Kayla Lushman

Kayla Lushman is a local advocate for female autonomy especially in health and is Fort McMurray’s go-to for all things related to mama and baby as a perinatal consultant.

“I offer continuous emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Essentially, I ‘mother’ the mother or birthing person,” said the 15 year Fort McMurray resident.

“I grew up listening to tales about adventure, birth, and feminism. My great grandmother was a midwife. She is the one who inspired my interest in birth,” Kayla explained.

“Few life events have the power to transform a person like the birth of a baby. Being present for that process, trusting and supporting that process and empowering people to trust themselves and their bodies are very rewarding.”

As a mom to two daughters, she said they inspire her to be the best version of herself. The joys of her work also bring to the light the continued plight of women.

“All of my work and volunteering has a common theme, supporting and empowering women and girls,” she said.

“Working in pregnancy and birth has also made obvious the lack of autonomy women face when making choices about their body. Denying a person’s autonomy is a severe injustice. I keep doing this work because women still don’t have full control over their bodies”

When not working with clients, she is active in her community. She is volunteering on the Board of Directors for the Wood Buffalo Woman and Baby Care Association, which is dedicated to advocating for autonomy in pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. She is also a Guider for the 9th Brownies and 2nd Guides.

As for her future, she has already set goals for the 2021 calendar and plans to continue taking in life lessons as they present themselves.

“I plan on growing. I will learn, unlearn, let go, and become. If 2020 has taught me anything, it is to pay attention to life’s moments. Approach life from a place of love, not fear, and be open to change, ” she said.

“Success is liking the person in the mirror and still being able to buy groceries. It’s leaving the place a little nicer than you found it. Success is being the change. It’s looking back and knowing your actions were motivated by love, and you did your absolute best.”