Mary Sharpe

Mary served as director of the Midwifery Education Program (MEP) for five years ending in the 2014-15 academic year. She started as lecturer in the MEP in 1994 and became an Assistant Professor in 2002, and then an Associate Professor.

Mary’s Masters  thesis examined the transition of midwifery to a regulated field in Ontario through the eyes of practicing midwives. It focused on midwives who practiced during the pre-regulation period and captured their impressions of the changing landscape.

Mary’s primary research interest focuses on impediments that disturb the normal spontaneous birth process. Related to this is her keen interest in the relationships between women and their midwives, (her PhD dissertation) home births, exploring mindful midwifery practice and the phenomenon of GBS colonization.

She was among the pioneers in the renaissance of midwifery in Ontario , who were registered to practice in Ontario when it became a regulated profession in 1994.  She has more than 35 years experience in the field and founded the  Riverdale Community Midwives practice.

Mary has held many leadership roles, including chair of the Canadian Association of Midwifery Educators Accreditation Working Group and peer reviewer for the journal, Birth.

• Present - Currently pursuing a project mounting a randomized controlled study looking at the effect of probiotics in changing pregnant women’s GBS status.  The initial phase of the project involved a qualitative published study interviewing women about their personal experiences of being diagnosed as GBS positive during pregnancy.
• 2013 – Co-authored a comparative published study on midwifery outcomes in four practices in Toronto.
  
• “Intimate Business: Woman-Midwife Relationships in Ontario, Canada.” Ph.D. thesis. Adult Education and Counseling Psychology. Sharpe M. University of Toronto, June 2004.
• 1995 - Ontario Midwifery in Transition: An Exploration of the Perceptions of Midwives on the Impact of Recent Legislation on Their Practices. Sharpe M.  M.Ed. thesis, Adult Education and Counseling Psychology. University of Toronto.

• Member Editorial Board, Women’s Bulletin: The Official Journal of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. 2014.External Examiner, Masters Simon Fraser University: Martha Roberts, “How Much Help? How Much Harm? Working class women’s experiences of prenatal care in British Columbia, Canada”. 2014.
• Reviewer for Peer-Reviewed Conference Canadian Association of Midwives Annual Conference. 2013.
• Member Academic Standards Committee, Ryerson University Senate. 2013-2015.
• Member Faculty Tenure Committee, Faculty of Community Services, Ryerson University. 2012-14.
• Chair Faculty Appointments/Evaluation Committee, Midwifery Education Program. 2012-14.
  
• Board Member, Canadian Association of Midwifery Educators. 2010-15.
  
• Peer-Reviewer, Canadian Journal of Midwifery Research and Practice. 2004-14.
• Instructor and Senior Instructor, Emergency Skills Workshop, Association of Ontario Midwives. 1996-15.
• Instructor, Advances in Labour and Risk Management (ALARM) Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. 1997-15.
• Assessor for Pre-registration Program: British Columbia College of Midwives. 1997.
• Chief Portfolio Assessor and Examiner: Alberta, Canada:  Health Disciplines, Professions and Occupations Division, Alberta Provincial Government. 1996.
• Assessor and Examiner:  Ontario Prior Learning and Experience Assessment Program, College of  Midwives of Ontario, Toronto. 1994-97. 
• Instructor of Clinical Clerks: Wellesley and St. Michael’s Hospitals, Toronto. 1994-97; 2007-9.

Refereed Journals:

• Sharpe M, Cates L, Dennis K, Kehler s, McGrath, K,.  “Deconstructing Dissonance: Ontario midwifery clients speak about their experiences of testing GBS Streptococcus-positive, Canadian Journal of Midwifery Research and Practice. Summer 2015.

• Handa M, Sharpe M. “Shifting Paradigms in Women’s Health Care: from informed consent to informed choice. Women’s Health Bulletin: The Official Journal of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Volume 2, No 2, April 2015.

• Sharpe M. Resistance and Possibility: The Struggle to Preserve Normal Birth. Women’s Health Bulletin: The Official Journal of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Volume 1, No 2, July 2014.

• Brandeis, Dennis K, Klein L,  Levy A, Lynch, Robertson J,  Rogers, Sarkar T, Sharpe M, Van Wagner V. Brandeis, “Perinatal Outcomes for Four Toronto Midwifery Practices: Exploring Best Practices for Normal Birth” Canadian Journal of Midwifery Research and Practice. Spring 2014. Vol. I3, No 1.

