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.
On 26 August 2026, a massive flash flood swept through communities along the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli river corridor in Nepal, with hundreds of people reportedly missing and thousands impacted. The full extent of casualties and damage is still being assessed; however, more than 10,000 households are reportedly affected. Save the Children has activated its humanitarian response and deployed an immediate response team. Sirish Burlakoti/ Save the Children
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!
On 26 August 2026, a massive flash flood swept through communities along the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli river corridor in Nepal, with hundreds of people reportedly missing and thousands impacted. The full extent of casualties and damage is still being assessed; however, more than 10,000 households are reportedly affected. Save the Children has activated its humanitarian response and deployed an immediate response team. Sirish Burlakoti/ Save the Children
6:20 pm checking the placenta which appears complete
On 26 August 2026, a massive flash flood swept through communities along the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli river corridor in Nepal, with hundreds of people reportedly missing and thousands impacted. The full extent of casualties and damage is still being assessed; however, more than 10,000 households are reportedly affected. Save the Children has activated its humanitarian response and deployed an immediate response team. Sirish Burlakoti/ Save the Children
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.
