This International Day of the Midwife, we spoke to three of our awesome midwives to find out more about what they do in, and outside, their jobs.
What drew you to a career in midwifery, Sala?
I’ve always admired midwives my whole life. For two of my younger siblings, my mum had such an amazing midwife who bonded so closely with my entire family. I will forever remember her because of how caring and connected she was to us. She doesn’t know she inspired me to be the same type of midwife to the families I work with.
What's the most rewarding part of the job?
To me, midwifery is the most rewarding job I can think of. You meet the most amazing women and families that you quickly learn to build a partnership with. It is extremely rewarding to see women experience bringing life into the world and realise the incredible things our bodies can do. It truly brings me joy and satisfaction to empower women and watch their lives change forever, and I’m honoured to be a part of the experience.
Can you share a special moment or milestone from your career so far?
I’ve just completed my two years in the new graduate programme at Auckland City Hospital. Within these two years, I’ve worked in every ward in maternity and have come out of it feeling comfortable and confident in each area of midwifery and proud of my overall care.
As a junior midwife, seeing yourself grow and transform as time passes is astonishing. You look back at your hard work and all the lives you’ve changed and you bounce off the adrenaline to grow even bigger and better and transform into the best version of yourself as you build your midwifery career.
What's the most important skill, trait or ability that you bring to your role?
An important trait I bring is providing compassionate, safe and quality women-centred care. Being a core midwife, it is essential to have the skill of creating a rapid partnership built on safety and trust. I want women to feel listened to and acknowledged.
In a hospital, it can be challenging to provide the appropriate amount of time to meet the individual needs of all women when having other mothers to look after, whether antenatally or postnatally. Therefore, I’ve built on my time management skills to allow myself to provide safe and appropriate women-centred care.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself outside of mahi?
Outside of work, I am a regular 23-year-old who loves to be outside. I am especially family oriented and have a huge family that I love doing life with. I am the oldest of four and super involved in my siblings’ lives. I also have many extended family members that I travel and explore life with, so there is never a dull moment in my spare time.
What drew you to a career in midwifery, Natalya?
I’ve a history of working in health and fitness. While working with pregnant and new mothers, and with my own experience with my pregnancy and coping with a newborn, I felt I could assist women with keeping fit and active during their pregnancy which could lead to an easier birth and smoother recovery while supporting their mental health.
What's the most rewarding part of the job?
It is seeing women transition into mothers and their love for their baby.
Can you share a special moment or milestone from your career so far?
When I qualified as a lactation consultant, I had the privilege of spending one-on-one time with women assisting them through such a challenging time, which is often an unexpected hurdle for women.
What's the most important skill, trait or ability that you bring to your role?
I think I have the ability to quickly form relationships and treat everyone with kindness and respect.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself outside of mahi?
My whānau is a huge part of my life. We live in an extended whānau with my husband (pictured above), myself, our daughter, son-in-law and son with their children, 4 and 5 years old. We have a fitness studio called Unruly Company, where I participate in small fitness classes as I like to keep active. We just competed in the Ultimate Athlete obstacle race, and I placed first in my age group and my husband second. I enjoy travelling around Aotearoa in our campervan, especially enjoying our bush and beaches. I like to read when I’ve some downtime.
What drew you to a career in midwifery, Raffaela?
To be honest, I was a Registered Nurse working in a general medicine ward, and I had always wanted to be a midwife, so I applied at the time. There were two intakes and I secured one of the places.
What's the most rewarding part of the job?
For me, it is seeing wāhine progress through the whole continuum of childbirth from conception through to the post-natal time when they become māmā and whānau. Birth itself is such a special time for whānau. It is an honour to be part of this event, to support and share in their emotions.
Can you share a special moment or milestone from your career so far?
I looked after my sister-in-law throughout her pregnancies, labours and post-natal periods. I caught my nephew and niece, who are now 28 and 26, which was the icing on the cake.
What's the most important skill, trait or ability that you bring to your role?
Compassion, resilience, calmness and listening. There is no one trait for a midwife; you need to be all things.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself outside of mahi?
I’ve got a beautiful whānau of my own, two daughters, 21 and 23, and a husband of 26 years. I love going to the gym, running and walking outside.
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