From the birth suite to a career in midwifery

9 Feb 2022

Michaela explains why she is commencing a career in midwifery and what she is most looking forward to.

What are you studying?

I am starting a Master of Midwifery at Edith Cowan University this month (February 2022). I already have a Bachelor of Science so I was able to get accepted straight into a post-graduate course.

Why did you choose to start studying midwifery?

I have always been drawn to the world of science and have previously worked in hospital laboratories that has prepared me to work in a hospital environment. I have also worked alongside mums and newborn babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where I was involved in testing bloods and the mother’s milk.

I also have a great university timetable that allows me to juggle studying, being a mum and working a casual job.

How did your experience at our hospital inspire you to continue a career in midwifery?

Sadly, I had some family deaths during my pregnancy and felt particularly vulnerable going into the birth. Nursing my grandfather towards the end of his life made me realise that I have the strength to care for people and then having my baby made me realise that midwifery was a way that I could do that.  

Luckily, I had a straightforward birth with Emmett but I had previously had a more difficult birth with my first son at a different hospital. I felt so at home in the Family Birthing Unit, I still remember walking in and seeing Midwife Kristy who I recognised from the hospital’s social media and I then went on to feel so supported and nurtured by the birth suite midwives.  

It helped that my partner could come to hospital and stay with me overnight. At the time there were COVID visitor restrictions but the quiet ward actually led to some really strong bonding moments both between me and my partner and with Emmett.

What are you most looking forward to?

I am looking forward to working directly with mums and babies. I tend to mother others around me and this is a natural fit for my personality.

How do you think the COVID-19 environment change your approach to being a midwife?

I think it reiterates the importance of high quality health care. From my experience working in hospitals, there was always a chance of catching something but being trained in infection control and PPE use goes a long way to reducing that risk and giving people a good hospital experience.