At age 42, mother of six Vicky Wright is a going through a career transition. She is a student midwife in the second year of a BSc (Hons) in Midwifery at Liverpool John Moores University, and is on a 10 week placement with the Maternity Ward at WUTH’s Women and Children’s Hospital.
She said: “Being a midwife is a dream I’ve had all my adult life but one I truly never thought I’d realise.”
With a family comprising husband, two dogs and six children ranging from age 9 to 22, balancing the demands of her studies with her role as mum has needed a lot of organisational skills. “Everyone has to chip in around the house”, she said. “But it works. My family are really supportive because they all know how much I want to qualify as a midwife.”
Before embarking on her degree, she spent 10 years as full-time carer for her mum who was suffering with Alzheimer’s dementia.
“Sometimes I can’t quite believe that I’m actually doing the thing that seemed like a pipe dream just a short time ago. But I do think that my life skills and experiences of looking after others have helped me to get here. I’ve had tremendous mentoring and support from Sarah Weston, Practice Development Midwife, as well as the whole team here at WUTH, and my confidence has grown enormously. I feel like I’m older and wiser. I would really encourage others who are contemplating midwifery to take the leap. It’s the most rewarding career.”
"I just delivered a baby in a birthing pool this morning, my 30th delivery. To qualify, I need to deliver 40. It’s amazing, seeing a baby being born. As midwives we are less hands-on with a water birth. We use a mirror and a torch to see what’s happening. With a bit of guidance from the midwife, the baby comes to the top of the water and we pass baby to mum.
“As part of my course requirements I keep a little chart of all the babies I have delivered to keep a tally.
“Whether the one giving birth is standing, sitting or in a pool, it’s all just amazing.
“In this job you’re learning forever, there is always something different going on. It's hugely rewarding. I want to give the women the best care, and I genuinely mean that. I genuinely care, I want to make sure the mums and the babies are okay. And the dads and the nanas too!”