Join us as we explore The Colour of Birth project with Dr. Karline Wilson-Mitchell, a leading advocate for Black midwives in Canada.

Through rich historical research and personal narratives, she shares the hidden stories of Black midwives who helped shape Canadian healthcare—from those who arrived via the Underground Railroad to those who faced systemic barriers in the 20th century. Dr. Wilson-Mitchell also discusses the challenges Black midwives face today, from barriers to entering the profession to the emotional labour of mentorship. How do we ensure the next generation of midwives are supported? What role does advocacy play in addressing racial disparities in maternal care? Explore and celebrate the resilience, activism, and lasting impact of Black midwifery.

About Our Guest

Karline Wilson-Mitchell, who hails from Jamaica, is the first and only Black Canadian midwifery education professor. She was the director of the TMU, Midwifery department. between 2018-2024. She is passionate about reproductive justice that informs midwifery education, healthcare practice and global partnerships. She has been a registered nurse since 1984, and a midwife since 1992. She has worked as midwife in urban and rural settings in the U.S. and Canada. She’s acted as a consultant for leadership and curriculum development in education in Jamaica, Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi, Uganda and South Sudan. Her new course, Black Birthing & Health Equity, launched in January 2024. It examines African diasporic traditions around family, perinatal care, and challenges learners to develop creative ways of conceiving and recreating healthy birth environments for Black families.

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Strength in Practice is produced by the Canadian Association of Midwives, in collaboration with Bespoke Podcasts.

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