For any expectant and birthing mums-to-be, they can rest assured of the care and compassion from South Eastern Trust Midwifery Students Kiera McVicker and Megan Allen, as their passion and dedication to their roles is truly evident.
To mark International Day of the Midwife on the 5 May 2025, the Queen’s University Students have shared their midwifery journey, assisting in a place of privilege during the most precious time for a new mum.
Since taking up her placement at the Ulster Hospital’s Maternity Unit, Kiera’s genuine empathy, passion and understanding towards mum’s and the family unit have saw her quickly integrate into life on the ward.
Kiera recalled with pride her very first experience of delivering a new-born baby. “It was 3.45 am and I remember it was overwhelming to think that I was going to be the first person to lay my hands on this precious new life that completed a family. I will never forget that and I am looking forward to getting to my 40th delivery as wel!
“I’m so proud that I am in this position and to be so close to families to see them start a new chapter in their lives.”
Kiera explained, “I have always, all my life, wanted to become a Midwife. Once I got my own family off the ground and I was old enough in order to pursue my dream, I knew it was the right time for me to bring a new life into the world. I feel it is so important to have someone advocate for you through those scary, emotional times. I valued that when I was going through it and I value that even more now that I am hopefully going to be the one able to give it.”
Kiera shared how having her own experience of child birth inspired her to pay back the kindness and care that she had received. “I have my own experience of being a woman in labour. I thought to myself that the care I received was something I would like to ‘pay back’ and give that to another woman.”
“It is so important that mum’s have an experience that they can carry with them for life. Being pregnant is such a vulnerable stage in your life and you need to have complete trust in the people who are caring for you. To have someone advocating for you is so important,” said Kiera.
Kiera’s colleague and fellow Midwifery Student, Megan Allen described as an absolute “joy” to have had 40 deliveries under her belt.
“I love being part of a really important stage for both mum and baby. It is such a privilege to be involved in such an incredible moment and to witness first hand a baby being born and to help and guide mum through that. It is an incredible job to have and I do not take that position lightly.”
“I finish in September and I have mixed emotions about my time coming to an end. At the start of the three years you think it is going to take forever, but here I am almost at the end and it has gone so fast. I am very excited to see what comes next.”
For anyone considering Midwifery as their chosen career, Megan said, “It will change your life. It has changed my perspective on a lot of things and has been great for my confidence in terms of bonding with mums and other staff. There is so much opportunity and scope within Midwifery.
“If you are thinking about it just do it, it is great. I love it.”