MIDWIFE
EDYTHE L. MANGINDIN RN, RM, MSc, IBCLC
Edythe L. Mangindin has experience as a midwife in antenatal and postnatal maternity care at Landspítali, the National University Hospital of Iceland. She has also worked in midwifery-led care, breastfeeding support and postnatal services for families during the early weeks after birth.
Edythe is currently completing her doctoral studies in midwifery alongside her clinical work, with completion expected later this year. She also works as a part-time lecturer at the University of Iceland, where she contributes to the education of midwifery students. In addition, she has been involved in the development and teaching of a micro-credential programme at the University of Iceland in primary care nursing with a focus on breastfeeding.
Edythe’s professional and academic interests focus on the care of women and families of foreign origin, autonomy in decision-making, informed choice and culturally sensitive care. These values are reflected in the care she provides for families throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
Edythe is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and provides specialised breastfeeding and lactation support for families at Reykjavík Birth Center. She serves on the board of the Association of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants in Iceland and has also served on the boards of the Women of Multicultural Ethnicity Network in Iceland, W.O.M.E.N., and the Icelandic Midwifery Association. She has previously served on the editorial board of Ljósmæðrablaðið, the Icelandic Journal of Midwifery.
Edythe works as a midwife and lactation consultant at Reykjavík Birth Center. She has been part of the Birth Center from the beginning and has contributed to the development of its care and services.
“In 2009 I moved to Iceland from the United States. I decided to leave my job, my apartment, friends and family for love and adventure. Shortly after moving, I became pregnant with my first child in this new country. It was a very beautiful time of my life, but still very challenging. I knew no one but my husband and his family. I didn’t speak Icelandic. I was far away from my family. I was a foreigner. I was like a fish on dry land.
On the other hand, I was in a country where pregnancy is considered a natural and normal process. Women are encouraged to give birth without intervention, if possible. I regularly went to a midwife who was very professional, warm and encouraging. I enjoyed going to prenatal yoga classes to prepare myself physically and mentally for the upcoming birth. I also read all the books written by American midwife Ina May Gaskin. My husband and I also attended a parenting class held in English. I was prepared to give birth. I remember every moment of my labor and birth. I felt really well the entire time during labor, and the experience of giving birth in this manner - conscious, calm and free from fear – was empowering for me. I felt I had regained faith in myself, and my self-esteem changed for the better. I felt compelled to share my experience and wanted to help other women have the same experience. Especially women of foreign origin. This life experience piqued my interest in midwifery. I was inspired.”
