CBHSSJB midwifery team celebrates opening of Chisasibi Birthing Home
On December 1, 2021 in Chisasibi, the Cree Health Board Midwifery team held an Open House to celebrate the opening of a temporary Birthing Home in the community. Located across the street from Chisasibi Hospital, it is a comfortable place for women to give birth, surrounded by family and connected with Cree traditions.
Hello everyone, my name is Lisa Bobbish.
I work at the Birth Home and I help the midwives.
Today, we are giving you a small tour.
Our services are ready for births.
This is where the baby's clothes are hanging when it's time.
When they need the water, it is there for them to use for their comfort.
What you see here is our way to help you feel comfortable..home like environment.
Alright everyone, thank you for listening.
The Cree Health Board re-established birthing services in Chisasibi in 2017, but space was limited. On November 24, the first baby was born in the new spacious and accessible Birthing Room, attended by the Midwife and Birth Assistant.
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CaptionGroup photo: (from left to right) Bertie Wapachee, Marcella Washipabano, Sylvie Carignan, Gabrielle Dallaire, Maude Poulin, Denise Perusse, Arlene Swallow, Lisa Bobbish, Mariève Hémond, Sara-Michelle Bresee, Margaret Dick, Sarah Tapiatic, Natasha Bates -
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CaptionBirthing Room of the temporary Birthing Home, Chisasibi. -
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CaptionBathtub in the Birthing Room of the temporary Birthing Home, Chisasibi. -
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CaptionQuilt made by Chisasibi Elders, used for traditional purposes in the Birthing Room of the Chisasibi Birthing Home. Nishiiyuu documented many birthing traditions passed down from Traditional Midwives. -
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CaptionBirth Assistants Lisa Bobbish and Arlene Swallow. -
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CaptionInterim Coordinator of Midwifery Services Denise Perusse and Chairperson Bertie Wapachee, in the Birthing Room of the newly renovated temporary Birthing Home in Chisasibi. -
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CaptionSylvie Carignan (Interim Head of Midwifery Services) is gives Chair Bertie Wapachee a tour of the birthing room. -
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CaptionSylvie Carignan (Interim Head of Midwifery Services) gives Chair Bertie Wapachee a tour of the birthing room. -
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CaptionSylvie Carignan (Interim Head of Midwifery Services) gives Chair Bertie Wapachee a tour of the birthing room. -
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CaptionSylvie Carignan (Interim Head of Midwifery Services) gives Chair Bertie Wapachee a tour of the birthing room. Also present (left) is midwife Sara-Michelle Bresee. -
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CaptionCake baked by the Birth Assistant Lisa Bobbish for the December 1, 2021 opening of the temporary Birthing Home, Chisasibi.
Building on the Chisasibi experience, the CBHSSJB is planning the expansion of Midwifery services to every community in Eeyou Istchee. In 2022, construction will begin on permanent Birthing Homes in the three regional poles of Chisasibi, Waskaganish and Mistissini, each serving the smaller neighboring communities.
The CBHSSJB is also developing a Midwifery Education Program, which will train the next generation of Cree Midwives, ensuring the continuation of services that are deeply cherished by the community.
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Healthy women having a normal pregnancy can choose to be followed by a midwife based in Chisasibi.
The Eeyou Istchee Pimaatisiiwin Chiskutimaachawin (EIPC) started in July 2024 with 4 chiskutimwaakanch (learners) in Chisasibi.
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The start of midwifery services in Chisasibi is a major milestone in the CBHSSJB’s project to bring birthing back to Eeyou/Eenou Istchee.
