Home birth in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

June 3, 2008

A pregnant resident of Nain traveled to Happy Valley-Goose Bay to give birth to her child at the Labrador Health Center, only to end up delivering the child at a home.

Justine Obed, originally of Nain, helped deliver a child in her Happy Valley-Goose Bay residence. She says that around 6pm her sister Leah Semigak had complained that she was feeling labor pains.

After trying to contact the Department of Health's ground transportation van, and learning that it was currently in the community of North West River, they called a taxi. But Semigak couldn't wait and said that the baby was on the way and began delivering the child with the assistance of Obed and her niece, Lorna Okkuatsiak.

After beginning the first push of labor at 7pm Semigak gave birth to a baby girl only 10 minutes later.

Obed says it was an exciting experience and the knowledge she gained while attending the Integrated Nursing Access Program at the College of the North Atlantic, assisted her in the delivery.

She adds that her niece, who also assisted in the delivery, was shocked by the whole situation and proud that she was part of the experience.

Obed adds that she's proud to say that Semigak had a healthy baby girl and is now waiting to return home to Nain with her bundle of joy.

Story was broadcast on Okalakatiget Radio, June 3, 2008