The Manitoba government is restoring funding for lactation consultant positions and expanding women’s health services across the province.
The announcement highlights major improvements rolling out in both urban and rural areas, with an emphasis on supporting Manitobans through pregnancy, childbirth and beyond.
“One hundred per cent, every woman should have access to the care she needs, when she needs it. Our government is expanding reproductive health services, strengthening prenatal and birthing supports, and improving early years care so families feel supported from the very beginning,” says Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara.
“The previous government cut this funding and eliminated lactation consultants and we are investing in this critical service for mothers,” notes Asagwara.
Expanding care in rural and northern regions
Alongside the restored funding, the province is emphasizing improvements outside Winnipeg.
Families in the Interlake–Eastern health region now have access to midwifery care for the first time. The province launched a fully integrated midwifery program in the region this fall, aiming to close long-standing gaps in local services.
Birthing services are also being restored in Norway House Cree Nation. The province says this is part of a broader push to make sure families in northern and remote communities can receive care closer to home.
“These efforts are part of a longer-term plan to improve women’s health care provincewide. Work has started on an early review on how to better support peri-menopausal and menopausal care, including next steps related to the Mature Women’s Centre that was closed under the previous government,” adds Asagwara.
Restoring key supports for new parents
Funding for lactation consultant positions was originally cut in 2017 within the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. With funding now restored permanently, mothers who give birth at HSC Women’s Hospital will again have access to lactation support services.
The province says this is essential for helping parents navigate early feeding challenges and receive guidance during the newborn stage.
The government is also investing in earlier breast cancer screening, additional supports for new parents and expanded mature women’s health care.
These initiatives are intended to strengthen services throughout every stage of a woman’s life.
Boosting reproductive health access
The province highlights strong uptake of universal free birth control, which launched Oct. 1, 2024. More than 110,000 prescriptions have been filled at no cost since then.
“More than 110,000 prescriptions have been filled at no cost – a major shift after years when affordability and access were barriers to care,” continues Asagwara.
The program now covers about 60 contraceptives, including long-requested additions such as copper IUDs and emergency contraception.
“This includes long-awaited additions such as copper IUDs and emergency contraception, ensuring equitable access to both,” remarks Asagwara.
The government has also doubled the fertility tax credit and strengthened the Prenatal Benefit Program to help low-income pregnant Manitobans access nutrition supports.
Looking ahead with digital tools
Modernization efforts include expanded pharmacy prescribing and a new patient portal that will help women access reproductive-health information, screening results and other clinical supports more easily.
“Ensuring women of all ages can access appropriate, timely care remains a priority as the health system is rebuilt. As part of this work, we are assessing pathways to expand access to hormone replacement therapy and improve care models for women experiencing menopause,” mentions Asagwara.
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