Midwifery
Jane Wines, Registered Midwife
I qualified as a nurse in the UK in 1989 and worked for a while in burns and plastic surgery. After my husband and I married we decided to travel, and spent a year camping and trucking around Africa. On our return we started our family, and my interest in childbirth began.
Whilst my son was young I retrained as a childbirth teacher – taking 2 years to learn about pregnancy and childbirth with the National Childbirth Trust. The NCT is Europe's largest charity focusing on pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting. As well as providing childbirth classes and postnatal support, my work included representing parents views on the maternity services liaison committee at the local hospital. Here decisions around the running of the maternity services were made, and feedback from consumers acted upon. This gave me great insight into how other parents viewed their care, especially those areas which they found lacking. During this time I also taught breastfeeding classes, and with 3 very different breastfeeding experiences myself am able to support women with their breastfeeding challenges.
I knew I wanted to become a midwife, but decided to wait until we had finished having a family. My next 2 sons were born at home in water, with midwifery care.
Then with huge support from my husband I took the midwifery degree course at the European Institute for Health and Medical Sciences in Surrey University (UK). I was lucky to have fantastic mentors both on the community and in the hospital, and had a good training in both the normal and high risks aspects of pregnancy and childbirth.
After graduating with a first class BSc (Hons.) in midwifery I worked in both the community and hospital setting. Although I very much enjoyed my work I felt drawn by the idea of true case holding midwifery – not practiced everywhere in the UK. I find the most satisfying part of the work getting to know women and their families over the course of their pregnancy and through to the postpartum period. Coupled with wanting a change and a need to get away from the expense and hustle of southern England we decided to emigrate. Canada has a great model for midwifery care and this was one of the deciding factors in coming here.
It has been a good move, and the children are enjoying their new life by the sea and the mountains, and the more relaxed schooling!
Getting registered in BC is a rigorous process, and during the year and a half that it took to do this, I worked as a nurse on the labour and delivery suite at BC Women's hospital. This time gave me great insight into the health system and maternity care here in BC. It also highlighted to me the desperate need for more midwives, and for parents in BC to learn about the role of midwifery.
My orientation period was spent with Elizabeth, Susie and Heather at Commercial Drive Midwives in Vancouver. Now I am pleased to be offering midwifery care in South Delta and Richmond – much nearer to my home in Tsawwassen!
I have privileges in Richmond and BC Women's Hospitals, as well as loving homebirths. I am currently the Head of Midwifery at Richmond Hospital.
"Thank you so much for guiding us through this most amazing experience. We will always remember your incredible patience and support" Patrik "How can we ever thank you enough for all the support you have given us?!? Your support and caring have been absolutely amazing - thank you heaps for Kallie's fabulous delivery and all the care for her unwell Mama! We truely appreciate you and your exemplary practice" Kate & Grant
View more information at South Delta Midwifery.
Barbara Barta, Registered Midwife
Barbara Barta RM began studying midwifery in 1995 and has 10 years' experience as a Registered Midwife. Barbara’s educational background includes three years of university study in Biochemisty, two years of self-directed study in midwifery and women's health, and three years of study at the Midwifery Education Program at the Seattle Midwifery School.
Barbara actively worked with the Midwifery Task Force during the inception of legalized midwifery in British Columbia and continues to contribute to the advancement of individual and societal levels of health care with political activism and education. Her community work includes serving on the Board of the College of Midwives of British Columbia, the Vancouver Department of Midwifery Research Initiatives Committee and the Kelowna General Hospital Maternal-Child Accreditation Team. She holds certificates in breastfeeding counseling, childbirth education, nutrition and herbalism.
Barbara was owner and sole midwife in practice in Kelowna BC for seven years. She then worked in a northern Quebec Inuit village as Mentor and Instructor in the Maternity Department and has been serving the Vancouver area for the past 2 years. She then had the marvelous experience of having her own daughter with her wonderful husband.
Barbara is honoured to offer women, their new babies and their families with midwifery care. In working with the women and families in our community, she hopes to authenticate the incredible power and knowledge within all people as we strive for optimal wellness.
“Barbara listened so well to all of our concerns and wishes and respected everything that was important to us. She has the most calming, wonderful manner about her that makes it almost impossible not to feel safe. We delivered our healthy baby and Barbara's caring, loving personality made it a wonderful experience.”
Paula Schikkerling, Student Midwife
I am so excited and honoured to have this opportunity to learn with and from the midwives at South Delta Midwifery and the families that they support.
I'm in the second year of the UBC Midwifery program and prior to entering midwifery studies formally, I spent many years preparing for this profession. I've worked with childbearing women and their families for six years as a birth and postpartum doula, with most of my time spent postpartum, supporting the transition to parenting, breastfeeding, home organization and newborn safety and care. I also have four years of experience as a therapist working with young children who have autism. Supplementary training in massage, yoga and life coaching - and a degree in Women's Studies - all inform my work.
Over the years, I've also had the opportunity to pair my passion for travel with my commitment to working with birthing families. In 2009, I volunteered at a birth centre in the Philippines over the summer and in 2011, I volunteered for two months in clinics and hospitals throughout South Africa, my home country.
I am constantly in awe at the privilege of working with women and their families during such pivotal and precious moments of their lives
View more information at South Delta Midwifery.
