The delivery of our daughter naturally in the comfort of our home was undeniably the most empowering experience of my life! I have sincere gratitude for Niki’s warmth and encouragement and belief in me and my body to birth my baby safely and naturally. A home birth is so liberating and has left my husband and I with some of our fondest most loving memories! We feel incredibly thankful to have had your support and guidance through this unbelievable journey!

Thank you for helping us achieve our vision and the birth of our dreams!

Ava Marie Van Eldik, 8 lbs, 1 oz June 07, 2007
Our first home birth blessing!
Sincerely,
Tina & David Van Eldik

This was my third baby, my first two were hospital births, and this was the best experience by far. The day Canyon (my new baby) was born Nikki came to my home, I was asked if it was okay for a senior midwifery student to come too. I felt honored for Danya, the senior student, to be there, I had met her at a pervious appointment and felt comfortable having her there so I of course said yes. Nikki and Danya spent the morning with me as labour gradually increased and in the afternoon as it heated up they were wonderful and encouraging and always built my confidence in what my body was doing and how I was feeling. It was so much more relaxing and comforting to be in my own home.

My other children who were10 and 6 years old were in our home playing video games and watching tv, while I was labouring, waiting for their chance to see their brother be born.
The experience for them was great too, they got to see something few kids their age have seen. My husband spent a good part of the day playing with them to pass the time.

Danya and Nikki were amazing thoughout labour. I had lots of choices with labour, they wanted me to be comfortable. I spent some time sitting on a big yoga ball. The day went by very fast. As the baby was being born they were wonderful. I was given great guidence with controlling the pushing. Dayna skillfully delivered Canyon with Niiki’s supervision. They were so compassionate during the painful part.

Janet came when it was close to the time the baby would be born to be there for him. When Canyon was born he weighed 10 lbs 10 oz and was wonderful and healthy. The care for him was great. My kids got to run outside and tell all the neighbours who had all been waiting and watching the house for signs of their new neighbours arrival.

I was so grateful because the of their skill and guidence in pushing I had no damage to the perineum and felt so good after the birth. My recovery seemed very fast.

That night I felt like a queen with my new baby, my own bed, my own bathroom and the wonderful food my husband brought up to me after such a great day and experience for all.

The after care was terrific too. We had home visits the first week, it was so nice to be visited here and to not have to take the baby out those first days. What a blessing these wonderful women are. Their practice here in St.Thomas and area will truly be a gift to so many women and their babies and family.

Thank-You
Carrie Taylor

Midwifery and women’s health have long been an interest of mine, and becoming a midwife has long been a goal of mine. I am thrilled to be joining the Talbot creek Midwives.
I was born and raised in Waterloo County, and lived much of my life on a farm. Rural living and concerns are an interest of mine as much of my family still farms outside of Kitchener. I am exploring a keen interest in keeping bees. Outside of my work, I’m often found in a garden or cooking. I have discovered a love of knitting and fiber creatures. If only modern biotechnology could provide an alpaca the size of a housecat… As often as I can, I indulge my passion for the outdoors; hiking, paddling and camping are activities I have enjoyed since I was a small girl. I also enjoy travel and spent a great year living and working in England.

My academic interests have led me to complete a Bachelor of Arts in women’s studies and anthropology along with a certificate in family life studies and human sexuality. Recently, I completed my midwifery studies at McMaster University.

I’m looking forward to meeting and caring for you and your family.

Warm regards
Monica Weber

My name is Laura Parizeau, and am I excited to be one of the newest members of the Talbot Creek Midwives! Prior to beginning my midwifery studies, I completed a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies through the University of Waterloo co-op program. As a result, I have a range of work experience in the health care field, from Recreational Coordinator at a small rural hospital (I shared an office with the Chaplain and took care of the fish tank) to Region Facilitator at the London Hospitals (I was involved in many interesting projects, including Digital Imaging and the SWO Perinatal Partnership). Midwifery is the profession which allows me to bring all of my experiences and interests together (well, maybe not all – no office fish yet!) and being a midwife is fantastic.

I spent the first 19 years of my life in the city of Sarnia, and the next ten years in nine different cities (including at least 18 moves at last count). My family is very important to me (not just because they are great at hauling my stuff all over Ontario) and I am thrilled to have moved so much closer to them. My partner Ryan is a nurse at Parkwood, and along with our grumpy cat Gracie, we have started to make St. Thomas feel like home. I look forward to meeting you!

I was born, raised and trained in England and practiced as a midwife there from 1981-1988. I came to Ontario nineteen years ago having spent the first seven years as an obstetric nurse, I am now proudly practicing as an Ontario Registered Midwife.

I have two wonderful children and know too well the joys of expecting and raising a young family.

I recently moved to St Thomas to be closer to the community that our practice serves.

I am thrilled and enthralled to have the opportunity to attend the needs of the childbearing families in this area. God bless!

My career began in healthcare in 1987 when I attended the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, England and graduated as a Registered Nurse. Although my original intention was to specialize in the field of Intensive Care, my genuine love of life and travel led to my commencing training to become a registered midwife and I graduated from the University of Worcester, England in 1993. I worked as a Registered Midwife until I immigrated to Canada in May 2002, becoming registered here in July 2003.

I have known my husband since we were teenagers and I am devoted to my family, being the proud mum of two fabulous children and a dog. Both my labours and deliveries were with midwives and amazing experiences that changed my life.

Consequently, my lifelong passion is to assist women giving birth, however it is experienced. I have a vision that one day water birth will be a choice for women and accepted as a safe and effective way to give birth, both in the hospital setting as well as at home. It is from experience that I can say that giving birth is truly one of life’s most empowering and intense experiences. I feel blessed to be sharing in this unique and special time with you!