ABOUT me
Keisha Amanda Charnley
ʔəy̓ kʷənəs ʔi k̓ʷəcnamə - My name is Keisha and I am a member of the Katzie First Nation, I also have white european ancestry mostly from Lancashire, England. I grew up in the city of Vancouver on Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-waututh Territories where I now practice as a registered midwife. I am an Indigenous registered midwife, consultant and community health researcher and educator. I attended my first birth in East Van in 2011 at the age of 19 years old and have been a birthworker ever since. In 2016, I took the Indigenous birthworker training with the Native Youth Sexual Health Network at the Toronto Birth Centre. I then received a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery from the School of Medicine at the University of British Columbia in 2021 and began my practice as a midwife. I currently also serve as a Co-Chair with the Indigenous Midwives Council of BC at the Midwives Association of BC. My hope is to uplift the health of my relatives through my role as a midwife and aunty, supporting your autonomy, joy and offering meaningful care during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Outside of my work, I love to garden, surf, ride my bike and explore life with my family.
netəł (pronounced: net-ulth) is a word from our hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language which I understand to mean early morning when the sun is just coming over the mountains. It is the name I have chosen for my work as to me it represents that hope of new beginnings, warmth, a new day, transformation. It is also the time of day when many babies arrive. Welcome to netəł birthwork. hay ce:p q̓ə!
SERVICES + offerings
Indigenous Midwifery
I practice clinical midwifery care with a scope similar to that of a GP Physician but limited to pregnancy, birth and postpartum - I can order tests, interpret test and ultrasound results, deliver baby, prescribe medications, etc. Registered midwifery in BC is covered by MSP, just like other primary health care providers such as family doctors and OBs. As an Indigenous midwife, my practice is centered around meaningful relationships and the teachings of our ancestors - taking the time to be a good relative, and understand how I can best support you. I weave together my teachings as a Katzie person with my clinical knowledge from Western medical education to offer high quality, evidence based and meaningful perinatal health care. My care is for the birther and baby, but also includes involvement with partner, relatives, and community when desired. At this time, I am only offering postpartum care and limited pregnancy support. Please fill out an intake form at Strathcona Midwifery Collective to request postpartum support.
For culturally safe birth support, Huckleberry Midwives at Strathcona Midwifery Collective are an Indigenous-led midwifery team.
Postpartum care
Currently, my midwifery practice is postpartum only. I serve all families but prioritize spaces for BIPOC families. I take over your care from your doctor or midwife after the birth and continue to be you and your baby's primary care provider until 6 weeks postpartum. My care includes home visits, phone support and more time to hear all your questions and provide comprehensive support. Ideally, we will have a chance to meet during your pregnancy and get to know each other so I can learn how to best care for you in the postpartum period. In addition to being a skilled and experienced primary care provider, I am knowledgable about physical recovery, nutrition, breast/chestfeeding support, FNHA/Indian status benefits, and plant medicines. I am well situated in the community to connect you with other experts in postpartum support such as doulas, Elders, Paediatricians, complementary therapists, and lactation consultants. At 6 weeks postpartum, I transfer your care back to your family doctor, nurse practicioner, or help you find another long-term care provider.
Consulting services
Outside of my work as a Registered Midwife, I am also a consultant with over 12 years experience and expertise in strategic planning, program evaluation, curriculum development and education.
I work with Len Pierre Consulting. I can be contacted through LPC for strategic planning, program evaluation, and curriculum development work.
For any inquiries about public speaking or birth work related consulting services, I can be contacted at info@netetbirthwork.com
Perinatal education
I am a perinatal educator and teach prenatal class and doula training with the ekw’í7tl collective
We have developed an Indigenous prenatal course that has been delivered in Vancouver and Vancouver Island. For more information about bringing this Indigenous prenatal class to your community, please contact us.
Testimonials from the community
"I had the privilege of having Keisha as my midwife during my first pregnancy and birth, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. From the beginning, she was caring, supportive, and knowledgeable. She consistently created a calm, trusting environment throughout my pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Keisha played a pivotal role in both my home birth and hospital transfer, going above and beyond for our family every step of the way. I am grateful to have had her by my side during this important journey, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a midwife/postpartum care."
Shanille, Squamish Nation
