We Are IH: Reconciliation key to perinatal substance use nurse

Tiova began her career working in a pediatric unit at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. She moved to B.C. and took a position at Surrey Memorial Hospital where she worked at Child Youth Services, a hospital unit, as well as Pediatrics Emergency Department and Pediatrics Oncology before becoming a pediatric educator.

In early 2019, Tiova moved to 100 Mile House, and upon completion of a maternity program, spent a year at Cariboo Memorial Hospital after which she was offered a role in community and spent two years as a registered nurse (RN) inreach worker as part of Healthy Care Pregnancy Program (BCAPOP). Her role was to support the journey along with birthers prenatally through postpartum and to ensure timely access and equitable care, free from stigma.

In July 2022, Tiova was offered the role of regional project lead for perinatal substance use. As part of the Maternal Newborn Child Youth (MNCY) Network, Tiova supports staff and communities in shifting the paradigm from stigma to support for pregnant people using substances.

This important and valuable work includes stabilization of birthers facing substance use concerns during pregnancy, working with neonates undergoing withdrawal, working with community services to enhance and streamline care for our most vulnerable birthers, reducing stigma and shame, providing education on neonatal mental wellness, as well as tackling issues such as emergent housing for birthers, partners and families when needed. 

Recognizing a gap in addressing equity and accessibility in her community while serving marginalized birthing mothers, babies, and children, Tiova sought out and built relationships with local Indigenous and community partners to understand how to conduct her practice in a way that was trauma informed, culturally safe and respectful of traditional birthing practices.
 

Tiova is mindful of what it means to be a white woman in a helping profession in a colonial system. She reflects on her experiences and actions, and how “helping” or “saving” without proper thought and intention can cause further harm, and deflect from responsibility for colonial violence. She is committed to gaining emotional literacy, especially recognizing how thoughtless interactions can harm other people.

Tiova aims to share the knowledge she gains with others caring for this vulnerable population to enhance and improve equity in access to perinatal care for all from the onset of pregnancy and beyond.

“I am thankful to have this opportunity to shine light on the intentions and goals of my team in the MNCY Network, as being a catalyst for change, and dedicate time and effort to change our practice, so that we can fulfill our obligation to ensure cultural safety in all our interactions, policies and engagements.”

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