More About Episode 29 - The Midwife

On this episode, we stepped into the exciting world of midwifery with Imogen Cessnik, a nurse midwife, and her daughter Cleo. We were able to learn all about what it takes to become a midwife and help mums and their little bundles of joy through one of life's most beautiful journeys.

First up, what is it that midwives actually do? According to Imogen, midwives are the impartial supporters for pregnant women and new mums. They provide support before, during, and after childbirth, making sure both mum and bub are healthy and happy. Imogen's specialty is postnatal midwifery, which means she helps new mums navigate the ups and downs of breastfeeding and adjusting to life with a newborn.

But being a midwife isn't just about delivering babies (although that's definitely a highlight!). It's a job that keeps you on your toes, moving between different wards and rooms in the hospital, checking on patients, assessing their needs, and working closely with other healthcare professionals.

Now, let's talk about one of the most important aspects of a midwife's job: breastfeeding support. Imogen knows firsthand how challenging breastfeeding can be – she even found it tougher than giving birth! That's why she became a lactation consultant, so she could help other mums overcome breastfeeding struggles.

Imogen gets such a buzz from seeing a mum and bub finally "get" breastfeeding after a rocky start. She loves being able to send them home feeling confident and empowered in their breastfeeding journey. Talk about job satisfaction!

While Imogen's passion lies in midwifery, her daughter Cleo has her sights set on a different career path: marine biology. This 10-year-old eco-warrior wants to study and protect marine life from the impacts of climate change and pollution.

Cleo's dedication to environmental conservation is truly inspiring. She recognizes the importance of preserving our oceans and the incredible creatures that call them home, like coral reefs and all kinds of fishy friends.

So, what's the key takeaway from Imogen and Cleo's stories? Follow your passions, whether that's supporting new mums and bubs or saving the oceans. Imogen's journey from med lab science to nursing and midwifery shows that it's never too late to find your calling. And Cleo's commitment to marine biology at such a young age proves that you're never too young to start making a difference.

If the idea of becoming a midwife in Australia has piqued your interest, here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Study hard in subjects like biology, chemistry, and health sciences – you'll need these for your midwifery degree.

2. Consider doing some volunteer work or getting a job in a healthcare setting to gain valuable experience.

3. Research midwifery programs at Australian universities and check out their entry requirements.

4. Be prepared for a hands-on, emotionally rewarding (but sometimes challenging) career!

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the incredible world of midwifery and learnt more about the importance of pursuing your passions, whatever they may be. Whether you're destined to be a midwife or a marine biologist (or something else entirely!), remember to follow your heart and never stop learning.