INTRODUCTION TO OUR PRACTICE:
Would you like to learn more about midwifery care and what to expect with the Stratford Midwives? Click this link to view our introductory video.
Would you like to learn more about midwifery care and what to expect with the Stratford Midwives? Click this link to view our introductory video.
Rebekah Bradshaw, RM
I first became interested in midwifery during the time when my aunt was having children. She chose the care of a midwife and introduced me to midwifery care in Ontario. I was instantly attracted to this model of care because it aligned so closely with my own philosophies about women’s health care. My interest in midwifery continued to grow as I completed my Bachelor of Science degree from McMaster University. During this time I explored midwifery in Ontario and became better acquainted with this choice for pregnant women and their families.
After completing my first degree, I took a year off from my formal education and traveled to the south of Thailand where I volunteered as an English teacher in a small school. This was an incredible experience of growth and learning which solidified my desire to become a midwife. I returned from Thailand and entered the Midwifery Education Programme at McMaster University.
During my training as a midwife, I had the opportunity to work with both the Cambridge Midwives and the Stratford Midwives. I also gained invaluable experience during clinical placements with an obstetrician, the nurses on a labour and delivery floor, a lactation consultant, and the nurses in a neonatal intensive care unit.
I am originally from Elmira, however, in 2002 my husband and I moved to Stratford so that I could complete my midwifery training and begin working with the Stratford Midwives. It has been a great privilege over the last 16 years to be a part of the lives of so many women and their growing families. My family and I truly enjoy the community in Stratford, with it's own unique blend of people from many different backgrounds and walks of life. Since moving to Stratford, we have also welcomed our 2 daughters into our family; both born at home into the hands of midwives. I feel truly honoured to do the work that I love in this community.
I first became interested in midwifery during the time when my aunt was having children. She chose the care of a midwife and introduced me to midwifery care in Ontario. I was instantly attracted to this model of care because it aligned so closely with my own philosophies about women’s health care. My interest in midwifery continued to grow as I completed my Bachelor of Science degree from McMaster University. During this time I explored midwifery in Ontario and became better acquainted with this choice for pregnant women and their families.
After completing my first degree, I took a year off from my formal education and traveled to the south of Thailand where I volunteered as an English teacher in a small school. This was an incredible experience of growth and learning which solidified my desire to become a midwife. I returned from Thailand and entered the Midwifery Education Programme at McMaster University.
During my training as a midwife, I had the opportunity to work with both the Cambridge Midwives and the Stratford Midwives. I also gained invaluable experience during clinical placements with an obstetrician, the nurses on a labour and delivery floor, a lactation consultant, and the nurses in a neonatal intensive care unit.
I am originally from Elmira, however, in 2002 my husband and I moved to Stratford so that I could complete my midwifery training and begin working with the Stratford Midwives. It has been a great privilege over the last 16 years to be a part of the lives of so many women and their growing families. My family and I truly enjoy the community in Stratford, with it's own unique blend of people from many different backgrounds and walks of life. Since moving to Stratford, we have also welcomed our 2 daughters into our family; both born at home into the hands of midwives. I feel truly honoured to do the work that I love in this community.
Natalie Espinet, RM
I am originally from a small town, Dunnville Ontario, just outside Hamilton. I moved to Toronto and worked as a nanny before attending Sir Sandford Fleming College in Peterborough where I became a massage therapist. I returned to Toronto to practice massage therapy and continued to nanny.
My passion for holistic healthcare and women’s health led me naturally to midwifery, and the more I learned about it the more I needed to be a part of this profession. I graduated from Ryerson University Midwifery Education Program in 2009. During my training I have worked in the Niagara Region, Stratford and Peel region. In addition to working with midwives I have also gained experience in a lactation clinic, neonatal intensive care unit and on labour and delivery in a busy tertiary care hospital. I returned to Stratford and was happy to join Stratford Midwives in November 2009 as a Registered Midwife!
I am originally from a small town, Dunnville Ontario, just outside Hamilton. I moved to Toronto and worked as a nanny before attending Sir Sandford Fleming College in Peterborough where I became a massage therapist. I returned to Toronto to practice massage therapy and continued to nanny.
My passion for holistic healthcare and women’s health led me naturally to midwifery, and the more I learned about it the more I needed to be a part of this profession. I graduated from Ryerson University Midwifery Education Program in 2009. During my training I have worked in the Niagara Region, Stratford and Peel region. In addition to working with midwives I have also gained experience in a lactation clinic, neonatal intensive care unit and on labour and delivery in a busy tertiary care hospital. I returned to Stratford and was happy to join Stratford Midwives in November 2009 as a Registered Midwife!
