Joanna South

Q. What is your educational background?

A. I went to a 3 year program for massage therapy. I have been working and practicing as a massage therapist since 2000. I am a massage therapist; my practice focus is mainly on pregnant women and postpartum, I am an infant massage instructor, as well as a doula and student midwife. I am studying with MCU on my Bachelor of Science.

Q. What has been your apprenticeship/clinical training?

A. I am currently Apprenticing with a midwife in my community, attending a small number of homebirths with her.

Q. What licenses/credentials/qualifications do you have?

A. I have attended a bunch of birth related workshops and training such as:

Birthing from Within – childbirth education, Assessment and Treatment of the Female Pregnant Pelvis, Midwifery Skills workshops with local midwives, Mother Wellness Workshop, Advanced Birth Support, Understanding the Female Pelvis, Full Circle Birth Collective Doula Training, NNRP Training (lessons 1 thru 4), First Aid Course and CPR CranioSacral Therapy Level 1, Mother Wellness Workshop: Training in prenatal, postpartum, and pregnancy massage, Infant massage instructor Training, Mother Wellness Workshop: Doula Support Training - June 2002, Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapies Inc. Remedial Massage Therapy (RMT) certification, Licensed with the Massage Therapy Association of Saskatchewan (MTAS)  Hydrotherapy Certification Course SPRA - Fitness Leader, Strength Training.

Q.  What is your teaching experience?

A. My teaching experience consists of teaching infant massage to parents as well as some prenatal classes to doula clients. I am also the instructor for Massage class PHYT 244 at MCU.

Q. What organizations do you belong to (past or present)?

A.  I am on the Board of Directors for an organization called The Family Room, where I have also served as Newsletter Editor and Librarian. The Family Room is an organization and resource center for families providing programs and information for families that seek safe alternatives in childbirth , birth options and parenting. I am a La Leche League International Leader Applicant and Librarian with LLL Wascana in  Regina, Saskatchewan. Before I had children, I was a member of  the Girl Guides of Canada as a Girl Guide Leader with Guides Unit 19. 

Q. What is your professional and personal birth experience?

A. I have attended a small number of  births as a doula and as an apprentice. I have a lot of experience working with pregnant women and their families but I am very new at working with women in labor.

I have one son Jack who was born at home with the help of 2 midwives. He was born on May 31, 2004. It was a beautiful and empowering experience. It was also a very quick experience, he came into the world very fast!! This is his personallity!! I had a beautiful homebirth and this is what pushed me more into working with women.

Q. Tell us about your family life.

A. I work from home which allows me to be with my son and work when I can. I am married to my husband Mark who is a heavy equipment mechanic. We have 2 dogs, Sasha and Cleo, and a Bird Eddie.

Q. What are your passions?

A. Well, I am very passionate about birth!!

Q. What qualities do you possess?

A. I am honest, funny and dedicated.

Q. What do you enjoy in your “off-time”

A. I love to travel. I love going to the beach and spending time at the lake.

Q. What is your birth philosophy?

A. Birth is different for everybody. I feel that it is important to meet women where they are at.

Q.  What are your goals for the future of midwifery?

A. I would really like to bring midwifery to the women of my province, make it accessible and an option for every women giving birth.

Q. What are your goals for your own future?

A. I plan to raise my family, and fit midwifery in the cracks where I can.

Q.  Where do you see yourself in 10 years/ 20 years/ 30 years?

A. Still learning! 

Q. What makes a great midwife?

A. Patience, compassion, the ability to look inside yourself and find strength for yourself and others. The ability to meet people where they are at.