2021 International Day of the Midwife

5 May 2021

The word 'midwife' means 'with woman', and refers to health professionals that are dedicated to the care of women during pregnancy and child birth.

Today we say thank you to every superhero midwife working at St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital for their commitment and dedication to providing the highest quality midwifery care which is delivered with such skill and compassion. 

Undoubtedly the world has changed recently but the COVID-19 pandemic has only highlighted the important role our midwives play in supporting women and families on their birth and parenting journey, even during exceptional times.

Our Family Birthing Unit team will be celebrating the day with a purple morning tea and fabulous lunch, so if you bump into one of our midwives, please wish them a wonderful day.

To reflect on the important role our midwives play every day in helping to bring new life into the world, we asked Midwifery Manager Kylie Marston to tell us what it means to be a midwife.

What attracted you to working in that ward/area?
I have worked in both private and public hospitals across Western Australia. I had my third baby at Mt Lawley and I loved the Midwifery and Obstetric teams. I am blessed to now be a part of the amazing team.

What type of patients do you care for or how does your role involve patient contact?
I have been a Registered Nurse and Midwife for over 16 years. To me being a midwife is an honour. As midwives we are blessed to be part of a woman’s whole birthing experience, from the very beginning of the pregnancy journey until birth and beyond. Now as my position is the Midwifery Manager, I am not always on the floor working clinically, however, I am never far away, taking every opportunity I can to be ‘with woman’.

Why did you choose nursing for your career?
I initially became a Nurse because I was told I couldn’t do it, so I was determined to prove them wrong. Through my training I discovered that the path I was on was for me. I love to travel and knew my nursing career would take me anywhere in the world. I have been lucky to work in rural WA which allowed me to work extensively with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Having these amazing opportunities allowed me to be opened up to the world of Midwifery.

What do you love about being a nurse?
What I love the most about being a Nurse and Midwife is that every day is different. I never know what is going to happen in my day. I am always surrounded by amazing people, with wonderful stories to tell. 

What’s the most rewarding thing about your role?
As a Midwife, I love being part of a new parent’s birthing journey. I am blessed and honoured to be involved with bringing new life into the world.

As a leader of my team, I love to inspire, encourage and empower all. I find it so rewarding hearing how amazing my team is. I am privileged to be part of the Family Birthing Unit.

Our Family Birthing Unit offers a team of expert midwives who are all passionate about the role they play in helping woman bring their babies into the world. 

To all the midwives at St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital, we say thank you for passion and dedication.

Happy International Day of the Midwife.