Heather Wood,
Registered Midwife

I have been working with pregnant women since 1984. In Saskatchewan, I was a prenatal class instructor, doula, and apprentice midwife. I moved to Hamilton, Ontario in 1997 to attend McMaster University's Midwifery Education Program. I worked as a registered midwife with a large group practice in Hamilton until 2006. Victoria is now my permanent home, where I am a full-time midwife at Access Midwifery.

I love working with pregnant women, their families and their babies. I have a particular interest in working with women from diverse backgrounds and with young childbearing women.

"Thank you very much for all your great support during my pregnancy and postpartum recovery. I had the best experience with the birth of my son Joaquin because of you. You made everything enjoyable. You provided the best information and best of all you were so kind to my 5 year old Guillermo. He has made good memories with you. Keep up the good work and keep making others feel great just like you did with us."

Lorna McRae,
Registered Midwife

For fifteen years I worked with communities of women and men on the goals of health and social equality for all. In 1997 I returned to studies at McMaster University for four years in Midwifery focusing on pregnancy, labour and birth, postnatal care of mom, baby and family. I have been practicing full time since 2001.

The work, to me, is a labour of love. We welcome women and families from all backgrounds into our care. I am involved in education activities in the community and the University of British Columbia.

"My birth experience was so tremendously positive. I credit it completely to the sensitivity and outstanding abilities of my midwives. This is how birth should be. "

"It was so good to know there was always someone to call whenever I had concerns. You were always friendly and welcoming whenever I visited your clinic. "

Heather Nelson,
Registered Midwife

I'm thrilled to be working with women and their families at Access Midwifery, here in my hometown of Victoria. I am a graduate of the University of British Columbia's Midwifery Education Program and have had the privilege of being mentored by midwives and other maternity care providers in the Lower Mainland, on Salt Spring Island, in Uganda, and here in Victoria.

Prior to embarking on my career as a midwife, I worked with locally-based organizations in Victoria and on Vancouver Island. I have diverse experience in program coordination, volunteer management, community health research, and community collaboration. It's a privilege and a joy to work with the diversity of women, babes, and families that come to Access Midwifery for maternity care and I look forward to supporting you through your journey to parenthood.

"Words cannot express how grateful we are that you delivered our precious boy. Our son's birth story was unique, special, and as unplanned as they come."

"You were absolutely wonderful during our long, tough birth. Your energy was strong and compassionate throughout the whole thing."