Haddy, it's a pleasure to feature you on my blog. Tell my readers a little about yourself. Did you always know that you wanted to be a doula or midwife? Thanks so much for the opportunity to be featured on your blog—it's an honor!
Funnily enough, despite midwifery being in my blood (my mum and grandmother were both career midwives), I never actually intended to follow in their footsteps. Growing up, I saw my mum working insane hours, often through the night, and it didn’t exactly make the career seem appealing!
But everything changed when I was 19. I was there when my best friend had a water birth, and it was honestly one of the most beautiful and magical experiences I've ever witnessed. The support she received from the hospital staff, especially the midwives, was nothing short of incredible. Watching them work with such care and compassion really struck a chord with me, and before I knew it, I was diving headfirst into the world of midwifery. The next thing I knew, I was applying for a degree in it, and the rest is history!
Now, as a mum and wife myself, I can see even more clearly the impact that good midwifery care can have. I’m grateful to be able to continue this legacy, even if it wasn’t part of my original plan!
What advice would you give to someone who is considering having a midwife for their child's birth?
When considering having a midwife for your child’s birth, my biggest piece of advice is to do your research—and I mean really do your research
What guidance would you offer to aspiring students who want to work as midwives?
My first piece of advice to anyone aspiring to become a midwife is this: never go into this profession for the money. Midwifery is a calling, not just a job. We deal with real people, with real feelings, and the responsibility that comes with that is immense. The hours are long and often exhausting, but trust me, it’s all worth it. There’s nothing quite like being there for some of the most precious moments in people’s lives. You get to support and push them when they think they have nothing left to give, and the reward of seeing a new life brought into the world is indescribable.
When it comes to picking a university or course, be tactical. It’s not just about the reputation of the institution but also about where your placements will be. Your placements are where you’ll get the most hands-on experience, and they play a huge role in shaping the kind of midwife you’ll become. Think carefully about the hospitals or birthing centers you might be placed in—what’s their ethos? How do they approach care, especially for diverse communities? Do they have a supportive environment for learning and growth?
Also, remember that midwifery isn’t just about delivering babies; it’s about advocating for your patients, providing emotional support, and being a steady presence during one of the most intense experiences of their lives. You’ll need resilience, empathy, and a passion for learning because this field is always evolving.
Finally, surround yourself with mentors and peers who inspire you. Learn from those who have been in the field for years, but also listen to your fellow students—they’ll be your support system through the tough times. This journey isn’t easy, but if you’re truly passionate about it, every challenge will be an opportunity to grow and make a difference in the lives of the families you’ll work with.
I do! I’m a very spiritual person, and I truly believe in the power of words and using them for good to enhance our everyday lives. As a midwife and Black maternal health advocate, I also try to encourage my followers to embrace affirmations as a way to empower themselves, especially during pregnancy and birth.
My favorite affirmation has to be, "My body was made to do this. I trust it to know what to do." This one resonates deeply with me because it connects me to the strength and resilience of the women who came before me—my mother, my grandmother, and all the women in our lineage. They all brought life into the world, and this affirmation is a reminder that that same power and wisdom lives within me and within every birthing person. It’s a beautiful way to honor our bodies and the incredible things they are capable of.
One of the most rewarding moments in my job is when I see a woman transitioning—right at that intense point just before the birth of her baby. It’s usually the moment when she’s exhausted, feeling like she has nothing left to give, sometimes even asking for a C-section or vowing never to go through this again. It’s in these moments that we, as midwives and birth keepers, know what’s coming next. We see the finish line even when she can’t, and it’s our role to gently encourage her and remind her of her incredible strength.
We rally her birth partners to support her, to hold her hand, and to speak words of encouragement. We remind her that she’s so close, that she’s about to do something extraordinary, and that soon she’ll be holding her baby in her arms. Witnessing that transformation—from feeling like she can’t go on to finding that final surge of strength—is nothing short of magical. It’s a profound privilege to be there, to support her through that, and to share in the joy and relief when she finally meets her baby. That moment, when she realizes just how powerful she is, makes all the long hours and hard work so incredibly worth it.
Firstly, give yourself grace! Breastfeeding isn’t always instinctive, and it’s completely normal to need time to learn what works best for you and your baby. This is okay—be patient with yourself.
When it comes to getting comfortable, find a spot where you can sit or lie down in a way that supports your back and arms. Have snacks, water, and your phone nearby—you’ll be spending a lot of time feeding, so being prepared will make it more comfortable. A little pro tip: change your baby’s nappy or diaper first, then feed. This way, you can both relax without interruptions.
Enjoy the closeness and bonding time with your baby during these feeding sessions. It’s a special time that you’ll cherish, even during the hard moments, which will inevitably come. When those tough times arise, remember all the incredible benefits of breastfeeding. Here are five of my favorites:
- It’s free: No need to spend money on formula—breast milk is always available and at the perfect temperature.
- Calorie-burning: Breastfeeding can help you burn extra calories, which might assist in shedding some of the pregnancy weight.
- It’s alive: Breast milk is a living fluid, packed with antibodies, enzymes, and hormones that adapt to your baby’s needs, offering protection against infections.
- Reduces risk: Breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of illnesses like ear infections, respiratory infections, and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Bonding: The act of breastfeeding promotes skin-to-skin contact, which strengthens the bond between you and your baby.
- Was being a midwife something you have always been interested in doing?
Like I said earlier, becoming a midwife wasn’t always part of my plan—I actually started out as a bio scientist. But as my career has evolved, I’ve discovered that midwifery is so much more than just clinical work, which has made me even more passionate about it.
While I love being involved in the birthing process, I’ve also found a deep sense of fulfillment in advocating for women and birthing people outside the delivery room. I enjoy attending events, answering DMs from followers who trust me with their intimate questions, and signposting people to the right support groups. It’s incredibly rewarding to be that encouraging voice, helping people feel empowered to ask questions of their medical team or to say no to interventions they don’t want.
Midwifery, for me, has become a holistic role—it’s about supporting and empowering women at every step of their journey, whether that’s through direct care or advocacy. This broader approach has truly enriched my career and allowed me to connect with so many amazing people along the way.ch. The role of a midwife or doula is so crucial, especially in ensuring you feel supported and empowered during the birth, but it’s important to find someone whose approach aligns with your needs and values.
First, look at reviews of midwives or doulas you’re considering. What do past clients say about their experiences? What is the ethos of the midwife or the unit or hospital they work with? Do they publish statistics on maternal mortality or morbidity? This is particularly important because the data can give you insights into how well they manage different scenarios. For instance, do they acknowledge and address structural racism and cultural biases? This is vital, especially for Black and Brown women and birthing people, who, unfortunately, face disproportionate rates of death during the pregnancy period. Research from MBRRACE-UK in 2021 showed that Black women are four times more likely to die in childbirth compared to white women, and for Asian women, the risk is nearly twice as high. The experiences of Black and Brown women during childbirth are often worse, as highlighted in studies like the Birthrights inquiry in 2022, which found that these women frequently report feeling unheard and disrespected during their care.
That said, midwives are highly trained professionals, particularly skilled in managing low-risk pregnancies. They can truly enhance your birthing experience by providing personalized care, continuous support, and a more holistic approach that considers your emotional and physical wellbeing.
So, take the time to find a midwife or doula who not only has the right qualifications but also shares your values and understands your unique needs. When you do, it can make all the difference in having a positive and empowering birth experience.
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