Midwifery is more than a job

4 May 2023

“My role right now involves working across all our obstetrics units, to bring all our knowledge and resources together to develop quality activity projects that we can all benefit from," Zoe said.

Zoe didn't start out as a clinical coordinator. Her career has seen her work as a nurse, junior midwife, childbirth educator, clinical midwife, manager and lactation consultant (which requires international accreditation).

“I've worked with amazing people over the years; people who gave me opportunities to grow. There is so much room to develop specialised skills. I've never been bored,” she said.

Zoe sees midwifery as an essential part of who she is as a person, having made the decision to go into midwifery at the age of 12.

“Midwifery is not an occupation for me. It's a passion, and I think that all our midwives feel the same way," she said.

“The lady across the road had a baby. She told me what a midwife does, and it wasn't about the clinical care, it was about how the midwife supports mothers through the birthing process. I decided then and there that is what I wanted to do.”

When asked what makes midwifery a rewarding specialisation, Zoe points to the relationship between midwife, mother, baby and partner.

“We're there to make sure mum and baby are safe. That is quite an intense relationship over what can be a considerable period of time,” she said.

“You are part of what is a significant moment in the parent's life. You are part of their journey. It is a privilege – and I love that."

We thank and celebrate the excellent midwives we are fortunate enough to have as caregivers at St John of God Health Care as part of International Day of the Midwife on 5 May.