Throughout the time I took to decide that I wanted to be a midwife my culture and background has always contributed to my decision making. Within the area I live in I know there is not may Indigenous midwives available for mums or babies that identify has Indigenous so I knew that doing this would not only benefit myself but my community. I want to be able to provide a safe space for Indigenous mums to voice their concerns or anything they wish to without being judged.

I hope to ensure that they all have access or education on the support systems and opportunity’s they can use and reach out to during this major milestone in life. As according to statistics Indigenous mums have a higher percentage of preterm labour, low birth weight and neonatal death compared to non-Indigenous people. I know that myself as a whole may not be able to majorly decrease this gap, but I hope to one day slightly do so or be a part of a team working towards this.

After I have finished university and further improved my skills, I hope to work in an Indigenous based health facility to provide maternity care or if all goes well to perhaps go to rural Indigenous tribes/mobs to provide antenatal/postnatal education to the women and perhaps be able to provide care as well. All of this is to ensure Indigenous women and babies are provided culturally appropriate care and to make sure the women is able to voice her wants and needs, while hopefully fulfilling them to the best I can.

As I reflect upon my year as a midwifery student, it’s been a long, yet unbelievably rewarding journey. From the very first day, I knew that this path was going to be filled with ups and downs, but I can confidently say that I have enjoyed every moment of it. The challenges I faced along the way have only made me stronger and more determined to pursue my passion for midwifery.

This year has been a whirlwind of experiences, juggling coursework, clinical placements, and personal responsibilities. There were days when I felt overwhelmed and exhausted, but I never lost sight of my ultimate goal. Through hard work, time management, and with the support of my peers, preceptors, and faculty members, I have been able to navigate through the demands of the program.

Amongst the challenges, there have been countless moments of pure joy and fulfillment. Being present at the birth of a child, witnessing the strength and resilience of expectant mothers, and providing support to families during one of the most significant moments in their lives has been incredibly rewarding. These moments have reaffirmed my passion for midwifery and solidified my commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

However, I cannot deny that there were also moments of difficulty and heartache. The nature of midwifery work means being exposed to situations that are emotionally and physically demanding. There were times when I faced complications or experienced the loss of life, which profoundly affected me. These challenges have taught me the importance of self-care, resilience, and seeking support when needed.

Reflecting upon my growth throughout the year, I am amazed at the knowledge and skills I have acquired. From learning the intricacies of conducting thorough assessments to effectively communicating with patients and their families, I have developed the foundations of a competent and compassionate midwife. Each clinical placement provided unique learning opportunities, allowing me to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations.

The relationships I have built within the midwifery community have also played a vital role in my journey. The guidance, mentorship, and camaraderie shared amongst my fellow students, preceptors, and faculty members have been invaluable. It is through these connections that I have felt supported, inspired, and motivated to become the best midwife I can be.

As I look ahead to my last year of university, I am filled with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. I am eager to further hone my skills, expand my knowledge, and embrace the challenges that lie ahead. My experiences as a midwifery student have solidified my dedication to this profession, and I am confident that my last year will provide even more opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

In conclusion, this year as a midwifery student has been a transformative and fulfilling journey. I have embraced the challenges, celebrated the joyful moments, and learned valuable lessons about myself and the beautiful profession I am pursuing. As I continue on this path, I am filled with gratitude and a sense of purpose. I am excited to see what the future holds and to make a positive difference in the lives of the families I will serve as a midwife.