As AI transforms health care, midwives find themselves at a crossroads:

Can technology support relational, culturally safe care, or will it deepen existing gaps?

In this thought-provoking episode of Strength in Practice, we explore how AI is already shaping perinatal care. We look at decision-making tools, fertility apps, algorithmic bias, and data privacy concerns. What does AI promise for maternal health? And what risks does it pose, particularly for marginalized communities?

We speak with Dr. Sandra Multiva PhD, a midwife and researcher whose work examines surveillance, consent, and how AI might either strengthen or undermine the future of midwife-led, culturally safe care.

Whether you are tech curious or tech cautious, this episode invites you to imagine a future where AI supports, not replaces, the heart of midwifery: relational care.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr. Sandra Mutilva is the Program Manager for the International Midwifery Preregistration Bridging Program (IMPBP) at Toronto Metropolitan University. A registered midwife (Emeritus) with over 30 years of global experience, she holds a PhD in Organizational Leadership, an Executive MBA, and certifications in health leadership, risk management, and machine learning. Sandra has served as Chief of Midwifery at The Ottawa Hospital and co-founded Ottawa South Midwives. Her current work explores the ethical integration of Artificial Intelligence in reproductive health, with a focus on health equity, culturally safe care, and ensuring midwives are prepared for rapidly evolving digital health systems.

REFERENCES

• Related AI-driven efforts in obstetrics/labour prediction and other applications in healthcare (just the tip of the iceberg)
• Artificial Intelligence Models for Predicting Mode of Delivery, AlSaad et al., JOGOH, 2025
• Predicting Preterm Birth Using Machine Learning, Kloska et al., Scientific Reports, 2025
• Landmark Research from Maven Clinic on Virtual Doula Care
• Association Between Doula Use on a Digital Health Platform and Birth Outcomes, Karwa et al., Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2024

__

We welcome feedback at CAMpodcast@canadianmidwives.org

Strength in Practice is produced by the Canadian Association of Midwives, in collaboration with Bespoke Podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.