According to the Association of Ontario Midwives and Ryerson’s Midwifery Education Program: of the nearly 1000 midwives that are currently registered  in Ontario less than 30 self-identify as Black.

The lack of diversity in the field of midwifery is a concern for midwifery care across Canada. In this final episode of the Black Births Matter series, Trish chats with Black midwives Althea Jones and Vincia Herbert about what it means to be a Black midwife. 

Althea Jones is a registered midwife in Toronto and founder of Womb and Wellness, an organization aimed at addressing the gaps in maternity care. She is also the founder of Ancestral Hands, an initiative to create a midwife-led maternity program that is focused on the Black community. 

Vincia Herbert is also a registered midwife in Toronto, and is involved in many initiatives that promote community building, anti-discrimination, equity and inclusion.

Photo by Eye for Ebony on Unsplash