“I went back as a mature student to study nursing and during the course I did a placement at a maternity hospital. It was amazing. I remember attending births in the labour ward and knew it was what I wanted to do. It was lovely to meet mothers and their new babies. It blows my mind that there’s suddenly an extra person in the room.
“Before starting the higher diploma in midwifery, I worked as a nurse in a gynaecology and pregnancy loss ward — it was so sad to see what some women go through. That really cemented my wish to do midwifery.
“I always hope to meet those women again in my current role, hopefully experiencing a happier outcome than when I first met them. I have actually met one mother again; it was a full-circle moment.
“As a student midwife with UCC, my work locations vary as we do placements in a range of areas: postnatal or antenatal wards, neonatal units, outpatient departments, or in the community as part of the domino midwife scheme. This experience exposes me to the broad range of opportunities available to me as a fully trained midwife.
I work a 12-hour shift, but the time flies by. Working long shifts ensures continuity of care for the women, especially if you work two or three days in a row.
“I enjoy working on the labour ward, supporting mothers and being there for the arrival of their new baby. No matter how many mums I meet and care for, I’m aware that this is a big moment — they are about to meet their baby. It’s really special to be part of that.
“The postnatal ward is lovely too. I enjoy finding out the babies’ names and helping the new family to adjust and prepare. I help the mother and baby to breastfeed, we do baby’s first bath, and prepare to go home. Some parents have never held a baby before, so it’s nice to help them with that.
“In my spare time, I catch up with friends and work on arts and crafts. I often sew and make presents and hampers for people. It’s nice to have a creative outlet outside of work.
Applications for the higher diploma in Midwifery Sponsorship Programme 2025/2026 are now open for registered nurses, see hse.ie/midwifesponsorship