• Sharpe M, Rudel A,, Turner M. Essentialism as a Contributing Factor in Ideological Resonance and Dissonance between Women and their Midwives in Ontario, Canada. Canadian Journal of Midwifery Research and Practice. Summer 2009. Pp. 15–28.
• Saurette K, Sharpe M. Assisted Human Reproduction Act of 2004: Promoting Health But Placing Limits on Choice? Canadian Journal of Midwifery Research and Practice. Fall 2007. Vol. 6, Issue 2, Pp. 31–33.
• Kaufman K, Schmuck M, McNiven P, Sharpe M, Soderstrom, R. Graduates' Views of the Ontario Midwifery Education Program. Canadian Journal of Midwifery Research and Practice. Spring 2007. Vol. 6, Issue 1, Pp 7–12.
• Sharpe M. Ontario Midwifery: Texts, Ruling Relations and Ideological Practices. New Feminist Research. Resources for Feminist. Toronto: OISE, 2000. Vol. 28, Issues 3 & 4, pp 39–65.
• Other Publications and Creative Work (Non-Refereed):Kehler S, Sharpe M. Volume Book Review. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Canadian Journal of Midwifery Research and Practice. Spring 2014. Vol. I3, No. 1.
• Sharpe M. Foreword. In Joyful Birth. Edited by Doran L, Caron L, Fox Women’s Books, 2012.
• Sharpe M. Midwifery in Ontario: A Growing Profession. Article in Viewpoint, A Publication of Canadian Pensioners Concerned, Ontario. December 2011. Pp 6-7.
• Sharpe M, Sharpe MD. Sculptured Perineal Teaching Model. Midwifery Education Program, Ryerson University. Toronto, Ontario. June 2010.
• Saurette K, Sharpe M. Parenting Resources in Toronto. 2007. Resource materials.
• Sharpe M, et al. Emergency Skills Workbook, Association of Ontario Midwives 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Editions: 1999; 2002; 2009; 2013.
• Sharpe M, (scriptwriter and producer) Midwifery in Ontario. Video Joint project with the Association of Ontario Midwives and the Michener Institute. 1993.
• Conference Presentations – continuedSharpe M. Keeping Birth Normal: The Experience of Three Community Based Midwifery Practices in Toronto Ontario. Normal Labour & Birth Research Conference. Vancouver, British Columbia. July 23, 2010. Poster Presentation.
• Sharpe M. Exploring the Phenomenon of the Declining Percentage of Midwife-Attended Homebirths in Ontario, Canada and its Impact on Student Learning and Practitioner Confidence. Normal Labour & Birth Research Conference. Vancouver, British Columbia. July 23, 2010. Poster Presentation.
• Sharpe M. Midwife-Attended Home Births in Ontario: Maintaining Confidence and Competence: Facts, Issues, Dilemmas and Possible Strategies. Canadian Association of Midwives Conference, Edmonton. October 8, 2010.
• Sharpe M. Dismantling Barriers in the Hospital: Challenges and Strategies in Working Towards Full Scope Practice, Leadership Day, Association of Ontario Midwives. November 5, 2010.
• Sharpe M. Exploring the Phenomenon of the Declining Percentage of Midwife-Attended Home Births in Ontario. Preceptor Conference, Midwifery Education Program. Toronto, Ontario March 5, 2009.
• Meffe F, Sharpe M, Simmonds A. Role Clarification DVDs in Maternity Care: An IPE Tool for Undergraduate Students in Nursing, Midwifery and Medicine. Collaborating Across Borders II Conference, Halifax, Nova Scotia. May 20, 2009.
• , Bobier M, Moffat C, Sharpe M. Nurturing Home Birth Practice with Midwives in Ontario. Ontario Midwifery Education Program Student Conference, Ryerson University. Toronto, Ontario. September 26, 2009.
• Klein L, Robertson J, Sharpe M, Van Wagner V. Perinatal Outcomes for Three Toronto Midwifery Practices: 2003-2007. Canadian Association of Midwives Conference. Winnipeg, Manitoba. November 5, 2009.
• Meffe F, Epsin S, Moravac C, Sharpe M. Evaluating the Impact of a Maternity Care IPE Program on Undergraduate Students: A Qualitative Analysis”. . The Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynocology of Canada. Toronto, Ontario. December 5, 2009.
• Sharpe M. Is Birth Only the Beginning? Prenatal Preparation for a Lifetime of Parenting: What is the Midwife’s Role? Canadian Association of Midwives Conference. Quebec, Canada. November 14, 2008.
• Meffe F. Biringer A, Cassia N, Espin S, Moravac C, Nevins A, Seaberg R, Sharpe M, Simmonds A, Van Wagner V. Intrapartum Culture Shock!! Are We Ready to Walk the Talk of IPC in Maternity Care? Grand Rounds: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Michaels Hospital. October 2, 2008.
• Sharpe M. Midwifery as a Career Choice: Possibilities Fair for Children’s Aid Society Crown Ward Education Access Initiative. (Facilitator of program: Kim Snow, Dept. of Child and Youth Care), Ryerson University. Toronto, Ontario. June 26 2008.
• Sharpe M. Building Community through Experiential Learning: Problem-Based Learning and its Links to the Practicum. Ryerson Faculty Conference. Toronto, Ontario. May 13, 2008.
• Sharpe M. Am I My Daughter’s Midwife? Midwives as Paid Familial Caregivers. Canadian Association of Midwives, Annual Conference. Ottawa, Ontario. October 2006.
• Sharpe M. Essentialism and Ontario Midwifery: Dilemmas in Principle and Practice, Canadian Association of Midwives, Annual Conference. Halifax, Nova Scotia. November 2005.
• Sharpe M. Texts and Rulings: Ontario Legislated Midwifery. The Midwifery Way: A National Forum Reflecting on the State of Midwifery Regulation in Canada. Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. 2004.
• Sharpe M. Intimate Business? Woman-Midwife Relationships in Ontario. Midwifery Education Program Speakers' Series. Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario. 2004.
• Sharpe M. Con la mujer: Parteria en Canada, and Asuntos Intimos: Marteras Y Mujeres. Keynote addresses, Congreso Nacional de Parteria: La Partera Y la Mujer: “juntos en la defensa de sus derechos.” La Plata, Argentina, 2003.
• Sharpe M. Intimate Business: Midwife-Woman Relationships in Ontario, Canada. Plenary presentation. Canadian Association of Midwives, Annual Conference. Montreal, Quebec. 2003.
• Sharpe M. Ontario Legislated Midwifery: Relationships between Midwives and Women. International Congress of Midwives. Manilla, Philippines. 1999.
• Sharpe M. Professional Midwifery in Ontario, Canada: Shifting Allegiances and Hierarchies of Intimacy. International Sociological Association. Tel Aviv, Israel. 1999.
• Sharpe M. Ontario Legislated Midwifery. Congrès Social Mondial. Montreal, Quebec. 1998.
• Sharpe M. Changes in Midwifery Practices Since Legislation. Midwives' Research Update. Association of Ontario Midwives, Annual Conference. Toronto, Ontario. June 1998.
• Sharpe M. The Personal and the Professional in Midwifery Practice. First Annual Symposium on Midwifery Research in the Social Sciences and Humanities. Ontario Institute for Studies in Education/University of Toronto. Toronto, Ontario. 1998.
• Sharpe M. Ontario Legislated Midwifery. Midwives’ Alliance of North America Conference. Chicago, Illinois. 1998.
• Sharpe M. With Women: Creative Journeys. Keynote address, Canadian Childbirth Education Conference. Edmonton, Alberta. 1997.
• Sharpe M. Ontario Midwifery: From Alegal Practitioners to Legal Professionals. American Anthropological Association, Annual Conference. Washington, DC. 1997.
• Sharpe M. The Vision of Midwifery Education in Ontario. Plenary presentation. International Congress of Midwives. Vancouver, British Columbia. 1993.
• Sharpe M. The Apprenticeship System and Ontario Midwifery. Canadian Women's Study Association, The Learneds, Biennial International Conference of Canadian Studies. Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario. 1993.

