Jayne Margetts
Go for it! It’s not an easy road, but incredibly rewarding if you are passionate about it.
This is my second experience at university – my last degree was nearly 20 years ago when I studied Geography in the UK. I went on to become a Journalist, initially for the BBC, then the ABC after moving to Australia in 2003.
I became interested in Midwifery after the births of my three children. I was cared for by some amazing midwives who inspired my interest. I always thought it would be a really rewarding job but it wasn't until more recently that I actually decided to take the plunge and have a big career change. It’s been pretty challenging with three small children but I have a very supportive husband and mum – without them, none of this would be possible.
I’m passionate about providing women with evidence-based information so that they can be empowered to make properly informed decisions about the care they receive during pregnancy, birth and postnatally. In that sense, there are some unexpected similarities between midwifery and journalism. I really feel that communication is key to providing the level of care that all women deserve.
Without doubt, the best part of the course is attending the birth of a brand new human being. I feel so privileged to be able to be with women and their families as they bring new life into the world. I’m so excited that this is what I’ll spend the rest of my life doing. Eventually I’d love to work in the birth centre at the hospital where my babies were born… if they’ll have me!
I recently received the Dean’s Prize for Midwifery. This was a shock, but I also felt really honoured to receive the prize – it’s a great incentive to keep working hard and confirmation that Midwifery is the right career for me.
The advice I’d give anyone wanting to study Midwifery is to go for it! But be prepared to make some sacrifices in other aspects of your life. It’s not an easy road, but incredibly rewarding if you are passionate about it.
