This International Day of the Midwife, we had the honour of speaking with two remarkable midwives, Maghan Campbell and Vanessa Samur, who shared the heartfelt stories behind their journeys into midwifery. From the moments that first sparked their calling to the experiences that continue to fuel their passion, their reflections remind us why midwives are at the heart of compassionate care. 

Maghan Campbell

A Calling Born from Loss and Hope 

For Maghan, midwifery wasn’t a sudden calling—it emerged gradually through grief during her previous career.  

Before becoming a midwife, Maghan worked in harm reduction as a mental health support worker. As the fentanyl crisis took the lives of clients she worked closely with and cared about, the emotional toll became overwhelming. 

A colleague suggested she attend a birth to witness life after so much loss. That moment changed everything. 

Shortly after, Maghan began her doula training, and she was captivated. The power, beauty, and connection of the birthing process captivated her, and she realized she already had many of the interpersonal and trauma-informed skills the role demanded. Within a few years, she graduated from the UBC Midwifery Program—during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

A Midwife in a Changing System 

Starting her career during lockdown was challenging, but it gave Maghan a unique view of how midwives adapt during crises. Five years on, she’s seen midwifery become increasingly essential. Midwives, she notes, offer continuity of care that many patients can’t find elsewhere. 

Now, five years into practice, Maghan has seen midwifery evolve into an increasingly vital part of healthcare. 

Moments That Matter 

Having attended many births, there is one moment in particular that stands out for Maghan a core memory: a serene Christmas Eve when a mother gently sang carols to her newborn. It’s the tranquil, love-filled scenes like this that remind Maghan why she’s so passionate about her work as a midwife. 

Facing Challenges with Creativity 

Maghan values the deep, personalized relationships she builds. Whether in homes or coffee shops, she shows up where clients need her. She’s passionate about reducing barriers to care—especially for anyone without insurance and those facing financial challenges. Making care accessibility is her priority.  

One major challenge is the lack of accessible primary care. Many clients no longer have family doctors, which creates gaps in postpartum or broader health needs. Maghan navigates this by building networks and doing her best to minimize harm when ER visits are necessary. 

Maghan sees midwifery as an essential form of holistic care to those that need it.  She wishes more people understood the full scope of midwifery, and that it’s evidence-based, MSP-covered, and deeply integrated in BC’s healthcare system. 

Vanessa Samur

From Bicycles to Birth: Vanessa’s Journey Into Midwifery 

Vanessa didn’t set out to become a midwife. She and her husband once dreamed of farming life. But everything changed during a four-month cycling trip through rural U.S. and Eastern Canada. As they pedaled through small towns, Vanessa encountered families going into labour without access to medical care and services. That experience planted the seed for a new path. 

After her trip and once back at home, Vanessa looked into midwifery programs in British Columbia and felt even more so called to the work. What followed was a decade-long journey that’s taken her through training in Vancouver, practice in Kelowna and Vernon, and an international placement in Uganda. 

Vanessa’s experiences have shaped her deeply. She values the mentorship and camaraderie in the midwifery community, where some of her closest professional relationships have formed. 

The Emotional Side of Birth Work 

Vanessa says the emotional landscape of midwifery is what stays with her most. She reflects on a moment when she was driving home through Peachland at sunrise after supporting with a delivery, filled with joy and gratitude.  

However, Vanessa also admitted that being a midwife comes with its fair share of challenges, particularly on days when outcomes don’t meet expectations or when managing nuanced patient relationships. Motherhood also added another layer. With two kids, now eight and five, Vanessa has had to balance on-call work with family life. She credits her partner, Jordan, for being a constant support. 

Midwifery: More Than Medicine 

To Vanessa, midwifery is where clinical skill meets deep compassion. She believes the true gift midwives offer is presence—the ability to listen, support, and help clients feel emotionally safe, not just providing physical care.  

Yet, she’s seen how midwifery can be misunderstood. Especially during times like the pandemic, where midwifery is viewed as a luxury rather than essential. She’s quick to point out that midwifery often reduces pressure on the system—by preventing ER visits and offering continuity of care. 

Looking Forward 

Vanessa is proud to be part of a publicly funded, relationship-based model of care. What once felt like a radical career choice is becoming mainstream—and she hopes midwifery will continue to grow in both reach and recognition. 

For her, it's simple: “There’s no other work that offers this level of purpose, challenge, and fulfillment.”