First Coffs midwifery graduates celebrate completion, employment

Southern Cross University’s commitment to providing quality allied health education in the Coffs Harbour region continues, with the first cohort of Bachelor of Midwifery students celebrating the end of their study.

The group will formally mark the completion of their degrees at the 2016 Coffs Harbour graduation ceremony.

Graduate Kellee Woods is now working as a midwife at Grafton Base Hospital. She decided to study midwifery when her children had gone to school and she was seeking a career change.

“My three children were all at school and I was wondering what to do for a career,” she said.

“When I found out that midwifery was being offered at Coffs Harbour for the first time I thought it was meant to be.

“I’ve always loved being around babies - just ask any of my 24 cousins. Between us all we have more than 50 children.

“I have always thought that birth is such an amazing time in your life — a whole new person is brought into the world – and I wanted to be a part of that.”

Ms Woods said the best thing about the University’s midwifery course was the passionate teachers and sense of comradery.

“I learnt so much about pregnancy, child birth and the postnatal period. The course was obviously designed to make sure women were going to get the best care possible from the midwives that graduated.

“Not only do I now have a great clinical knowledge base, I have the understanding of how women and their families need to be supported through such a monumental event in their lives. It's a privilege to be involved.

“I got a job at Grafton Base Hospital where I am welcomed and supported by all the midwives I work with.

“With such a specialised job and living in a country town, it's lucky I got the exact position I was after. I absolutely love going to work and love being a midwife.”

Midwifery lecturer Monica Carlon said the University was proud to see its first Coffs Harbour cohort complete their studies.

“These students have had an amazing three years, leading the way for the success of the Bachelor of Midwifery course here at Coffs Harbour,” she said.

“Students have been privileged to experience the excitement and challenges of supporting and caring for women and their families through pregnancy, labour, birth and early parenting.

“The success for these students will extend beyond the University, with successful employment opportunities in 2016.”
Photo: SCU Coffs Harbour midwifery graduate Kellee Woods at work at Grafton Base Hospital.