KiwiParent from Parents Center NZ Test Volume | Page 36

Dianne Hemopo
What motivated you to
become a midwife?
I had wanted to be a midwife
for many years, even before
I had my own children. I was
fascinated by how amazing
a woman's body must be to
grow another small person!
Finally after six years’ working
as a secretary in the Neonatal
Unit and with support from my whanau I applied to
AUT University to do the Bachelor of Health Science
(Midwifery). I've had some great jobs over the years,
but becoming a midwife has definitely been a highlight.

Did you find the training worked well for
you Do you feel it was a good grounding for
your new career?
Studying midwifery was intense, rewarding, emotional
and fulfilling. At times it felt surreal that I was finally
studying, other times I wanted to run away from it.
You need a lot of motivation, self-direction and passion
to keep going (and my husband’s cups of tea at crazy
hours of the night while trying to submit assignments).
We worked incredibly hard to complete over 4800
hours including multiple assignments/exams/essays
and practical experience. Our clinical placements were
in a variety of settings all over Auckland (and beyond).
We were really well supported to grow into competent
midwives.

What do you like best about being a
midwife?
I love so many things about midwifery: working in
partnership with women and their families through
pregnancy, labour and birth and the transition period
of adjusting to life with a newborn whether it is for
the first time or fourth time. I always get goose bumps
when babies are safely snuggled on their mums after
birth and the look of love, euphoria and relief on the
mothers’ faces are magical moments. I enjoy the
variety in our work, every day is different and every
family has different needs.

What are your hopes and dreams?
On a personal note my short-term goal is to take my
husband on a fishing charter (he loves fishing!). When
I decided to study he became a stay-at-home dad
which has been amazing for our children and me. It
was a huge load off my mind not having to worry
about getting called to births at 2am and wondering
if I would be home in time to get the children off to
school and preschool. Our big goal is to purchase our
first home within five years! Professionally I hope to
establish myself as a self-employed midwife in Counties
Manukau and, after a couple of years, I am definitely
keen to complete post-graduate studies.

34 kiwiparent – supporting kiwi parents through the early years

Mihi Eruera
Is there anything that worries you?
I worry about lots of things at different times – I'm a
woman, mother and midwife so I'm not sure we ever
stop worrying.

As a Maori woman, how has your culture
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