Episode 04: Rural Midwifery is Catching!
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.
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About Eve Verdon, RM
My mother was pregnant with her last baby when I was 14. I was mesmerized by the beauty of her changing body and by the miracle of the process. At 17 I heard the word “midwife” and knew instantly that I was meant to be one.
I studied at Seattle Midwifery School, obtaining a Certified Professional Midwife designation, later a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery from the Midwives College of Utah and finally, after moving to Canada, completed the International Midwifery Pre-registration Program at Ryerson University in Toronto. As a Registered Midwife, I now serve the wonderful families of Southern Alberta.
Over the past 25+ years, I have attended birthing mothers in Vanuatu, the Dominican Republic, here in North America and had 6 home births myself.
My experiences in the birthing room confirm to me that childbirth is a pivotal moment in a woman’s life and is well designed to both empower mothers and strengthen families. All women, everywhere, deserve to accomplish this transformative work in an atmosphere of dignity and love. I find great fulfilment in standing beside mothers through this process and assisting families as they grow.
I have been blessed by the patient and loving and selfless support of my family as we have walked the midwifery path together. My other loves include helping things to grow in my garden, cooking for friends and family, adventuring with my family, and reading great books.
www.lethbridgemidwives.com
Instagram: @lethbridgemidwives
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Lethbridge-Community-Midwives
About Stacy Peleskey, RM
Prior to becoming a midwife I worked for 11 years as an RN in a variety of settings, primarily in a small rural hospital where my passion for maternity care developed. My passion for birth led me to connect with local Southern Alberta midwives who were working tirelessly to improve access to informed and supportive maternity care. Seeing a different type of care than the traditional medical model was incredible, and I quickly felt called to Midwifery. I completed my master's degree at Frontier Nursing University and certified as a Nurse-Midwife prior to returning to Alberta to begin providing midwifery services in my home community. I live in Taber with my husband and 2 children, and am currently the practice lead for Cherry Blossom Midwives providing care for clients in Taber, Brooks and surrounding areas.
Instagram: @cherryblossommidwives
Facebook: www.facebook.com/prairierosemidwives
Show notes
Rural Midwifery is Catching! by Dr. Lolly de Jonge
