What TBC means to our communities AllCommunity memberMidwifeParticipant in TBC programsPerson who plans or has given birth at TBCStaff memberStudentSupport personIndigenousIndigenous from territories beyond Turtle Islandnon-Indigenous I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful environment to bring my son into the world. I was drawn to the idea of the TBC as soon as I learned of it after becoming pregnant with my first child. Due to COVID I was unable to tour the space prior to my delivery, but watched the virtual tour and explored the website. When first entering the space, at 8cm dilated , I could still feel the energy shift walking through those doors to reception. I laboured in the Cedar room, where seeing the beautiful mural on the wall while entering brought me to tears and reminded me of my strength. Knowing that all of the sacred medicines were within steps of where we were brought comfort to me and my partner. Adding a ribbon to the tree upon leaving the centre was an incredibly special touch. I wish everyone could have the opportunity to choose to labour at a birth centre. It’s an empowering, holistic and beautiful experience and I couldn’t imagine bringing life into the world anywhere else. Indigenous Person who plans or has given birth at TBC, The TBC has given me a safe space to practice! Midwives are always welcomed and supported. Our clients are welcomed and supported. From the Birth Centre Aides to the management, there is never a time that I feel unsupported.... Their support to midwives, clients, and this beautiful and meaningful birth space is invaluable. Thank you TBC, chi miigwetch!! Indigenous Midwife, To be able to work at the TBC as an Indigenous-led birthing space means I can provide culturally safe care in an environment that feels safe, like home, for me, my community, and the families I provide care for. Midwife Indigenous from territories beyond Turtle Island, It means working in a space that exists ... to re-establish a deep spiritual and ancestral connection to this part of the world, while creating an opportunity for folks to access clinically excellent care in a space that actively seeks to decolonize families' intrapartum care experiences. non-Indigenous midwife, It is important to me to support Indigenous people, and have a safe space to incorporate pregnancy, birthing and infant teachings that are important to them; as well as to have family present and a space for ceremony. non-Indigenous midwife, Respect and love it. It reminds us the connection between human and natural world that we ... often ignored. The low-risk or healthy pregnant people and midwives can benefit a lot from the space provided. non-Indigenous midwife, I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn constantly over time from Indigenous midwives and other cultural leaders about my role in upholding Indigenous rights and good relationships. Non-Indigenous Midwife Staff member, It means a lot to me. I would be honoured to have my child in this facility and to be able to have the best of this facility and from all the knowledge and respect it has with all its clients. non-Indigenous Person who plans or has given birth at TBC,
