.png)
Birth Stories 2020
...because sharing stories is powerful!
Meet the winners of the Birth Story Contest and read their birth story.
We believe these stories are the beginning of a birth culture change, a culture of solidarity between birthers, a culture of strength and resilience.
​
We are publishing one honorable mention birth story every Friday!
Don't miss any!
​
BIRTH SHARING CIRCLE
October 3rd, at 3 pm(EST)
A CELEBRATION OF WRITERS, BIRTHERS, AND BIRTH WORKERS
ending with a virtual live performance of Jenn Grant!
Come and meet the winners of the birth story contest and the judges. This is an event where we will share birth stories and give a voice to birthers. We welcome parents-to-be and birth workers to listen and join the conversation.This will be a heartwarming event!
​
Register to this free event on Eventbrite. Donation welcome.
by Ashley Lightfoot
First-Place Laureate
Residing in Squamish, BC with her partner, Eric, two kidlets, and a kitty, Ashley became a certified doula after the birth of her first child. She adores helping families create peaceful and joyous transformation. Ashley is a member of the BC Doula Services Association, as well as the Tantalus Wellspring Society, a charity which assists those experiencing barriers in accessing mental wellness therapies.
She can be reached at www.moonbeamdoula.ca
by Lori Sebastianutti
Second-Place Laureate
Lori is a writer and teacher from Stoney Creek, Ontario. She is the former managing editor of the Fertility Matters Canada blog and her most recent work appeared in The Hamilton Review of Books.
You can find her on Twitter @sebastianl74 and on Instagram @sebastianlwrites and can read more of her work at lorisebastianutti.com.
by Mercedes Papalia
Third-Place Laureate
Mercedes is a multi-disciplinary storyteller through art, design, and creative writing. Her journey began as an acting and vocal student at a young age and she continues to expand and diversify her creative practices. She currently works as an interior stylist, visual artist, and production designer for film and television. Mercedes is a devoted mother, wife, and lover of fresh flowers and authentic Italian food, forever in the pursuit of a beautiful life.
by Susan Flanagan
Honorable Mention
Susan Flanagan has worked as a freelance journalist (BJ, King’s College, NS, 1991) and columnist in St. John’s, NL for almost 30 years.
Two of her novels will be published in 2021: The Degrees of Barley Lick (Running the Goat Books & Broadsides) and Supermarket Baby, winner 2019 Percy Janes First Novel Award (Flanker Press).
To find out more here or on her Facebook page.
The honorable mention winners are:
​
​
Name From Title
Danielle BoByk Kingston, ON Reclaiming My Birth Story
Angela Douglas Summerland, BC Worth It
Susan Flanagan St. John’s, NL Surprise Baby
Christine Folan Chatham, ON Delivered
Jenna Kovacic Richmond Hill, ON Believing in your Body
Dana MacDonald Kingston, ON Our Rainbow
Sheena McDonald Toronto, ON Surprise!
Julie Meier Calgary, AB Mother Knows Best
Kristin Nuttal Pemberton, BC A Full Moon Eclipse Birth
Brittany Oliver Welland, ON Birth Plan
Camille Ramsberger Keswick, ON It All Makes Sense Now
Alison Ryder Kingston, ON Just Like Hollywood
Sharon Shisvin Winnipeg, MB Labour, Delivery and a Grateful Grandmother
Leah Timmerman Maberly, ON She Who Brings Forth the Blossoms
Sara Wettlaufer Petawawa, ON A Dramatic Debut
These honorable mention stories will be published on our website — one story each week until all are published. Don’t miss any, follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
Don't miss the
2019 Birth Stories
More powerful and moving stories to read!
Birth story contest:
editor needed
We need a skillful editor to help create our book: A Canadian Anthology of Birth Stories (and some facts about maternity care).
Birth story contest: Guidelines 2020
by Leah Timmermann
Honorable Mention
Leah Timmermann lives in rural Eastern Ontario. She works as a midwife but is currently on leave with her 3-month-old daughter. She and her family live in a tiny house that they built on their family's land. She loves reading, cooking, and anything outdoors.