Life as an Indigenous Midwife

I am Mi’kmaq First Nations from Millbrook, Nova Scotia. I grew up on a reserve and have always been taught the value of new life and the strength of women. Through a very spiritual journey, I found my way to becoming a midwife. It started when I had a dream of being involved with birth. Pursuing my education off-reserve to become a midwife had many barriers and challenges, but I did well by encouraging my younger sister to move to a new city with me.

Through the work of the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives alongside Save the Children, we have been able to begin the restoration of Indigenous-led midwifery in Alberta. We have been able to connect with Indigenous communities in Alberta and bridge the gap of culturally safe care.

Here is what a typical day as a midwife looks like for me:

After the morning rush of getting my daughter to the bus stop,
I head to a home visit to check on a new mom and babe.

9:30 am I drive into the First Nations community, enjoying the beautiful views.

9:55 am Weighing baby who is breastfeeding like a champion. He has gained three oz at the day 3 visit!

10:40 am I am grabbing coffee and food. Another midwife has paged me to back her up at a home birth so have to eat on the go.

11:30 am Now at the home birth as the backup midwife listening to baby’s heart rate every 15 mins in labour. Babe girl born crying and healthy!

2:40 pm Paged by a client in labour, a first-time mom. Arrived to check her at home. She is coping well swaying and supported by partner and her family.

3:45 pm Arrive at the hospital labour and delivery unit.

5:45 pm Safe water birth and a much happier mom!

6:20 pm checking the placenta which appears complete

9pm Preparing to leave the unit (early discharge is possible since we follow up at home the next day).

9:30pm Enjoying the beautiful sunset during my drive home.

10:30 pm Finally cozy in bed with plans to journal my gratitude to Creator for safe mamas and babies.

Alisha is an Indigenous midwife and a member of the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives.