Celebrating International Day of the Midwife: Real voices from the frontline of maternity care

I had wanted to be a midwife from the age of around 10, and was initially inspired after watching an episode from a TV drama series in which a waterbirth took place. Years later, when embarking on my midwifery training, I discovered that one of the senior midwifery lecturers who interviewed me was a writer for that very TV Drama!

Daily contact with expectant and new families keeps me passionate about my role every day, and it is a true privilege to be part of each person’s birthing journey.

I treasure many memories and experiences from my career to date, however a particular moment that sticks in my mind is supporting a family to bring their baby into the world following the loss of a previous child — often referred to as a “rainbow baby.” After a very traumatic first experience and bereavement, we were able to ensure wraparound support and reassurance right from the very start of their care, which had such a positive impact on the whole family. 

I help people feel confident and knowledgeable through birth option clinics, where those choosing alternative birthing paths receive personalised care plans created by a team of specialists.

I would like the public to better understand the unique and significant impact that the role of the midwife has in improving outcomes for women and birthing people, not just on their pregnancy journey, but for the rest of their, and their children’s lives.

Midwives develop skills in quick relationship-building to put expectant families at ease. I use these skills regularly to help keep women and birthing people safe by maintaining relationships, minimising risk and advocating for choice.