My name is Katelyn and I am in my 3rd Year of the BSc Midwifery course at University College Dublin.

I always loved hospitals and knew that I wanted some sort of medical career but during my leaving certificate I was torn between a few different courses. Midwifery was my top choice, but it was the highest points. I honestly didn't think that I would get in. Well, here I am!

The first few weeks of my course were spent feeling like an imposter among the other students. I worried that midwifery wouldn’t be for me. So many of the others had worked hard to get in and had wanted to be a midwife for years.

My first placement was three months into the course and that was when everything changed. I have genuinely never felt such a love or passion for something before. My family says that I light up when speaking about anything to do with midwifery and women's health. I have always had strong opinions about women's rights and feminism so being in a job that allows me to advocate and empower women daily fulfils me more than I had imagined. I have never felt more like I belong than when I am caring for women and doing everything in my power to make them feel seen, safe and cared for.

For me, being a midwife is about so much more than medically caring for women. During my placements in first year, I had limited capabilities, and I honestly think it taught me some of my most valuable lessons. While the midwives were busy caring for the women’s medical needs, my limited skills allowed me the opportunity to emotionally support the women through their journey. I was able to hold her hand as she pushed, be a shoulder to cry on if things weren’t going her way and talk her through everything that was happening around her. 

There is nothing that could compare to the feeling of knowing that you made even the slightest bit of a difference to a woman's journey. I have held this value with me since and I intend to use it in all the years that I practice as a midwife.

I am now three years into my journey to become a midwife and my love and passion for it has not dampened one bit. I am truly privileged to be part of a team that supports families around their journey of bringing life into the world. In no way am I exaggerating when I say it is the best job in the world.