Books and Book Chapters in Books:

• Sharpe M. Exploring Legislated Midwifery: Texts and Rulings.”  In Reconceiving Midwifery, edited by Ivy Bourgeault et al. Montreal: McGill-Queen's University Press, 2004. Pp. 150–166.
• Sharpe M, Shroff F (Editor). “Ontario Midwifery in Transition: An Exploration of the Perceptions of Midwives on the Impact of Midwifery Legislation in its First Year.” In The New Midwifery: Reflections on Renaissance and Regulation. Toronto, Ontario. Women's Press, 1997. Pp. 202–244.
  
• Sharpe M and McGrath K. “Spacemaking and Midwifery: With, Within, Without.” In Natal Signs: Cultural Representations of Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting, edited by Nadya Burton Toronto: Demeter Press, 2015, Pp 127-150.

Conference Presentations :

• Sharpe M. A Qualitative Researcher in the Unfamiliar Waters of Mounting a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Canadian Association of Midwives Conference. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. November 5, 2014.
• Sharpe M. Reflective Midwifery Practice. Midwifery Education Program Consortium, Student Conference. Toronto, Ontario. September 19, 2014.
• Sharpe M. Keeping Women at the Centre, Midwifery in Ontario, Canada. The Third Iranian International Conference on Women’s Health. Shiraz, Iran. May 22, 2014.
• McGrath K, Sharpe, M. Midwifery Practice and the Quest for Intention, Attention and Sincerity. Association of Ontario Midwives Conference. Hockley Valley, Ontario. May 7, 2014.
• Sharpe M. Exploring Spaces: Resisting Forces Towards Institutionalization. Canadian Association of Midwives Conference. Ottawa, Ontario. November 8, 2013.
• McGrath K, Sharpe M. Sustaining Midwifery Care for Women in the Aftermath of a Positive GBS Diagnosis. Association of Ontario Midwives Conference. Hockley Valley, Ontario. April 8, 2013.
• Sharpe M. Women Speak of their Experiences Testing Positive for Group B Streptococcus. Canadian Association of Midwives Conference. St. John’s Newfoundland. October 18, 2012.
• Caccia N, Espin S, Sharpe M, Van Wagner V.  Maternity Care Interprofessional Education Pilot Program: Reflections of Nursing, Midwifery, Medical Students and Faculty.  Association of Ontario Midwives 26th Annual Conference. Niagara Falls, Ontario. May 6, 2010.
• Klein L, Robertson J, Sharpe M, Van Wagner V, Klein L, Robertson J. Perinatal Outcomes for Three Toronto Midwifery Practices: 2003-2007. Association of Ontario Midwives Conference. Niagara Falls, Ontario. June 5, 2010.