Heart to Heart Birthkeeping

20/08/2025

For those looking to learn something new!!!

15/07/2025

Did you know?

Original post: .labornurse

27/06/2025

21/06/2025

Karlee Fellner’s daughter, Pêtâstêkawisk, was born in a birthing pool, surrounded by smudging, drumming and songs. It was a deliberate return to land-based traditions, supported by registered midwife Nicole Matheson.

“I knew that would be such a different beginning for the baby—to come out and hear the sounds of the land right away,” says Fellner, a citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta. “The birds singing. The smells of the land. The smoke of the fire… what a better way to transition from your mom’s womb into this world.”

For Fellner, giving birth in a mîkiwahp (tipi) on the land was an important part of her birthing plan. Matheson explains that everyone has their own feelings about what makes a safe birthing environment.

“We make sure clients have the information they need to make informed choices about their birthplace, whether that’s at home, in a birth centre or in a hospital,” says Matheson, “and we support them in those choices.”

She and another midwife provide care across Rocky Mountain House and surrounding areas, including O’Chiese and Big Horn First Nations communities.

Matheson is one of Primary Care Alberta’s network of 180 midwives working autonomously across the province. This network includes an increasing number of Indigenous registered midwives. Many of whom develop close partnerships with Indigenous communities to provide culturally safe, people-centred care.

Fellner’s birthing journey lasted more than two weeks, but she says it unfolded just as she had hoped. As a psychologist specializing in intergenerational and complex trauma, she believes that healthy communities begin at birth.

“I want my children to have the best start they possibly can, and being born on the land is a part of that,” she explains. “Having the smudge, the drums and song helped so much with the pain and hard parts, along with Nicole’s reminders that the pain was temporary.”

June is National Indigenous Peoples Month. This year’s theme—Hand in Hand Toward Cultural Safety—invites us to listen, learn and reflect on how healthcare providers can help Indigenous patients and families feel safe, respected and heard.

Explore events and join the celebration:
https://together4health.albertahealthservices.ca/2025-nipm

26/05/2025

I'm co-facilitating a free online prenatal series every Monday in June for those that are indigenous and pregnant!
Come join us Mondays 2-4pm
Visit the events page on kihewawasiswakamik.com to register or message me for the link!

05/05/2025

Aho our relatives!

It’s that time of year again….. we are starting the conversation of our 4yr mentorship program!

Our mentorship program will be changing names to the spirit name Kiciy Ohkomimaw Iskotew (Sacred Grandmother Fire) and retiring our 13 Moons name to uplift the program, 💗 as we were guided to do.

We will be releasing all the details on May 5th- International Day of the Midwife 💗

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Facebook Live
12 noon
Monday May 5th

16/02/2025

We’re advancing a midwifery strategy to attract more midwives and improve access to maternal health services across Alberta.

Midwives play a crucial role in improving health outcomes for women, newborns and families by bringing maternal care closer to home. They provide emotional support, help manage pregnancy risks and make referrals when needed.

We’re committed to ensuring Albertans can access high-quality maternal health care anywhere in the province and are investing $10 million to implement the comprehensive new Alberta Midwifery Strategy.

Learn more: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=92786FFCC9318-BD2E-11D8-1242F9764DD4A132

14/02/2025

The Children & Family Services Team at the Otipemisiwak Métis Government is excited to launch the Day Home Startup Pilot Program!

Métis families deserve culturally relevant, reliable child care. This program supports Métis citizens in opening and operating day homes by offering personal and financial assistance, guidance through licensing, and Métis Cultural Awareness training.

Our goal is to grow Métis-run day homes across Alberta, strengthening community connections and preserving culture for future generations!

Applications are now open!
https://albertametis.com/dayhomestartup

21/12/2024

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice (December 21st) is the shortest day of the year, and an opportunity for us, as Indigenous people, to reconnect with the natural world and to honour and practice our traditional cultures. Here are 5 facts about the Winter Solstice:

1. The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year.
2. It is a time of rest for the animals and plants, and a time for the people to replenish their spirit.
3. Some Indigenous communities celebrate and honour the changing season through ceremony.
4. Winter's coldest days generally happen after the solstice.
5. It is a time for family and for gathering.

If you are interested in learning more about Indigenous teachings and natural law, we invite you to watch Wahkohtowin: https://shop.bearpawlegalresources.ca/collections/natural-law/products/wahkohtowin-video

15/12/2024

What a beautiful afternoon celebrating 30 years with the .association.edmonton in the at

27/11/2024

Birth is so beautiful💜