Mariela Mereles

I grew up in South-Western Sydney with my parents and older sister…although there are 7 years between us we often get mistaken for being twins! My parents are both Argentinian and migrated to Australia in the 1970’s without knowing a word of English. I was brought up very close to my family and our heritage, with my childhood being filled with love, food and travelling!         

After high school, I began studying Speech and Hearing Sciences but two and a half years into the degree I decided it wasn’t for me. I wanted more. I’ve always had a kind and empathetic nature about myself and wanted a career that would suit just that. I changed degrees and began studying a double degree of Nursing and Business Administration. I was also very fortunate to complete clinical placement for Community Nursing in Denmark. Following graduation, I completed my nursing graduate year at Mater Hospital, where I am currently completing my graduate diploma in midwifery.

“I am incredibly passionate about learning and expanding my knowledge.”

I am a hands-on learner and will do anything I can get my hands on! I enjoy furthering my understanding in anatomy and physiology as I truly find the human body fascinating. In particular, what a woman’s body can do throughout pregnancy is why Midwifery appeals to me. I thoroughly enjoy communicating with women and reassuring them that what is happening during a particular gestation is normal. I am also passionate to seek new adventures and to get out of my comfort zone.

My interests within healthcare have always lied within women’s and neonatal health. During my final year of nursing studies, I completed clinical placement in neonatal intensive care. Throughout this placement, I worked alongside nurses, midwives and lactation consultants caring for critically ill newborns. Listening to the parents of these newborns speak about their birthing stories and how their babies were brought into intensive care was an eye opener for me. I’ve always had the thought of studying midwifery in the back of my mind as well, and knew that I wanted to work alongside with women in a way that is very unique, rewarding and challenging. Midwifery empowers women to listen to their bodies and do what their bodies were born to do! Midwifery entails (mostly) joyful moments and the energy that is felt in a birthing room is indescribable!               

I chose to study at UTS because of the university’s excellent reputation in health sciences degrees, particularly in Midwifery. The structure of the Graduate Diploma in Midwifery is rather unique as you work throughout the week and attend classes once a week. Although the start of the year was challenging as our entire course was redirected to online learning, our teachers have been incredibly supportive and patient with us, and we have all adapted very well to this new form of learning. UTS is also centrally located and a short distance to travel to and from my workplace if ever needed.  

The most rewarding aspect of the course is forming a professional friendship with my follow through women. The course requires us to follow several women throughout their pregnancy, birth and postpartum period. These women allow me into the most intimate journey of their lives. It is very special and I feel incredibly thankful and privileged. Every women’s birth journey is unique and I thoroughly enjoy gaining a deep understanding of what is important for that woman during that particular pregnancy. We advocate for women and their babies and the woman’s reaction to seeing you attend her birth is priceless!

I have a new found respect for women and what our bodies can do. Women in labour will frequently say to me “I can’t do this” and my response is always “Yes you can! You’re already doing it!”

I wish to combine both my nursing and midwifery clinical skills and knowledge and gain experience working abroad with women and newborns in developing nations. I wish to educate and have an impact on the many women who do not receive antenatal care. I am also highly intrigued to study birthing stories and rituals from different cultures. Throughout the year I have grown both personally and professionally. The more I study Midwifery the more I want to see, learn and do!

My advice for students considering the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery is that it’s a tough year that requires you to be wholly committed but incredibly rewarding. Be confident and kind to yourself. Listen to your body when it is asking you to take a break. Lean on your friends within your workplace. Trust your clinical judgement and your ability to do well. Listen and learn from your mentors and take time after a difficult week to debrief with your educators. Absorb everything, the good and the bad. Learn different styles of practice and adapt one that is right for you.

Maternity is a very diverse area to be working in, whether you are in antenatal clinics, delivery suite, postnatal ward or special care nursey. Set yourself goals in advance as to what you would like to learn and achieve within each area. Finally, never stop asking questions! 

Find out more about the Graduate Diploma in Midwifery