Lauren Marie Grech – from student to fully fledged midwife

“Though I come from a small family with no medical background, I always knew I wanted to work in health care. I chose midwifery because I think it’s a unique profession, in that we care for both mothers and babies. Being able to help a mother at such a vulnerable time in her life, I think it’s a beautiful thing.”

These were the words of Lauren Marie Grech in 2017, when she was a third-year midwifery student at the University of Malta.

Today, Lauren is a certified midwife working at Msida’s Mater Dei Hospital. She remembers with pride when she graduated and first donned her official midwife uniform. “With it came more autonomy and more responsibility. I remember thinking, ‘This is it, this is the real deal,’” recalls the 24-year-old.

“The first period after graduation was quite overwhelming. As a student, there is always someone guiding you and reassuring you when you are in doubt, holding your hand. Once you graduate, they let go. There are always senior midwives I could turn to if needed, but I have to take decisions autonomously,” reflects Lauren.

Acting as a bridge between mothers and doctors

“The very first time I delivered a baby on my own, it felt so gratifying to sign the birth certificate myself, with my name and midwife licence number. At the birth of a friend’s firstborn I had assisted as a student, but a few months ago I delivered her second child as a fully fledged midwife and it felt wonderful,” says Lauren.

“One of the aspects I enjoy most about my work is the emotional connection I establish with the women in my care. It feels so rewarding to know the women trust me and are happy to have me by their side.

“Sometimes the mothers are overwhelmed by all the medical information they are presented with. At such times, I often assist them in interpreting and understanding the information. Because the mothers see me regularly and we develop a bond, they turn to me when they are uncertain and have questions.”

Learning on the job

“In the past 2 years, I have worked in various positions in different departments on a rotating basis. Before choosing where I want to work, I need to complete my last scheduled experience, which will be in the ward for premature newborns.”

Lauren admits being a bit nervous about her upcoming assignment.

“It will be very challenging, as the parents will be anxious about their babies’ condition. Much of my work – besides caring for the premature babies – will also be about reassuring the parents and keeping them fully informed.

“Once I have completed this rotation period, I think I will return to work in the delivery suite. Helping women give birth is ultimately the most exciting part of the job for me and it is also very diverse, as every day is different.”

Staying up to date on research and practice

“There was a time when locals used to know a midwife personally and that made a big difference in a mother’s life. Nowadays technology has gained a bigger role, though I believe we should create that balance between technology and not forgetting our roots, which is carrying out our midwifery skills using our hands.

“It is key for midwives to keep up to date with evidence-based research. That, and the pride in your abilities and the confidence in your chosen profession are very important if midwifery is to stay relevant in the future.”