Celebrating midwives and the valuable role they play

Calvary Public Hospital midwife Sarah Mossler

Sarah Mossler is passionate about the strength women show in their transition to motherhood.

The Calvary Public Hospital Clinical Flow Manager of Maternity said the change in life circumstances from being a woman to also being a mother was powerful, and she was called to support women to feel empowered and have choices during that process.

“Everything changes – everything is heightened,” she explained.

“In our modern world there is a lot of pressure on women and how they make that change and the choices they make. So, giving them the right information and evidence and supporting them to make those choices and advocating for them is really important in that time.”

Sarah, who has been a midwife since 2010, said midwives played a valuable role on the pathway to motherhood.

“Midwives form a partnership with the woman from the beginning of her pregnancy, and whether it is the same midwife or a different one, they will have continuity of care through the antenatal period,” she said.

“Then there are midwives working in our birthing unit and our continuity program providing birth and postnatal care.”

Sarah began work with Calvary around fifteen months ago, drawn by the hospital’s reputation for a supportive culture.

“They really live their values,” she said.

“Since being here, I have seen that, and I have appreciated the comfort and support that I have received.”

As the world marked International Day of the Midwife on 5 May, Sarah said it was important to celebrate the profession.

“I think it is an important thing to recognise that midwifery is an autonomous profession. It is nice to recognise it globally, as not everywhere do midwives have the same presence as they do in Australia and New Zealand,” she noted.

“It is a way, internationally, to see that it is a profession. We do have a purpose. We do have value. It is a celebration – midwives work really hard around the clock. We are not the highest paid profession, so it is important to celebrate and even to recruit, as it is getting harder to recruit to the healthcare profession.”

The rewards of midwifery, Sarah said, were numerous.

“Babies are the best part,” she laughed.

“I cuddle a lot of babies. My favourite is actually the moment of birth and the strength and power and exhilaration from the mother, and also the other parent. I have a big weak spot when dads cry. And just a moment of bonding and the looks the baby gives the mum when they know who they are and they can hear their voice.”