Getting to know Calmbirth Educator, Edwina Lewis

Edwina’s midwifery career spans almost 25 years and encompasses a diverse range of clinical and educational experiences. She has worked as a private midwife attending home births, provided remote midwifery care to Indigenous women, and practised in provincial Vietnam. Her experience also includes working as a midwife in a tertiary, high-risk maternity setting. She currently works as a Clinical Midwifery Specialist.

Edwina has a strong passion for education and has extensive experience educating women and families, as well as teaching and supporting midwifery students. She holds a Master of Midwifery and a Graduate Diploma in Tertiary Education.

“My philosophy has stayed strong and true over the years and is grounded in facilitating the best birth for women as possible, however this looks for them.  This is achieved through connecting with women at a level that supports the mind and the body. I place great importance in exploring beliefs, influences, fears, doubts, inspirations and insights. Much of the work we do together is founded in breath work and understanding the significance of the nervous system on our behaviours.

“My passions are yoga (including meditation and mindfulness), horse riding (I am a country girl), and swimming, the ocean invigorates and restores my wellbeing.

“Teaching Calmbirth to birthing women and their partners brings me joy.  Over the years I have witnessed the profound difference in birthing the Calmbirth educated women experiences. To be a part of making that difference is indescribable. I look forward to travelling this path with you!”

My Name is…Edwina.

I work at…Cooma maternity as a Clinical Midwifery Specialist as well as a part time practice nurse at the local GP surgery.

My life in five words…Exciting, Full, Happy, Loving, Meaningful.

The best thing about where I live is…Its rural, close to the ocean and the mountains.

What I do to relax when I’m not working…Practice yoga, meditate, ride horses, swim, walk and read.

I can’t live without…my family and the ocean.

The person or traits I most admire is…my yoga teacher, and my partner.

What I love most about being a Calmbirth Educator…I feel that I can really influence the way women experience the most transformative moments in their life. Through knowledge and understanding of the mind and body comes strength and confidence to achieve the birth women believe in.

If I had to describe my own birth experiences in 3 words…Amazing, Life-changing, empowering.

The 3 essential things you need to take with you into labour are…Knowledge, understanding and belief in yourself.

My most memorable moment as Calmbirth® educator…My couple came back to me and said that they felt in control of the situation (hospital intervention) with their second birth after a traumatic first. They were able to ask the questions until they got an answer that was right from them. Partner felt empowered to ‘manage’ the room and protect the safe space for his wife. She felt safe hearing him speak with knowledge and power.

A favourite quote…“Every day we are born again. What we do today is what matters most” Buddha

My next Calmbirth courses are…Watch this space.