Shannon Sutherland, R.M.

I am grateful to have been blessed with knowing from a very early age that I wanted to help women have babies. Although I have had the heart of a midwife for years I took some time to become one. Born and raised in Calgary, I completed my Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Calgary in 2003, and subsequently began work at the Foothills hospital on the labour and delivery unit. I loved the privilege of being a part of the birth experience with many families, but had a greater desire to support them also throughout the pregnancy and post birth period.

As I have a love for travel, I sought out some international experience. Nursing in Scotland, I took advantage of many incredible learning and growing opportunities. However, being unable to provide maternity care during this time due to registration restrictions, I felt far removed from what I was ‘meant to be doing.’ Making the decision to follow my passion I returned to labour and delivery nursing in Calgary while preparing to study midwifery in Australia.

In Melbourne I completed a Master of Midwifery. There I had the opportunity to work in different settings and models of care, including hospitals, a family birth centre, and with independent midwives providing homebirth care. As part of the program, I journeyed with families through their experience of pregnancy, birth and their first six weeks with a newborn. This continuity was incredible, for it is these families who have most enriched my knowledge and experience as a growing midwife. I was also mentored by an incredible midwife, who has an infectious belief in women’s strength and normal birth. This has helped support my own belief that women are strong and capable of birthing their babies, and families have the right to be fully informed and supported in their choices.

Now returning to Calgary, I am looking forward to sharing some of life’s most precious moments with new parents, excited families and esteemed colleagues. It will truly be an honour to be in partnership with you.