I've been working at the Abbotsford Maternity Clinic since 2008.
I first fell in love with maternity care as a medical student. I'm originally an "East coast" girl but moved to BC in 2006 to finish my residency in family medicine.
I had the privilege of working with a Family Doctor who did a large volume of obstetrics and quickly fell in love with this area of medicine. I also fell in love with a British Columbian man...so 12 years and 5 children later, we continue to call Abbotsford home. Although I miss my East coast family, this community has welcomed me in and I feel so blessed to live in this beautiful and less snowy part of the world. When I need to get warmed up, one of my favourite past times is travelling to Hawaii with my family.
My spare time is rather limited with 5 kids under 11, but when I do have a free minute or two, I love exercising, participating in Bible studies and church activities, watching Netflix crime dramas, spending time with my husband, Eric, and hanging out with friends.
Since having my last baby, nearly 4 years ago, I now only work part-time. When I'm not home with the kids, there are few places I'd rather be than looking after "mommies and babies" (as my children say). I consider it a privilege to be able to do a job that I actually enjoy. Participating in one of the most exciting, terrifying and vulnerable times of a patient's life is a humbling honour that I take very seriously. I also have a lot of fun doing it!!
I've experienced all the ups and downs that come with this particular area of medicine both personally and professionally. Walking through the loss of a baby with expectant parents or breaking the news of serious problems is heartbreaking. It never gets easy. And yet it is also a privilege to have these people share their lives with me. At the other extreme of emotions, I get to celebrate the joy of birth as I witness the miracle of life regularly.
I have a particular heart for those suffering with postpartum depression and mental health struggles. My own doctors never expected I'd be able to work again due to severe postpartum depression after the birth of our 5th child. For the 2 years I was off, I had a picture up on my wall from a delivery I'd done a few years prior. I was holding a beautiful newborn I had just delivered and had the biggest smile on my face... That genuine look of joy helped motivate me to get well so I could get back to doing the job I loved.
I won't be having any more babies of my own, but I get to hold other people's babies and I don't have to wake up and feed them in the middle of the night!!