Annette’s Birth Story

My husband and I were late arrivals to The Midwives Collective. We arrived back to reside on the island around month 6 of my pregnancy, so we felt so lucky when we were told there was an opening in the clinic. We were matched up with what I like to call the “dream team” of midwives.

Upon our first appointment at the clinic we were warmly welcomed by all the staff, but once we met our midwives we knew it was the right fit. They were a combination of nurturing, educated, calming and supportive, exactly what I needed at the time. Every appointment they made sure I was well informed of everything around baby, my body and fast approaching labor and delivery. They empowered me, and made me feel safe and secure up until my daughter arrived. 

When I went into labour, my midwife was efficient in responding to my pages, asking all the right questions and guiding my husband and I along calmly until it came time to meet at the hospital. At the hospital she was right by my side, her and my husband then turned into a team being my biggest supporters, which was so nice at such a vulnerable time in my life to have such great “cheerleaders.” 

My midwife gave many great suggestions on breathing, positions, and  massage techniques my husband could use to ease the contractions. I did not want to be touched in the slightest so she agreed with me that it was a great idea to just walk the halls. Finally, it came time to push. She guided me positively through the whole process and eventually my baby girl was born safe and sound. 

After birth I had some placental complications and needed to head off the OR.  I was very nervous to leave my baby and the comfort of my birthing space but my midwife, as always, with her calm demeanor explained to me what was going to happen. She even was able to make it in to the OR and reassure me that what procedure was being done, was going well.

The following days after baby was born we were greeted by our midwives at our apartment to check up on our baby and myself. They were effective at supporting me through the process of learning to breastfeed, among all the other aspects and learning curve of becoming new parents.

I will never be able to find the words to thank my midwives enough. They are a great supportive and educated team of women who I would be ever so lucky to cross paths with again!

-Annette Charlotte and Matt Lyons

Connect with us!

Our clinic is accessible, child-friendly, and community-focused. We are located in central Victoria, just past the intersection of Cook & Yates. We have on-site parking and are well served by public transit. Our building offers a Lifelabs and a Rexall pharmacy and is fully wheelchair & stroller accessible. We look forward to hearing from you, and supporting you through pregnancy, birth, and the early postpartum.

Thank you to photographers Shea Long and Ashley Marston, as well as Director Emma Lazenby, for the use of their photos and images.

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