Kortney Story, Student Midwife

My top 9 of 2021 hope you enjoy celebrating tonight (whether that’s with sleep or champagne or somewhere n between!) here’s to 2022! Happy New Year

Whichever holiday you celebrate this winter season, may it be filled with joy, rest, and just enough gentleness to make it through. From my family to yours, all my love this snowy season!

Wrote my last final of the semester at UBC yesterday {and my first in person!}. I finally got to meet my online midwifery bestie in person (cough @kimberlydaniels.sm cough!) and it was bizarre to meet a couple other classmates I hadn’t yet met, except over Zoom, despite them being my lifeline the last 18 months. Oh and this technically makes me one-third a midwife if you go by semesters (we have an extra semester in third year) just 2.5 years to go! #welcomeChristmasbreak

The story of your pregnancy and birth deserves to be counted. Was your birth care respectful and supportive? Or did you experience disrespect, discrimination, o...r mistreatment? This survey is a part of a first-ever project where community members shaped the research questions. Researchers hope this information will help improve the quality of care of Canadian birthing people. Learn more and complete the survey here See more

Home birth after cesarean? Read up on the statistics and research, straight from the mouths of some of my profs at UBC.

Did I just finish and nail my last presentation of the semester (on one of my favourite topics - TENs and sterile water injections!)? Yes. Yes, I did. Just one OSCE and one final exam away from ending the semester and being being 3/8 a midwife. I finished my first practicum and classes are done till January! #didImentionIrentTENS #tensrentals #tensmachine #sterilewaterinjections

I’ve been sort of quiet these last few weeks - being in practicum and balancing life, 3 kids, and the academics of school is no joke. Just a few more days, and a few more exams, and the semester is done! Don’t you love my new sticker on my already sweet laptop case? #studentmidwife

What do you know about labour TENS machines? I have always been a big fan and I’m going to share a series on why in the coming weeks. But for now? I’m here to tell you I’m offering TENS Rentals for labour. I believe that this little machine has the power to change your labour coping and I want you to experience that for yourself. More details coming soon on my website - but for now, send me a message to set up your rental. First five rentals are at a promo price of $75 with pads included! #tensmachine #doula #midwife #laboursupport #fraservalley #langley #surrey #abbotsford

A beautiful view of the mountains going across the Golden Ears today {not my picture - thanks Google} - home visits in Mission and Deroche kept this student midwife busy after 2 days of baby catching in a row. Thankful for amazing second year experiences and a preceptor I connect with and learn from in every moment! Hard to believe there’s just 2 weeks left of this placement! Time flies when you’re having fun (or sleep deprived?). #studentmidwife

Got the cutest cards for all the midwifery clients in the years to come. As a student, I’m so grateful that you allow me into the most intimate times of your life and I want to make sure I thank each and every family for allowing me into their journey. Can’t wait to start sending these out

This year I’m not just pretending to dress up as a midwife does my costume pass for tired student midwife who has loved her first week of clinical placement? Spent the morning doing postpartum visits, more charting, and listening to Christmas music on my commute. Yes - I’m one of those! Happy Halloween stay safe tonight!

Hopefully a pause in #midwifelife to take my kiddos trick or treating on Sunday. I’ve got an elf fairy, broken doll, and a hot dog. What are your littles dressing up as? Don’t forget to share photos!

Herein ends my first year of midwifery school - I’m not sure where the time goes, but I’m a quarter of a midwife ... just 3 years to go! And guess where I’m spending my Friday night celebrating? At a birth of course! Doula work reinforces everything I learned this year and that my heart is in exactly the right place. And here’s my encouragement to YOU - you can do hard things. I have 3 kids, a crazy life, no prior degree, and I’m 35. None of those things are excuses - time is going to pass anyways, so might as well do something you love! #studentmidwifelife #studentmidwife #birthdoula #summerfreedom

Reviews like this are what keep my world spinning ... thank you for taking the time to write kind words and share these beautiful pictures

You never know what time you’re going to need the most support ... and you never know what that support might look like. Doula support is such an important aspect of labour support and I think everyone needs a doula! I am fully booked for April, May, and July. I have limited spots in June and August available before I retire these doula shoes. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support and to talk about what that looks like for your family! : Rachelle Gregory Photography

Queer and trans families, I would love to hear from you as I update some course content for local classes. Micro (and macro!) aggressions exist and this impacts the kind of care you receive. What were the negative aspects of care you feel could have been prevented? What were the little things that added up to be the big things looking back? How can I address this in courses I teach or share with others to teach? I would love to hear what you have to share if you are comfortab...le. I have a limited budget to say thank you and acknowledge the work of queer and trans families taking the time to reach out. A $5 Starbucks card for each family who reaches out by DM will be provided for the first ten families who contact me. All shared info will be kept anonymous and I’d be happy to reach out over video chat, phone, or text if more comfortable. #2slgbtq #queerpregnancy #transpregnancy #queerbirth #birthinBC #lgbtbirth #samesexbirth #lgbtqpregnancy See more

No matter what or how you celebrated this winter season, I hope you’re healthy and safe. And sending me an updated kiddo picture is never a bad choice

Bravely sharing one of my favourite projects from this semester. We were encouraged to express ourselves however we saw fit as we explored the impact of injustices in reproductive health. One small step to echo my commitment to always doing better. https://youtu.be/z2a_rHEjovQ

Feminine Energy in Labor Birth typically works best in intimacy; alone with only those who were present at the time of conception. Essentially, if you ...cannot comfortably poop in front of them, you might want to reconsider having them present. This being said, there is something special about feminine energy in the birth space. Be it Grandma, Mother in law, Doula, Sister, Midwife, Friend, etc. Females radiate a different energy, especially those we are close with and comfortable to be vulnerable with Sometimes it is just having a female’s hand to hold, eyes to connect with, or to hold in arms. The energy that radiates does not replace what that of a partner might offer, but offers something completely different. Something a male partner cannot offer; feminine energy! Some desire this addition in their birth space During my first freebirth, being able to reach out and grab the hand of a female was *everything*. I swore I could feel her energy flow through her arm, into mine, giving my body the energy to go on. Did you have a female present during your labor and birth? Was it a provider or family/friend? What would you say your favorite part was of the support they offered you? #feminineenergy #oxytocinvibes #birthkeeper #homebirth #laborsupport #HERBAL #doulatraining #doulalove

There’s still time to join our Prenatal Breast and Chestfeeding Info Session on Tuesday November 10th from 6:30-8:30pm. We will be covering: The benefits of b...reast and chestfeeding How to establish your milk supply How to effectively latch Baby How to tell if Baby is getting enough milk How to overcome common challenges while nursing your newborn Where to find additional support for breast and chestfeeding To register email [email protected] Partners and support people are welcome and encouraged to join