Alberta Midwives: Our Stories

In this episode, we explore the profession of midwifery from the perspective of two registered midwives with unique perspectives and abilities. Episode 7: Midwives Living and Practicing with a Disability introduces us to Shannon Kaltenbruner and Chantel Gauthier-Vaillancourt and their journeys to midwifery and the practice of providing care to families and catching babies. Listen as Lolly de Jonge enquires about the distinct challenges they face and the challenges, joys and delights of practicing midwifery with a disability. 

The second half of this two-part episode. Sometimes there's more than meets the eye. 

In this episode of "Our Stories," we sit down with Sam Chisholm and Marita Obst for a candid conversation about what it's like being a queer midwife in Alberta, their love of the profession, as well as stories of their personal experiences being part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Join host Dr. Lolly de Jonge, as she guides this informative conversation that will educate and highlight the importance of getting to know your care providers on a deeper level.

Sometimes there's more than meets the eye.

In this special two-part episode of "Our Stories," we sit down with Sam Chisholm and Marita Obst for a candid conversation about what it's like being a queer midwife in Alberta, their love of the profession, as well as stories of their personal experiences being part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Join host Dr. Lolly de Jonge, as she guides this informative conversation that will educate and highlight the importance of getting to know your care providers on a deeper level. 

In episode five, Lolly de Jonge tackles a difficult subject with two gracious guests, Tamara Lacelle and Aditi Loveridge. They discuss pregnancy and infant loss and the role of a midwife during those experiences. Compassion and connection are an important part of loss care. Hear from these experts on how they provide unique care for their clients and the important work being done through the Pregnancy, Infant & Child Loss Support Centre across Canada. Loss is difficult and everyone should be empowered to define their grief and feel supported in the process of this journey. Continuity of care is the heart and soul of midwifery care especially in cases of pregnancy and infant loss. 

On this episode, host Dr. Lolly de Jonge is joined by two passionate rural midwives, Eve Verdon of Lethbridge Community Midwives and Stacy Peleskey of Cherry Blossom Midwives. They discuss the challenges, joys, and delights of rural midwifery, why it matters, and what is necessary to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of midwifery services for rural and remote communities.

Show Notes:

Article, "Rural Midwifery is Catching!" - https://www.alberta-midwives.ca/newsroom/rural-midwifery-is-catching 

Today, Dr. Lolly de Jonge is joined by two very special Alberta midwives, Wendy Wood of Briar Hill Midwives and Heather Martin of Passages Midwifery, and high-risk OB/Maternal-Fetal Medicine Dr. Stephanie Cooper. They chat about the why, what and how of interprofessional collaboration, the impacts of COVID-19 on maternity care practices, and how building a collaborative culture that is rooted in respect, understanding and communication can improve birth outcomes and experiences for Alberta families.

Chandra Martini is a Registered Midwife at Calgary Midwives Collective and the author of a fascinating research project on Black pioneer midwives in Western Canada. Today, she joins host Lolly de Jonge to chat about her ancestral roots as a descendant of Black pioneer midwives herself. They discuss what she learned about systemic disparities in perinatal care for Black Canadians, why race-based research is essential to understanding experiences and breaking down barriers for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) in Canada. Chandra also shares her personal thoughts on being a Black midwife in today's world.

In this episode, we talk with Joy West-Eklund, RM (Retired), Alberta midwifery forerunner, founder of community-based midwifery practice, Calgary and District Midwifery Associates (now Briar Hill Midwives), and co-founder of the Briar Hill Birth Centre (now Arbour Birth Centre) in Calgary. Joy joins us to talk about her fascinating career and trailblazing efforts to advance the growth and sustainability of midwives and midwifery services in Alberta.

Welcome to Alberta Midwives: Our Stories, a podcast series by the Alberta Association of Midwives. 

Drawing from the personal narratives of Alberta midwives and the families they serve, each episode we’ll provide an intimate glimpse into the expertise, heart and soul of Alberta's leading maternity care providers. Through our inspiring, informative and sometimes challenging conversations, we will explore Alberta's midwifery roots, the current state and each midwife’s vision for the future, all within the context of the broader maternity care landscape. Tune in as we provide a platform for Alberta midwives to talk about their unique journeys to (and through) midwifery. 

To keep up with new episodes, be sure to hit subscribe. In the meantime, you can check out alberta-midwives.ca to learn more, or to request care today.