But going through the birthing process beside a trusted source of kindness, support and guidance can make the experience that extra bit more special. 

For Flinders University midwifery student Jodi O’Hara, her own birthing experience at a young age had such a positive impact that she was inspired to pursue her own career in midwifery.

“Having had a baby myself at just 16 years old I knew what it meant to be cared for by a midwife during pregnancy,” says Jodi, who is now in her final year of the Bachelor of Midwifery.

“I was utterly inspired by my midwife, her ability to treat me like every other mother-to-be and not just another pregnant teenager really empowered me. I just knew I had to return the favour someday by offering women that same level of support.”

As a midwifery student, Jodi is already returning that favour by supporting pregnant women through their journey of childbirth.

Like all midwifery students, Jodi must undertake not only field placements at public and private hospitals in metropolitan and rural areas, but she must also complete the Call the Midwifery Student program to become a registered midwife.

By her side through it all

Also known as the Continuity of Care Experience (COCE), the program allows midwifery students to support women through their antenatal, birthing and postnatal journey.

Once a pregnant woman has registered interest in the program, they are allocated a midwifery student before meeting them for the first time and deciding whether it’s the right fit.

If it is, the woman and the student will develop a strong one-on-one relationship and together build a positive and reassuring birthing experience.

The student midwife will attend antenatal appointments, the birth, followed by postnatal appointments.

Flinders midwifery students must complete 15 COCEs to be eligible to graduate. The program is also shared by the University of South Australia.

“Through the Continuity of Care Experience, we are able to build a professional relationship with each woman and develop a rapport over time,” Jodi says. “This just cannot be taught in class. It really captures the value in continuity as we can see it firsthand.”

“It is truly an honour to be invited into a woman’s birth space. It is such an important time in a woman’s life, which is why the generosity of women allowing students to be a part of it all never ceases to amaze me.”

A role of privilege

Danuelle Scott was pregnant with her first child when a friend mentioned to her the idea of engaging with a student midwife to assist in the lead up and during the birth.

Danuelle signed up to the COCE after being referred by her private midwife to Jodi, who at the time was in her second year of the degree.

“I’m a single mum and while I had a birth partner (a close friend) I really liked the idea of having another familiar face supporting me during delivery, as my private midwife wasn’t able to be at the hospital during labour,” Danuelle says.

“Jodi was so supportive, understanding and a genuinely compassionate person. Being a mother herself, this was also of great benefit to me becoming a full-time mother, I would ask her all sorts of things about birth.”

In November 2020, Danuelle gave birth to her beautiful daughter, Jaimee Isla Scott. 

But the support didn’t end there. As part of the COCE program, the student also attends a six-week postnatal visit to ensure the mother and baby and settling in and experience good health and wellbeing.

“The is my absolutely favourite part of the COCE program, when we get to see the woman for the first time outside of pregnancy,” Jodi says.

“They are always glowing. It’s so rewarding to be able to see them through the entire journey.”

“I am looking forward to graduating and one day working in midwifery group practice as this model of care offers continuity to women in the public system.”