#MyBestMoments - Judi Brandson, Midwife

In our #MyBestMoments campaign, staff, physicians, and volunteers from across our organization share the moments that have mattered most to them in their careers at Lakeridge Health. Read Judi’s story below.  

During my final years of university working toward my Midwifery Degree, I knew that I wanted to live and work in my community in Durham Region. However, at the time, I was concerned that there wasn’t a hospital nearby that offered midwifery-led deliveries. 

After graduating, I temporarily moved to Alliston, Ontario while working with stakeholders at the Oshawa Hospital toward the goal of privileging midwives. In early 2003, Community Care Midwives secured privileges and I was the first midwife to deliver a baby at the hospital in February 2003. I’ll never forget that little boy named Matthew.  

Our practice continued to grow throughout the years, and in 2008, I became Chief of Midwifery at Oshawa Hospital. Five years later in 2013, I became Corporate Chief of Midwifery.  

As my career has grown over the past 20 years, I’ve been able to gain a more complete understanding of the inner workings of the hospital. I’ve learned so much about the various programs, how they function day to day, and how they influence one another. 

I’ve had the opportunity to meet and interact with wonderful people from all areas of the hospital, and I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know them and learning more about their programs.  

The people are what makes Lakeridge Health a great place to work. I know everyone says this, but the birthing suite staff are the best! Not only are the nurses unbelievably good at what they do, but they are also some of the kindest and funniest people. The obstetricians and paediatricians are all so caring, knowledgeable, and always willing to take the time to answer questions. The clerical staff is amazing as well! They keep the floor humming and if you have a question, they know the answer. It’s just the best place to work! 

Throughout the past two decades delivering babies in the community, I’ve had many amazing moments. From being the first midwife to deliver a baby at the hospital, to being recognized by former patients when I’m out and about, it’s all been a privilege. It’s actually rare for me to go out and not bump into someone who says “Are you Judi? You delivered my baby years ago!” But the best moments of all have been attending the births of my six grandchildren. While I didn’t deliver them, I did do all of the baby care. Those have been my best moments.