10.10 Diversifying in midwifery through career development

Midwifery is a career which carries so many possibilities and choices, and remains a popular career choice. In this session we are exploring with our speakers, their journeys into midwifery, including the highs and lows and the challenges they have face to be where they are now! Sue Macdonald, Midwifery Expert, Mayes Midwifery Kemi Akinwunmi, Qualified Midwife, Specialist in Public Health, Professional Aunty Joyce Adu-Amankwah, Specialist Haemoglobinopathies Midwife, St. Georges University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust I am a Mother, Midwife, Health Visitor, Antenatal Teacher, Baby Massage Facilitator , Baby and Infant First Aid teacher A qualified midwife working within the NHS via agency / flexibly on delivery suite, antenatal and postnatal wards . Working part time as a health visitor with specialist experience in parental and infant mental health , whilst focusing on Professional Aunty private services that support parents get off to the best start by providing bespoke services that bridge the gaps of care . Professional Aunty services was founded On my own unique lived journey of parenting where i realised the gaps and support in services parents - so I became the support I needed for other parents My Mission is to Support, Assist and Guide you along your journey, by providing you with products and flexible services made fun! -current services - baby massage facilitator , bespoke postnatal visits and baby and infant first aid for the family . We also provide amazing survival boxes with key essentials for mum , dad and baby 😊 I have had partnership work with : @themotherhoodgroup, @fivexmore_, @theperinatalmhpartnership and The Baby Show I have been part of Podcasts since starting my business @professionalaunty 😊 with a growing following of 1k+ and engagement of 4.5% 1st @whomovedmybirkin where we discussed racism in midwifery, juggling work, business and parenthood. 2nd @thebirthboothpod where I discussed the role of a health visitor and explored the various levels of support provided to families as they transition into parenting. 3rd @wellrestorer who discussed my business as a health professional practising outside the box I enjoy Spending time with my son and watching him grow daily and myself evolve as a parent has been amazing and grows my passions daily to educate and support parents Where can you find/contact me ? Instagram and Facebook: @professionalauntyEmail: [email protected]: www.professionalaunty.co.uk My current role is a specialist midwife, providing antenatal care for pregnant women with haemoglobinopathy disease, and offering counselling and further screening for couples who are at risk of having a baby affected by major haemoglobinopathies. Haemoglobinopathies are complex genetic blood disorders (diseases of the red blood cell). Most people affected by haemoglobinopathies are of African, Caribbean and Asian origin, but both the sickle cell and thalassaemia genes are found in most ethnic groups. Sickle cell disease is said to affect about 12,500 to 15,000 people in the UK. Pregnant women who are affected by sickle cell disease are at risk of pre-eclampsia, inter-uterine growth restriction (IUGR), stillbirth, preterm deliveries, increased risk of caesarean sections and maternal death. This means that specialist knowledge and understanding is required in providing antenatal care. Since 2015, I have been providing antenatal care for pregnant women who have haemaglobinopathies. In order to continue my role and provide women with quality care, I registered for a haemoglobinopathy course in 2016 to update my knowledge, but due to lack of funding I had to defer the course. I was then accepted for the Advancing Client-Centred Care course in 2019.