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.

Reflecting on the first half of this year in my midwifery course fills me with an overwhelming sense of fulfilment and excitement. These past months have been nothing short of remarkable, and I am immensely grateful for the journey I’ve embarked on.

From the very beginning, I knew I had made the right decision in choosing midwifery as my career path. The passion and dedication I feel for this field have only deepened with each passing day. The joy of assisting expectant mothers throughout their pregnancies, witnessing the miracle of birth, and providing compassionate care during labour and postpartum have reaffirmed that I am meant to be a midwife.

The course itself has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve embraced the academic and practical training with enthusiasm, soaking up every piece of knowledge and skill presented to me. It’s been inspiring to learn from experienced mentors and be part of a community of individuals who share my passion for maternal and infant health.

Throughout the journey, I have encountered various clinical scenarios that have allowed me to apply my learning in real-world settings. Each experience has instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility and commitment to the well-being of both mother and child. The trust bestowed upon me by the families I have worked with has been humbling, and it motivates me to continually strive for excellence in my practice.

Looking ahead, I am filled with anticipation for the rest of the year and the experiences it holds. I am eager to face any challenges that come my way, knowing that each obstacle presents an opportunity for growth and learning.

In conclusion, the first half of this year in my midwifery course has been an incredibly positive and transformative experience. I am certain that I have chosen the right career path for myself, and my dedication to this calling only grows stronger with time. I look forward to embracing the second half of the year with open arms, eager to see where this remarkable journey takes me. With passion, determination, and the support of my mentors, peers, family and community I know that I am well on my way to becoming the compassionate and skilled midwife I aspire to be.