Hospital welcomes the first baby in its new midwifery program
Oak Valley Health’s Midwifery Program recently celebrated the delivery of its first baby, born to Priyanshi, a new mother who moved to Markham partway through her pregnancy. Her experience has become a cornerstone of the program’s success, finding perinatal care that aligned with her birthing plan and needs.
The Midwifery Program was launched to increase access to midwifery care, knowing many families struggle to find a care provider for their pregnancy. Midwives offer expectant parents a holistic and supportive birthing experience within Canada’s first Alongside Midwifery Unit (AMU) at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital. The program emphasizes natural birthing processes, personalized care plans, and emotional support, ensuring every birthing parent feels empowered and confident throughout their pregnancy and delivery.
Priyanshi’s journey with the program began just a few months before her son’s birth. Her previous family doctor referred her to the program as she moved to Markham without any primary care in place. At Markham Stouffville Hospital, she was supported by a dedicated team of midwives who provided expert guidance and compassionate care.
“I am incredibly grateful for the care and support I received at Oak Valley Health,” Priyanshi said. “The midwives made me feel safe, informed, and empowered throughout my entire experience. I enjoyed my experience, and it was a beautiful journey into motherhood.”
The path to this first delivery has been one of careful planning, collaboration, and commitment to innovation and providing an extraordinary patient experience. The team at Oak Valley Health has worked steadfastly to establish a program that reflects the highest standards of care and an evolution of the traditional midwifery model. From comprehensive prenatal education to postnatal support, every aspect of the Midwifery Program is designed to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby.
“We are incredibly proud of the work our team has done to reach this moment,” says Abigail Corbin, patient care manager of Midwifery Led Postpartum Programs. “This first birth in our Midwifery Program represents a new beginning for many families in our community who are in need of perinatal care, and we are excited to continue offering exceptional, personalized care to every birthing parent and baby.”
The birth of Priyanshi’s baby is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire team. As the program continues to grow and evolve, the team looks forward to celebrating many more births and supporting countless families through one of life’s most profound experiences. This event marks a new chapter in Oak Valley Health’s commitment to providing comprehensive and personalized perinatal care.
Visit oakvalleyhealth.ca (then search for midwifery) for more details.
Photo: Oak Valley Health’s Midwifery Program was launched to increase access to midwifery care, knowing many families struggle to find a care provider for their pregnancy. Midwives offer expectant parents a supportive and holistic birthing experience.
Story submitted by Michelle Lee Hoy.