Who We Are

Nicole Seguin RM

I am an experienced midwife formerly practicing in downtown Toronto and have been practicing full time in Vancouver since moving here in 2005.

I believe birth is one of the most powerful, life changing events a woman experiences and it is an honour to be included in that experience. One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is when I can help to make that experience a wonderful one for all involved. I believe strongly in the model of informed choice decision-making and feel my job is to empower you with knowledge and choices about your care.

I am a graduate of the Ryerson University Midwifery Education Program, and am an experienced prenatal educator and breastfeeding specialist. In my full-time practice in Ontario, prior to moving to BC I worked largely with women new to Canada and women facing a variety of other challenges in their lives.

Prior to becoming a midwife I worked as a Community Health Worker for over 10 years with the Regent Park Community Health Centre located in Toronto. My work focused on working with families around issues of housing, food and income access. Midwifery became a natural extension of my desire to work with women, respect their voice and choices and work in the health care field.

I currently hold privileges at BC Women's Hospital and also have St. Paul's Health Centre. I am also equally experienced and comfortable with homebirth and waterbirth.

I moved here with my partner and two daughters aged 10 and 5. Both were born into the caring hands of midwives and my birth experiences with them strengthened my desire to become a midwife. My first daughter was born at home, the second in the hospital. My personal and professional experience is extensive and I look forward to sharing it with you as your midwife.

Lisa Sutherland RM

My name is Lisa Sutherland and I live in Vancouver with my partner. I was drawn to Midwifery for its women and baby centered approach to pregnancy and birth, along with its commitment to wellness and preventative health care. Prior to becoming a Midwife, I lived in Victoria and was working as a project manager at a non-profit organization focused on urban health, food access, and organic agriculture. While working there I had the opportunity to partner with a range of organizations including pregnancy outreach programs, transitional housing projects, community centre groups, and diabetes prevention programs. During that time I trained as a doula and as a breastfeeding counsellor. Over the years, I have volunteered at a crisis line, at a birth control clinic, and for a number of grassroots organizations working towards social and environmental change. I also have years of experience working with children - teaching ESL, dance, drama, art, gymnastics, and supporting children with autism to reach their full potential. I am a graduate of the UBC Midwifery Education Program. In addition, I have a degree in Women's Studies and Sociology from the University of Victoria.

I am passionate about providing supportive and compassionate care with the goal of helping to make pregnancy and birth powerful and rewarding experiences. I am greatly looking forward to being a part of your journey through pregnancy and the transition to welcoming a new baby in to your lives.

Leah Seibert RM

To me, midwifery is both a science and an art, a career and a calling. It is an amazing privilege to accompany women and families along the journey of pregnancy, birth and early parenting.

Having a baby is an event which influences and is influenced by many aspects of a woman's life. My job as a midwife is to help you make choices that make sense in the context of your life circumstances, and to use my heart, hands and head to help make your birth experience safe and satisfying. I love what I do, and look forward to working with the other midwives at Bloom to provide personalized care to you and your growing family.

I first learned what a midwife was when I was a high school student in Ontario, where midwives had recently been integrated into the provincial health care system. I immediately recognized midwifery as a vocation that could bring together my skills and interests in biology, holistic health, and community building. I spent a few years working and traveling - including a move to BC in 1999 - before immersing myself in the study of bellies, babies and birth.

I've been working with women and families for many years now - first as a clinic assistant, doula, prenatal educator, and crisis line counselor, and now as a registered midwife. My formal training is from the UBC Midwifery Program, where I trained in several communities across Western Canada and developed a special interest in waterbirth, which I studied for my graduating research.