MABC News & Updates > Meet Tanisha Gounder: A Passionate Advocate for Midwifery
Finding Inspiration in Advocacy and Care
Tanisha Gounder’s journey to becoming a midwife is a story of passion and advocacy. Growing up, Tanisha observed a significant gap in pregnancy care and women’s health education within her community. This realization ignited her desire to pursue a career in midwifery, where she could provide both care and education. Her personal experiences—seeing her family members go through pregnancy as well as recognizing the loss of midwifery care that existed in her community pre-legislation—deepened her connection to expectant individuals and solidified her commitment to the field. Tanisha finds immense fulfillment in offering safe, comforting, and supportive care throughout the pregnancy journey, ensuring that every individual feels valued and cared for.
A Multifaceted Life Beyond Midwifery
Tanisha hails from North Delta, a vibrant community where her family’s story began with their immigration from Fiji in the 90s. Her close-knit family and a network of friends have always been a cornerstone of her life. In high school, she actively engaged in sports, volunteering, and leadership roles, setting the stage for her future career. Outside of her professional life, Tanisha enjoys painting, working out, hiking, reading, and spending quality time with her loved ones, especially her dog. She values personal reflection and growth, frequently seeking new experiences and exploring different places. Her recent focus has been on self-improvement and strengthening relationships, both with others and herself.
Goals and Aspirations in Midwifery
As Tanisha embarks on her midwifery career by starting her first year at UBC this September, her goals are clear. She aims to build on her existing knowledge by developing new skills and gaining hands-on experience. Her aspirations include collaborating with institutions like BCCNM and UBC to enhance educational opportunities for future midwives. Tanisha is committed to contributing to the field through education and research, leveraging her leadership skills to work effectively with other midwives and aspiring practitioners. She also envisions working with international organizations to advance pregnancy care and raise awareness about midwifery's vital role.
Memorable Moments and Motivations
One of Tanisha’s most memorable experiences was supporting her cousin through the birth of her first niece in Canada. This personal involvement in the pregnancy and birth was incredibly rewarding and underscored the importance of supportive care. Reflecting on her own birth, which was marked by a lack of information and support, Tanisha is driven to offer comprehensive care and reassurance to expectant families. Her goal is to ensure that every individual feels supported and informed throughout their pregnancy and labor.
Staying Current and Pushing for Change
To stay abreast of the latest research and best practices in midwifery, Tanisha actively engages with resources from MABC and UBC Midwifery. Looking ahead, she hopes to see expanded educational opportunities and greater recognition of midwifery in British Columbia. She advocates for better integration between midwifery and other healthcare services and aims to contribute to international efforts to improve midwifery care and reduce disparities.
Advice for Aspiring Midwives
For those considering a career in midwifery, Tanisha advises thorough research and connecting with professionals in the field. Strong communication skills are crucial, as is building a robust support network to navigate the demands of the profession. Maintaining self-care and a healthy work-life balance is essential, as midwifery can be both rewarding and challenging.
Raising Awareness About Midwifery
Tanisha’s wish is for greater public awareness of midwifery in BC. She hopes that more people will recognize the comprehensive and compassionate care midwives provide throughout the pregnancy journey. By increasing awareness, Tanisha aims to ensure that expectant individuals know they have access to exceptional support during one of life’s most significant experiences.
Tanisha Gounder’s dedication to midwifery is a testament to her commitment to advocacy, education, and compassionate care. As she continues to grow in her profession, she remains focused on improving pregnancy care and making a positive impact on the lives of those she supports.