Kimberley Schmidt, RN, RM
It has been my pleasure to be involved with families and childbirth since 1990. I began as a registered nurse. My nursing experience has encompassed most of the perinatal areas but primarily labour & birth. Not long after starting out I realized that families deserved more personalized care and support and in 1993 I created an independent nursing practice. I found great satisfaction in providing childbirth education and support (doula/monitrice) and postpartum guidance to nearly 200 families. In this capacity I also taught childbirth support skills and non-pharmacologic methods of pain relief for labour to aspiring doulas and nurses throughout southern Alberta. In June 2005 I completed a certificate in Midwifery through Seattle Midwifery School. This long and special journey has presented me a unique perspective and I value the many lessons I have learned along the way.
On a personal note, I have been blessed with four amazing children; Hayley, Max, Kelsey and Morgan. It was when my youngest headed off to school that it was finally my turn to become a midwife. My husband Murray's unwavering support and dedication to 'holding it all together' while I returned to school made it possible answer the calling to practice midwifery.
I believe that pregnancy and birth are healthy and normal events in a woman's life. My goal is to help women experience birth's transforming power with respect and dignity, in safety, support and confidence. The opportunity for couples to start their parenting experience off in a positive and empowered manner can only strengthen their relationship with each other and with their child. Childbirth is seldom described as easy; however, there are powerful lessons in birth if we are open to receiving them. I hope to share a little of this magic with women as they journey towards parenthood whether for the first time or the tenth.