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empowering and supporting birthing families in our
community
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About MACFE
- non-profit, volunteer organization, founded by concerned
parents.
- oldest childbirth education organization in Winnipeg.
- has been providing support to families since 1982.
- dedicated to helping families before, during and after
the birth of a child.
- stresses options in childbirth, informed choice and
supports women's rights to choose their caregiver.
- participate in advisory groups as a consumer
representative and work with other groups, organizations
and government with issues concerning the care of women,
infants and their families.
What is a Labour Companion or Doula?
MACFE Labour Companions do:
- accompany women in labour.
- help ensure more satisfying birth experiences.
- draw on their knowledge and experience to provide
physical comfort and emotional support.
- provide reassurance, make suggestions for labour progress
and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other
techniques for comfort.
- work for you, not your caregiver or hospital.
- enhance your birth experience not replace your partner.
MACFE Labour Companions do not:
- perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal
heart checks or vaginal exams.
- make decisions for you. A labour companion will help you
to get the information necessary to make an informed
decision.
MACFE Childbirth Education Classes:
- our instructors work independently or in teams under the
basic tenets and philosophy of MACFE.
- we offer classes that suit a variety of different
schedules and circumstances.
- there is a full series Childbirth Preparation class that
consists of seven prenatal class evenings and one
postnatal class or two Saturday daytime classes.
- we also offer private full series classes for those that
wish to be taught in the convenience of their own homes.
- a refresher course for those clients that have previously
taken childbirth preparation classes is also available.
Why Take MACFE Classes?
- we believe that pregnancy and birth are not just
physiological events, but physically normal and healthy
states of most women's lives, with important emotional
and psychological aspects.
- all classes are offered in small group settings - maximum
ten expectant women and their support person(s)
- small class size ensures plenty of time for personalized
teaching, time to get to know the other participants and
time to address individual questions and concerns.
- because classes are not based out of a specific hospital,
discussion will incorporate all of Winnipeg's
place-of-birth options.
- MACFE follows the ICEA (International Childbirth
Education Association) philosophy of "Freedom of
Choice Through Knowledge of Alternatives".
Volunteer Opportunities and How to Contact MACFE:
For more information regarding volunteer opportunities or if you or someone you know would be interested in becoming a Doula
please contact us. MACFE offers training sessions regularly. We
can be reached by phone at 1-204-475-1865 or by email at macfe@mts.net.
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