I was overjoyed to be accepted into the care of a midwife team with Shifra Centre for Wellness after applying to a clinic near me. Being under the care of midwives was never a question for me personally. I’ve always known this would be something I wanted when I fell pregnant as the values in the kind of care they provide closely align with mine.

My prenatal appointments were similar to that of a ‘typical’ prenatal appointment with an OB in that they followed a routine schedule to do regular check-ins on me and baby. However, the way I was cared for in these appointments was far different from any type of care I’ve received as a patient. My midwife team was made up of three lovely women who I felt to my core truly cared for the well-being of me and my daughter. This care was different in that these three women became my knowledge base AND my support system.

Why I loved being cared for by Midwives.

Encouraged to trust my body

In almost every interaction with my team the conversation always held the words, “your body knows what it is doing, trust in your body”. These words - their reassurance pulled me through some of the hardest days. Throughout my time under the care of midwives, I really did come to believe this statement. My body was strong and it knew all the necessary steps to bring my daughter from womb to world.

24/7 pager support

And when I say 24/7, I mean 24/7, these ladies were available to me via pager all hours of the day or night. Being a first time mama, this was invaluable to me. I had many common worries and concerns like most first time moms. They would take the time to bring me down emotionally and help me feel secure. This pager became a frequent use for me as some more urgent worries arose during my pregnancy such as heavy bleeding.

my voice mattered

With things like heavy bleeding and hospital visits there were times where my care had to momentarily be transferred to an OB. Regardless of this, there was never a point where I felt like I didn’t have a say in what was going to happen with my body during my care. If anything was going to be done to check on me or baby my midwives made sure I was fully walked through the process of what it would look like and asked if I had any questions. I was always made to feel that my voice mattered in the process.

empowered during labour

During my labour and delivery, I had two midwives taking care of me. I am so grateful for their encouraging words of support while my body laboured hard as my daughter and I prepared for birth. Although I had my partner and my twin sister with me, it was so reassuring to be able to turn to them with any questions I had and to have them offer their wisdom and knowledge to help my body endure the pain. At one point during my active labour - one of my midwives suggested I get in the shower to relieve some pain, she helped me do this and talked me through how to stay in a strong headspace.

Supportive of my wishes and my health

My goal for labour was to have a natural birth without any form of intervention, medical or otherwise - I know - crazy right? This was written on my birth plan and I was determined to make it come true. My team knew this and they were supportive of my wishes. Each time I announced I may need an epidural they redirected my thought process to a positive place and helped me maintain strong. I have to add that while respecting my wishes they were still looking out for my health too. They made sure to tell me that if there came a time I was in unbearable pain they would revisit the option with me for the best interest of me and baby.

Connected to a community of Women

I would have to say my favourite part of working with a team of midwives is the sense of community I felt. I never felt alone in my pregnancy, I never felt unheard or uncared for. What I felt was encouraged, empowered, strong, supported, loved, and brave. I know my experience with the midwives at Shifra Wellness played an immense role in the success of my natural birth. I am looking forward to experiencing this all over again with my future pregnancies.