Teaching Practice & Our Students
We are a teaching practice and are committed to promoting the growth of midwifery in Ontario by providing learning opportunities for students of the MEP (Midwifery Education Program).
When midwifery students are involved in your care, they will join in prenatal and postpartum appointments and will be present at your birth. We have found that clients enjoy and benefit from student involvement, and we encourage you to discuss student participation with your midwives.
What are the benefits of having a student?
Most feedback from clients has shown that clients are extremely happy with their student experience. The student can provide extra labour support, information and extra time.
Will my midwife still care for me?
A midwife teacher will always be present or available when you are with the student.
Will the student be at all of my visits?
The student will be at as many of your visits as possible so you can get to know each other.
What will the student be doing?
Depending on the experience of the student, the roles may vary. Beginner students may start by simply observing, whereas senior students will take on the role of midwife and provide you with all the required care during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Throughout the learning process, the midwife teacher will show the student how to care for you and your baby, and once those skills are learned, they will be responsible for providing this care for you..
What if the student doesn’t know how to do something?
The student’s midwife teacher (preceptor) is always available to the learner and to you. The Preceptor is always available to answer questions or to assist with, or take over any clinic skill that the student is not able to perform on their own.
What can I do to help the student during their placement?
Tell the student what you like and don’t like about their care. You are helping the student to learn.
Thank you for helping the next generation of midwives.
Isabelle
Student
My name is Erin Miller (she/her) and I am thrilled to be working with the Midwives of York Region as a midwifery learner from May 2023– April 2024.
I am in the final year of the Midwifery Education Program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Over the course of my degree, I have had the opportunity to work alongside midwives, obstetricians, birthing nurses, lactation consultants, pediatricians, NICU nurses, and Hospitalist midwives at both Southlake and Markham Stouffville Hospital. Prior to entering the midwifery program, my major focused on issues of social justice with a sprinkle of human anatomy and microbiology. I also received training from DONA International as a doula and volunteered doula supports to young parents.
On a personal level, I am a mom of 3, all of whom were born into the hands of midwives. It was my own birth experiences that ignited my passion for midwifery and person-centered care. Equitable access to exceptional pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care is something that I am very passionate about. Likewise, I am in awe of the power within all birthing people and am honoured to be able to support people in this transformative life event.
Thank you kindly for welcoming me as a student member of your midwifery team. I look forward to working with you in the months to come.
Erin Miller