Saluting Manitoba moms
Dr. Danielle Stepnuk, right, with one of the many close friends and family members’ babies who she has delivered in her four years as an obstetrics and gynecology resident at HSC Women’s Hospital.
About a year ago, a woman with a familiar face was admitted to HSC. As we exchanged greetings, we realized together that her cousin was my new boyfriend, Chris. Chris and I had just started dating and I hadn’t met his whole family yet. After figuring out our connection we shared a couple of laughs.
And then I delivered her baby.
As an obstetrics and gynecology resident at HSC Women’s Hospital, hardly a shift goes by when I don’t know someone in our care—if not directly, then just a degree of separation away. The fact that so many people throughout Winnipeg and Manitoba are connected somehow is one of the quirks and joys of living here. For me, that interconnectedness is extra special.
Dr. Danielle Stepnuk after delivering her friend’s baby: “It’s hard to describe the feeling I get when I hand a newborn over to its mom. Friend, relative, or stranger, I see all new moms as heroes.”
In my four years as a resident, I figure I’ve delivered more than 800 babies in this incredible, state-of-the-art facility. About 20 of those deliveries were for close friends and family members. In fact, one of the first babies I delivered when I started in 2020 was my very own niece! Many of the babies I delivered are now special toddlers in my life. How amazing is that?
It’s hard to describe the feeling I get when I hand a newborn over to its mom. Friend, relative, or stranger, I see all new moms as heroes. For first-time moms in particular, I see the joy in their eyes. I see the fear of the unknowns of parenthood. I see the fatigue. When a woman goes through labour and childbirth, it’s as if her body has run a marathon.
Dr. Danielle Stepnuk with another friend’s baby post-delivery: “As an obstetrics and gynecology resident at HSC Women’s Hospital, hardly a shift goes by when I don’t know someone in our care—if not directly, then just a degree of separation away.”
I also see couples delighting in this exciting next step on their journey. It is a moment of peak love when parents hold their baby together and shed tears of pure joy.
There are difficult moments, too. Childbirth is complex and not all births go as planned. While rare, there can be complications during childbirth—some minor; some tragic. In those moments, too, I see the strength of moms, the power of love, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Dr. Danielle Stepnuk has delivered more than 800 babies in her four years as a resident at HSC Women’s Hospital.
I’m not a mother myself, yet. When it’s my time, I will take my inspiration from the hundreds of women I have cared for at HSC. On this Mother’s Day, I salute them all.
Dr. Danielle Stepnuk
Obstetrics and Gynecology
HSC Women’s Hospital
This Mother’s Day, the HSC Foundation thanks Dr. Danielle Stepnuk and her fellow staff at HSC Women’s Hospital for their tremendous dedication to patient care in Manitoba. You can help HSC further support women’s health with a gift to the HSC Foundation. To make your gift, please click here, call 204-515-5612 or 1-800-679-8493 (toll-free).
