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» Home » Student Profiles » Erika Mitchell

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Erika Mitchell

By sarah stenabaugh | August 31, 2016

Program: Bachelor of Midwifery
Class of 2020

Hometown: Bowen Island, B.C.

Erika.Mitchell_214X300What attracted you to your field of study or research?
I had two incredible and empowering midwife assisted home-births. The level of care I received from my midwives before my sons were born, their gentle and supportive practice during the births and their support in the postpartum period really opened my eyes to how powerful women-centered care could be. My experience sparked a passion for birth work and set me on the path to midwifery at UBC.

What excites you about the upcoming year?
Meeting my fellow midwifery students and immersing myself in the science of midwifery. Each of the students in our program comes from a unique background and I feel our diversity will really increase our knowledge base. I’m excited to put my dream into practice and show my children it is never too late to pursue your passion.

What’s one thing we might be surprised to learn about you?
In my last career I designed drill and blast patterns for an open pit diamond mine in the Northwest Territories. Many times I had the privilege of pressing the button to blow up 50,000+ tonnes of rock.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope to be practicing midwifery in my home community of Bowen Island. If a midwife could offer antenatal and postpartum care on the island a lot of families could be spared the stress of traveling on the ferry for medical appointments, an experience I am all too familiar with! I also hope to be involved with midwifery projects in Nunavut.

Best piece of advice: Take care of yourself first. This piece of advice came from my retired firefighter stepfather just after my first child was born. He said if I am not taken care of then I won’t have the resources to care for my children, support my partner or keep my life in balance. I have learned time and again the truth of that statement and believe that self-care is going to be just as important as a student and a practicing midwife as it is for a parent.

Last vacation destination: Tofino! My partner and I were married on Longbeach in the sunshine on December 21, 2011 and it has been a special place for us ever since. We try to get there at least once a year to camp and surf and experience the raw beauty with our family. It is a magical place for people of any age but doubly so when seen through the eyes of our children.

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