Caitlin Keelan, RM
I am a graduate of the Midwifery Education Program at Ryerson University. Prior to beginning midwifery studies I completed a B.A. in Spanish, worked in services for students with disabilities and then taught English in Japan for several years. After the birth of my son I began to consider a career as a midwife, something I had dreamed of since the profession became legislated in Ontario in 1993.
We returned to Canada in 2007 so that I could begin the Midwifery Education Program. During the program I completed placements at various hospitals and clinics in the Greater Toronto Area. Having spent my childhood years in Perth County, I am very happy to have relocated away from the big city and closer to my family in Stratford.
To me, midwifery is a vocation that allows me to use my head, my heart and my hands. I believe strongly in the principle of informed choice in healthcare and in the transformative power of birth and parenthood. I very much look forward to meeting you and sharing your family's journey.
I am a graduate of the Midwifery Education Program at Ryerson University. Prior to beginning midwifery studies I completed a B.A. in Spanish, worked in services for students with disabilities and then taught English in Japan for several years. After the birth of my son I began to consider a career as a midwife, something I had dreamed of since the profession became legislated in Ontario in 1993.
We returned to Canada in 2007 so that I could begin the Midwifery Education Program. During the program I completed placements at various hospitals and clinics in the Greater Toronto Area. Having spent my childhood years in Perth County, I am very happy to have relocated away from the big city and closer to my family in Stratford.
To me, midwifery is a vocation that allows me to use my head, my heart and my hands. I believe strongly in the principle of informed choice in healthcare and in the transformative power of birth and parenthood. I very much look forward to meeting you and sharing your family's journey.
Evelyn Kobayashi, RM
My journey began in far away Manila with stops in Singapore and Toronto. After obtaining degrees in Midwifery/Nursing in the Philippines and Singapore, I worked for over twenty five years in this capacity.
In 2011, I successfully completed the IMPP (International Midwifery Pre-registration Program) at Ryerson University in Toronto and became registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario.
I achieved Surgical Assistant Certification at McMaster University and I am an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant).
My search for a midwifery practice and a nice place to settle with my family led me to Stratford. I was captivated instantly by this beautiful and vibrant city and have made this my home since 2011.
As a mother, I have exercised utmost patience and care as well as sympathy and understanding. These traits will always be the hallmark of my midwifery practice. I am extremely proud to be a member of the Stratford Midwives
My journey began in far away Manila with stops in Singapore and Toronto. After obtaining degrees in Midwifery/Nursing in the Philippines and Singapore, I worked for over twenty five years in this capacity.
In 2011, I successfully completed the IMPP (International Midwifery Pre-registration Program) at Ryerson University in Toronto and became registered with the College of Midwives of Ontario.
I achieved Surgical Assistant Certification at McMaster University and I am an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant).
My search for a midwifery practice and a nice place to settle with my family led me to Stratford. I was captivated instantly by this beautiful and vibrant city and have made this my home since 2011.
As a mother, I have exercised utmost patience and care as well as sympathy and understanding. These traits will always be the hallmark of my midwifery practice. I am extremely proud to be a member of the Stratford Midwives
Justine Wilson, RM
I was born and raised in London, Ontario. It was not until my second year at McMaster University, while I was completing my Bachelor of Sciences degree, that I was introduced to Midwifery. I always knew that I wanted to be involved in pregnancy and birth and as I learned more and more about the midwifery profession, I realized how much my personal philosophies aligned with the midwifery model of care. I felt that midwives were healthcare providers who empowered women and valued informed choice, and I wanted to be a part of that. I finished my degree at McMaster and took a year off from post-secondary education during which I volunteered at London's Sexual Assault Centre and worked part-time at a midwifery practice in London in an administrative role.
In 2011, I was accepted into Laurentian University's midwifery program. There, I spent four years learning how beautiful normal birth can be and what a privilege it is to be part of a woman's birth experience. I was fortunate enough to spend four months of my training with Stratford Midwives and in my final year, nine months with Guelph Midwives. In addition, I attended one-month placements with an Obstetrician, Neonatal Intensive Care unit Nurse Practitioner, Lactation Consultant, Perinatal Naturopath and a Labour and Delivery Nurse. These placements taught me the importance of interprofessional relationships and collaborative care. I am so thrilled to be back in Stratford and a part of the Stratford Midwives team. I look forward to being a part of your pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey here at Stratford Midwives.
