Every day, incredible work is done, huge dedication is shown, and expertise profoundly impacts women around the globe who give birth and are lucky to be assisted by a midwife. It’s a vital role that should be recognised and celebrated, especially on the road to high-quality, accessible, equitable, efficient and sensitive health services.
The theme of this year’s Day was ‘A Vital Climate Solution’, focusing on the role of midwives in tackling the climate crisis. By amplifying the voices of midwives, we can advance gender-responsive approaches to climate adaptation and resilience.
To celebrate and recognise the lifesaving role of midwives, the University of Malta thanked the profession by showing the faces of some of the students who are currently training to become midwives with the University's Department of Midwifery.
Here is more about their experience as midwifery students:
| Martina Abela |
Before beginning my studies in midwifery, I was prepared for a course that included both theoretical learning and practical experience. I looked forward to understand the aspects of childbirth and was equally eager to develop the skills needed to provide support to women during such an important time.
I expected my midwifery studies to be academically challenging, however I did not anticipate the profound emotional connection that would develop- it is an immensely rewarding career.
I realised that being a midwife is not only about assisting with childbirth, but a continuation of care, from preconception to postpartum, providing both physical and emotional support, not only to women, but also their families. This has truly deepened my passion and commitment to the profession.
After completing this course, I will be able to work in the hospital or in the community, gain more experiences and further my skills in Midwifery. Long-term, I am interested in pursuing further studies, possibly a Master’s degree in Midwifery, to specialise in the area of preconception care.
I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is passionate about maternal and neonatal care. This course and career are fulfilling on a personal level. Additionally, the head of department and academic staff go above and beyond to ensure every student succeeds, and offer personal guidance and assistance whenever needed.
| Liya Micallef |
Before becoming a midwifery student, other than the usual exciting thought of being able to deliver babies and work with families, I anticipated creating trustworthy bonds with mothers whom I would be caring for and supporting in one of the most transformative moments of their lives.
As a first-year midwifery student, I have already gained a deeper appreciation for the complexity that pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period carries. Nonetheless, being on placement at the wards so early on has undoubtedly instilled in me even more empathy and understanding, not only towards mothers and their families, but also towards midwives who are so devoted to the profession. I have also become more attuned to the different needs of each individual, and how their experience is so unique compared to anyone else’s.
Once completing this course, I aim to not only work as a midwife, but continue to read for a Masters where I can further grow and expand my knowledge in Midwifery, so to be better equipped to deliver the best possible standard of care to women, newborns, and their families.
If you have a passion of supporting women, especially during one of the most life changing experiences one can go through, I would highly recommend pursuing Midwifery. Whilst the course comes with its own challenges and tough situations, the sense of gratitude and fulfillment felt when with women, particularly in such a delicate time of their life, is beyond rewarding, and thus, I feel extremely blessed to be able to make a meaningful impact to people’s lives on a daily basis.
| Dania El Gamei |
I entered the field of midwifery with high expectations, and I am pleased to say that the reality has exceeded them. This course has provided me with such an enriching and rewarding experience, beyond what I initially anticipated. Moreover, I did not expect to come across so many people from different cultures with different values and beliefs, but this has broadened my knowledge about various cultures and has been a source of learning. This experience has been transformative, shaping my academic understanding and personal worldview. It has opened my eyes to the incredible wonders of childbirth.
As a second-year midwifery student, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to support and care for women from the early weeks of pregnancy, through labour and postpartum. It has been an honour to contribute to their experiences during this crucial time. After completing this course, I aim to become a midwife who not only possesses important clinical skills but I want to touch women's lives, offer support, encouragement, and advocacy throughout their journey. My goal is to promote the midwifery profession, emphasising its vital role in maternal and new-born care. I would highly recommend this profession to individuals who are compassionate, caring, supportive, and who are driven by the want to support women during this stage of their lives. Students who are considering this course can also expect to receive support and encouragement from the dedicated lecturers throughout their journey.
| Mariah Caruana |
Before embarking on this remarkable journey I expected to be part of a fulfilling career helping women through their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period. I was looking forward to start learning both academic and practical aspects, however, I believed that the element of getting emotionally prepared to support women is also very significant.
Since I started studying three years ago I began to gain a sense of understanding of both the challenges and rewards of the midwifery profession. To add, I had also built a sense of appreciation and responsibility for the holistic care midwives provide to these women.
After completing this four-year course I aim to start working as a qualified and licensed midwife in Malta and enhance my skills by regularly updating myself according to the guidelines. I also look forward to mentoring other students who are interested in this profession.
I would recommend this course to other peers if they have the qualities of empathy, responsibility, willingness to help women, as well as emotional and mental strength since this is a very rewarding and fulfilling job.
