In this heartfelt episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli Zakharoff sits down with the thoughtful and passionate Amy Garrett—registered midwife and perinatal counsellor—to talk about the emotional weight midwives carry, and why it’s time we start acknowledging it. You might remember Amy’s moving post on the International Day of the Midwife—it resonated deeply with many in the birth world. In this conversation, she shares the story behind it and reflects on the grief, trauma, and moral tension that often go unspoken in midwifery care—especially within systems that don’t always make space for emotional honesty. Kelli and Amy explore the signs of vicarious trauma, the emotional cost of bearing witness, and the need for better support structures like clinical supervision.
In this heartfelt episode of Midwife Crisis, Kelli Zakharoff sits down with the thoughtful and passionate Amy Garrett—registered midwife and perinatal counsellor—to talk about the emotional weight midwives carry, and why it’s time we start acknowledging it.
You might remember Amy’s moving post on the International Day of the Midwife—it resonated deeply with many in the birth world. In this conversation, she shares the story behind it and reflects on the grief, trauma, and moral tension that often go unspoken in midwifery care—especially within systems that don’t always make space for emotional honesty.
Kelli and Amy explore the signs of vicarious trauma, the emotional cost of bearing witness, and the need for better support structures like clinical supervision.
(00:44) Meet Amy Garrett: A Midwife's Journey
(01:55) The Emotional Impact of Maternity Care
(03:16) Amy's Viral Post: Honouring Midwives
(05:57) Understanding Vicarious Trauma
(10:52) The Weight of Grief and Guilt
(12:56) Creating Safe Spaces for Midwives
(13:46) The Importance of Speaking Up
(15:15) Supporting Midwives: A Call to Action
(17:00) Amy's Personal Reflections and Advice
(22:25) The Need for Systemic Change