A journey rooted in community and care, thanks to donors
Every journey into parenthood begins differently. Some begin in celebration. Others in uncertainty. All deserve to be met with compassion and respectful care honoring body, spirit and community.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, families accessing care at Surrey Memorial Hospital can experience culturally safe, wraparound support through the Indigenous Maternal Liaison (IML) Program. A program made possible thanks to donors.
As we reflect on this year’s Celebration of Care Gala theme, Journey, we are reminded that each path into parenthood is unique. It is shaped by choice, circumstance, strength and hope. And because of philanthropy, that journey can now include cultural connection, ceremony and advocacy for Indigenous Life-Givers and their babies.
Below, Christie Barnhart shares her story.
My Birthing Journey with the Indigenous Maternal Liaison Program
Story originally shared by Christie Barnhart, Life-Giver on Fraser Health Newsroom
After I had my first son, I learned about the Indigenous Maternal Liaison (IML) program during the Life-Givers circle for Indigenous parents at Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association (FRAFCA). I even joked, “If I have another baby, you’ll [the IML program] be my first call.”
A year later, I found out I was pregnant, and my first call was to the IML program. It changed my birthing journey completely.
From the beginning, the IML supported me as an Indigenous mother. Although not Indigenous herself, I felt that she was very connected to the Indigenous way of life in how she cares. She was knowledgeable in maternal care, listened to my concerns and connected me to resources that supported me throughout the entire pregnancy journey (prenatal to postpartum).
One of the healing moments of my journey came when the IML worked with the Indigenous health liaisons to invite an Elder to my bedside. Together, they offered a welcoming smudge and feather brushing for my newborn and for me. The Elder gave me a long hug that felt healing. I left the hospital feeling more at peace and ready to go home.
After my baby arrived, the IML visited multiple times, stayed for hours and even held my baby so I could fall asleep. I was also connected to the right supports such as my doula.
That kind of care, the kind that sees your body, your spirit and your community beyond the medical, made this birth feel completely different. My first pregnancy did not weave in any Indigenous birthing practices.
The support continued in community. At a FRAFCA blanketing ceremony for new babies and children, the IML offered to hold my daughter so I could wrap my arms around my older son. For me, it felt like she helped welcome my daughter into this world in a good way, the way our babies deserve.
Pregnancy and birth can be tough, scary and beautiful all at once. Knowing someone is at your side to advocate, bring culture and ceremony into a medicalized space, and support you to navigate the system makes a huge difference.
Philanthropy in Action
The Indigenous Maternal Liaison Program at Surrey Memorial Hospital is fully funded through the generosity of donors to Surrey Hospitals Foundation.
This support strengthens the Women, Children & Youth Pillar of Care, expanding wraparound services that help families begin their journeys with confidence, cultural connection and hope.
Because every family deserves care that honours who they are from the beginning of their journey.
