My Motivation to Be The Part of Maternity Care Field as a Midwife

My ambition to become a midwife began in 2014, whilst embarking on an extraordinary Gap Medics expedition to Tanzania. It was here, after holding an interest in the profession for some time, I was inspired by my experiences, and the midwives who worked there to pursue a degree in midwifery. I started my midwifery journey that same year achieving a merit award at Anglia Ruskin University. However, I was unable to complete my degree at that time, due to an unforeseen family illness. I believed then that it was appropriate to postpone my dream until I could focus my full attention on providing excellent quality maternity care to women. I feel that now I am able to do that. I want to become a midwife so that I can actively make a difference by supporting women in one of the most significant events of their lives.

My university lectures and placements taught me the importance of promoting a holistic woman-centred environment throughout the childbirth continuum using evidence-based practise. Whilst volunteering in a maternity ward in Iringa, Tanzania, I gained a clear insight into the role of a midwife, witnessed different maternity care techniques, and built close relationships with colleagues and service users. Furthermore, I helped provide care for women in a variety of circumstances, and ensured each individual was treated equally by providing professional support and reassurance, using a non-judgemental attitude. I was awarded an ASDAN Universities award for my contribution. Furthermore, between April 2013 to April 2014 I work shadowed an NHS nurse in the community. This experience was exciting as the nature of each day was unpredictable and interesting. In my range of experiences, I have observed how to successfully incorporate commitment, care, compassion, competence and communication into maternity care.

This year I completed a degree in Animal Science. I found modules in mammalian anatomy and reproduction and genetics extremely interesting because of their ties to reproduction. Each of these units has advanced my knowledge of meiosis, hormones, reproductive processes and foetal development. Moreover, university life has improved my ability to retain information, keep calm under pressure and stay self-motivated. In 2017 I volunteered at a veterinary practice. This experience and the unit ‘Animal Health Science’ at university has increased my awareness of disease control. This knowledge is vital when working with expectant women because they are highly susceptible to infections. As a veterinary assistant, it was essential to be empathetic and able to cope with emotionally charged situations. This experience will equip me with the ability to offer support to women and provide health counselling, particularly if complications appear. Similar to midwifery, this position required me to demonstrate intuition, objectivity and to consider confidentiality at all times.

Currently, I own an online retail business. This also has improved my communication and people skills as I often work as a team and manage groups of people. This could prove useful as a midwife when interacting with service users in various settings and when working as part of a multidisciplinary team. Being a midwife truly is a privileged occupation that holds the most incredible, unique rewards. As much as I appreciate this, I also understand that this profession requires dedication, passion and hard work.

I am excited to tackle the challenges of university and the different encounters each day brings. I am passionate and devoted to a career in midwifery and look forward to finally complete a degree in university.