Winnipeg couple expecting baby worries as possible midwives' strike looms

A Winnipeg couple expecting a baby is weighing their options under the threat of a strike among Manitoba's midwives.

Randi Grant said she and her husband, Kris, experienced difficulty getting pregnant and although a number ofobstetricians helped them along the way, the couple is working with a midwife to create the most natural context possible for the birth.

• Manitoba midwives reject employer's latest offer, strike date 'could be set within weeks'

Now 31 weeks pregnant, Randi said she's become comfortable with the couple's midwife and she is uncertainabout the care she will get if the service she's receiving now becomes unavailable.

"It's really stressful.I had a meltdown Friday about it;spent some hours in tears, which isn't good for me or the baby," she said.

"I'm just very anxious to find out what's going to happen."

While midwives in Manitoba fall under Essential Services Legislationand CUPE Local 2348, which represents the province's midwives, issued a news release on Friday saying no expectant mother would be put at risk in the event of a strike, Randi and Kris are still worried.

"We obviously support [the midwives] but unfortunately, it could be at our detriment," Kris said.

"It's really important for them to have a fair contract in place and for there to be more midwives in Manitoba available to the people looking to use their services."

Going forward, Randi said she and Kris have "no game plan."

"We're hoping it doesn't come to a strike but obviously things aren't looking good at this point," she said.

On Friday, the province's midwivesrejected their employer's most recent offer following a ratification vote.While a strike date has not been set, CUPE Local 2348 is planning to meet with employer representatives and a date could be set within weeks, according to a news release issued at that time.