Even though first-time mother Lois Bylsma (left) didn’t have the birth experience she planned for, she felt reassured and supported every step of the way, thanks to the support of her midwife, Jessica Sawyer (right) and the Niagara Health labour and delivery team.
Baby Boaz Bylsma had quite the birthday party – one that involved a team of midwives, nurses, doctors and a last-minute change of plans.
First-time mom Lois Bylsma had envisioned a calm, unmedicated birth with the support of her midwives at Niagara Health, but as her labour progressed, her baby’s heart rate started to drop. Within moments, the careful balance of her birth plan shifted and a new plan quickly took shape.
“I never felt stressed because I trusted my team,” Bylsma said. “Everyone was on the same page about what was best for me and my baby.”
Jessica Sawyer, her midwife, was by her side throughout her labour. When she saw the concerning heart rate readings, she immediately called Dr. James Wang, the obstetrician (OB) on-call, to consult. Within minutes, the decision was made – Bylsma needed an emergency cesarean section (C-section).
As Bylsma was wheeled in the operating room, the bright lights and quick movements of the surgical team filled the space. She was overwhelmed, trying to process what was happening.
Through it all, Sawyer and her student midwife stayed by Bylsma’s side.
“I was scared. Everything was moving so fast,” Bylsma says. “Having Jessica there made all the difference. I wasn’t alone.”
Because Bylsma had laboured without medication, she was placed under general anesthesia for the C-section, meaning her husband wasn’t able to be in the operating room with her.
In that moment, Sawyer’s presence became even more essential.
“The operating room can feel overwhelming,” Sawyer says. “Being there for Lois until she went under anesthesia is what midwifery is about – being present for our clients in every moment.”
Minutes later, baby Boaz was born, weighing six pounds, 10 ounces. Labour and delivery nurses and respiratory therapists quickly assessed him.
“Boaz was born with a triple nuchal cord, meaning the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck three times,” says Sawyer. “Thanks to the team’s swift action, he was stabilized quickly.”
Seamless transitions in care
At Niagara Health, collaboration between midwives and hospital staff is at the heart of maternity care.
Women and Babies Clinical Manager Biljana Crevar emphasizes how teamwork is strengthened through ongoing training.
“We conduct joint workshops, training sessions and simulations that address obstetric emergencies, communication strategies and teamwork,” Crevar says. “These shared learning experiences build trust and mutual respect among all team members.”
That mutual respect was evident in Bylsma’s care. Sawyer seamlessly transitioned from providing labour support to working alongside the hospital’s obstetric team, ensuring the best possible care for both mother and baby.
“If a midwife has concerns, they consult the on-call OB immediately,” Crevar says. “Collaboration ensures that the patient gets the right care at the right time.”
“Knowing we have a team ready to step in when needed allows us to focus fully on the mother and baby,” Sawyer adds. “We don’t hesitate to reach out for support.”
Boaz Bylsma was delivered via emergency C-section after a drop in his heart rate raised concerns.
When Bylsma woke up in the recovery room, she was groggy and overwhelmed. For a moment, she wasn’t sure if the birth had really happened. As soon as she saw her baby, a wave of relief washed over her. Boaz was here and he was safe.
“I remember feeling so out of it,” she says. “When Jessica placed him on my chest for skin-to-skin, I knew everything was okay.”
Sawyer remained by the new mother’s side, ensuring Bylsma was comfortable and the transition from surgery to bonding with her baby was as smooth as possible.
“Seeing her hold Boaz, knowing he was safe – that’s what this job is all about.”
Bylsma and Baby Boaz remained in the hospital for 24 hours before being discharged. Once home, she continued to receive postpartum care from her midwifery team, ensuring she had support throughout her recovery.
Looking back, Bylsma says the experience reinforced her trust in her midwives and hospital team.
“There was no panic, just quick decisions, clear communication and everyone working together. That’s what made me feel safe.”