I was born and raised in London, Ontario. It was not until my second year at McMaster University, while I was completing my Bachelor of Sciences degree, that I was introduced to Midwifery. I always knew that I wanted to be involved in pregnancy and birth and as I learned more and more about the midwifery profession, I realized how much my personal philosophies aligned with the midwifery model of care. I felt that midwives were healthcare providers who empowered women and valued informed choice, and I wanted to be a part of that. I finished my degree at McMaster and took a year off from post-secondary education during which I volunteered at London's Sexual Assault Centre and worked part-time at a midwifery practice in London in an administrative role.
In 2011, I was accepted into Laurentian University's midwifery program. There, I spent four years learning how beautiful normal birth can be and what a privilege it is to be part of a woman's birth experience. I was fortunate enough to spend four months of my training with Stratford Midwives and in my final year, nine months with Guelph Midwives. In addition, I attended one-month placements with an Obstetrician, Neonatal Intensive Care unit Nurse Practitioner, Lactation Consultant, Perinatal Naturopath and a Labour and Delivery Nurse. These placements taught me the importance of interprofessional relationships and collaborative care. I am so thrilled to be back in Stratford and a part of the Stratford Midwives team. I look forward to being a part of your pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey here at Stratford Midwives.
Leanne McInall, RM
I graduated from the Midwifery Education Program (MEP) with honours in 2012 from McMaster University. Previous to this I completed a degree in Psychology and a post grad in Human Resources. I was first introduced to Stratford Midwives as a midwifery student and completed a placement in 2010. Having grown up in a small town, I have had a desire to return to a smaller community and with an interest in food and theatre Stratford has a lot to offer!
Since graduation, my work experiences include working in Middlesex, Oxford and Elgin counties as well as working in the remote North in Canada with a team of midwives and students.
Supporting families at such an important and exciting time in their lives is a privilege. Every client I meet has her own story and her pregnancy and birth are unique. This is what makes the job so rewarding! I look forward to meeting you and your family.
I graduated from the Midwifery Education Program (MEP) with honours in 2012 from McMaster University. Previous to this I completed a degree in Psychology and a post grad in Human Resources. I was first introduced to Stratford Midwives as a midwifery student and completed a placement in 2010. Having grown up in a small town, I have had a desire to return to a smaller community and with an interest in food and theatre Stratford has a lot to offer!
Since graduation, my work experiences include working in Middlesex, Oxford and Elgin counties as well as working in the remote North in Canada with a team of midwives and students.
Supporting families at such an important and exciting time in their lives is a privilege. Every client I meet has her own story and her pregnancy and birth are unique. This is what makes the job so rewarding! I look forward to meeting you and your family.
Siobhan Vanderboor, RM
I was born and raised in Oakville Ontario. I went to University of Waterloo for my undergraduate degree in Health Studies, where I also spent a semester abroad studying at Tilburg University in the Netherlands. Then I pursued midwifery at Laurentian University in Sudbury Ontario. I worked a variety of rural placements across Ontario and was deeply inspired by the families needing care in low resource communities. These birth experiences strengthened my passion for client centered care, informed choice, and non-medicated labour support since medications (like an epidural) were not routinely available.
I graduated from the Midwifery Education Program in 2016 and worked for my first year with Midwifery Care of Peel and Halton Hills. We then moved to Blyth Ontario where I worked with Huron Midwives for six years. We loved our small town living and welcomed two children there. When not working I am likely outside adventuring with my children, or caffeinating or both.
It is an honour and a privilege to support families during this transformative time. It is most fulfilling to get to know you over the length of your pregnancy and then witness the transition into parenthood. I am excited to be part of the Stratford Midwives team, and to become part of this wonderful and welcoming community.
I was born and raised in Oakville Ontario. I went to University of Waterloo for my undergraduate degree in Health Studies, where I also spent a semester abroad studying at Tilburg University in the Netherlands. Then I pursued midwifery at Laurentian University in Sudbury Ontario. I worked a variety of rural placements across Ontario and was deeply inspired by the families needing care in low resource communities. These birth experiences strengthened my passion for client centered care, informed choice, and non-medicated labour support since medications (like an epidural) were not routinely available.
I graduated from the Midwifery Education Program in 2016 and worked for my first year with Midwifery Care of Peel and Halton Hills. We then moved to Blyth Ontario where I worked with Huron Midwives for six years. We loved our small town living and welcomed two children there. When not working I am likely outside adventuring with my children, or caffeinating or both.
It is an honour and a privilege to support families during this transformative time. It is most fulfilling to get to know you over the length of your pregnancy and then witness the transition into parenthood. I am excited to be part of the Stratford Midwives team, and to become part of this wonderful and welcoming community.