community-driven research. By empowering researchers and midwives alike, the network contributed to groundbreaking maternal and newborn care advancements.
The network ran from 2015 until 2019, and the site was officially closed in 2023.