Physicians improve access to obstetrical services in Lac La Biche

Two community family physicians offering support for expectant parents

Story by Logan Clow

After experiencing health concerns related to her pregnancy last November, Chelsey St. Louis remains grateful obstetrical services were available close to home.

St. Louis gave birth to her son Lux Louis Bourassa at Alberta Health Services’ William J. Cadzow - Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre on Nov. 4, 2025.

Lux was delivered by Dr. Olajide Kolawole via emergency C-section.

“Everyone was so kind, sweet, and I felt safe and thoroughly cared for by all the staff I encountered,” says St. Louis.

“All of the staff were calm, kind and funny, which I needed. Everyone who helped me introduced themselves and kept me as relaxed as I possibly could be."

Lux wasn’t due until Nov. 17 and was planned to be delivered in St. Albert.

In the days prior to the emergency C-section, St. Louis had noticed bleeding. She became concerned and .went to the Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre for help.

An examination and ultrasound determined she had an undiagnosed placenta previa. St. Louis also discovered she wasn’t feeling her contractions, and her baby was showing signs of distress between contractions. In discussion with her healthcare team, they decided to proceed with an emergency C-section.

“I think I was in shock the entire time but also relieved that I finally knew why I was bleeding. I really appreciated the clearcut perspective from the healthcare staff about what was happening and the need to do an emergency C-section,” says St. Louis.

“Everything progressed quickly after that. They organized the OR and prepped me. The procedure went ahead quickly, smoothly and without incident.”

St. Louis says Lux is doing well and quickly growing.

“He’s the happiest and most curious baby. In the next couple months, I predict he'll be taking his first steps,” says St. Louis.

Improving access to obstetrical services in Lac La Biche continues to be a priority for AHS.

Currently, community obstetrical services are offered by Dr. Kolawole – who delivered Lux – and Dr. Daniel Owonibi. Both are community family physicians with obstetrical surgical skills.

“We’re so fortunate to have Dr. Kolawole and Dr. Owonibi’s obstetrical expertise and skills in our community,” says Lisa Sparks, site manager of Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre.

“We want expectant parents in our region to know we have two highly skilled obstetrics physicians right here in Lac La Biche. I encourage expectant parents to reach out to either physician at the Associated Medical Clinic in the community. They are more than happy to discuss a care plan for your birth.

There are three to five births on average each month and two to four C-section deliveries each year at the healthcare centre. Dr. Kolawole and Dr. Owonibi have capacity to help additional expectant families in the area.

Dr. Kolawole began practising in the community in June 2024.

“Being a physician is very fulfilling. From an obstetrics perspective, the greatest joy is seeing a healthy baby beside their happy mother,” says Dr. Kolawole.

Dr. Owonibi began practising in the community in May 2025 and specializes in low-risk obstetrics.

“Obstetrics is both rewarding and fulfilling because it allows me to be part of one of the most significant moments in a family’s life. Supporting expectant parents throughout pregnancy, helping ensure a safe delivery, and witnessing the joy of welcoming a new baby into the world is a unique privilege,” says Dr. Owonibi.

Obstetrics services at the healthcare centre are also supported by one general practitioner with anesthesia (GPA) physician. Midwifery services can also be found in the community.

Recruitment remains ongoing for two physicians with GPA skills to the community.

Temporary clinical personnel shortages may periodically continue to affect the availability of C-sections and epidurals at the Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre. When these service disruptions occur, AHS works to mitigate the impact to patients, including ensuring low-risk deliveries remain available. Maternity patients still receive care from their primary care provider, and are encouraged to present to their local healthcare centre if necessary for assessment. Emergency Health Services (EHS) teams can transfer patients requiring an epidural and/or C-section to surrounding healthcare facilities.

To reach Dr. Kolawole or Dr. Owonibi, call the Associated Medical Clinic at 780-623-4421.