When Danielle started her nursing studies over five years ago, midwifery was not her first choice. After completing the midwifery graduate program at Hawkesbury District Hospital, the now registered nurse and midwife says she could not be happier with her decision to pursue midwifery.
Reflecting on why she chose to pursue midwifery, Danielle explains that the turning point came three years ago, after the birth of her first baby at Hawkesbury District Hospital.
"I was seen throughout my pregnancy by the midwives at Hawkesbury," says Danielle.
"I had the greatest antenatal experience and was so well cared for during my labour and birth."
"It was at that moment I thought to myself that I want to give women the same care that was given to me, I want other women to feel the love I felt, I'm going to be a midwife."
Danielle had already completed her new graduate nursing year at Hawkesbury District Hospital and did not want to leave the hospital to complete midwifery studies. So, when it was announced that the hospital would be running its first midwifery graduate program, Danielle did not hesitate to apply.
"I had always said if they ever ran the midwifery program from Hawkesbury I would apply - sure enough as soon as I heard talk of the program becoming available, I expressed my interest and was successful!"
"I officially completed the program in March 2023."
Danielle admits that becoming a midwife has changed her life and she could not be more grateful for the support she has received from the midwifery team at Hawkesbury District Hospital.
"Being a midwife opens your eyes to a whole other level, and being surrounded by such strong, proud and independent women has allowed me to grow and continue to become the best version of myself," she says.
As for her future, there is nothing Danielle is looking forward to more than growing her midwifery career at the hospital that inspired her to pursue it in the first place.
"Hawkesbury is unique, it feels personal, everyone knows you by name and that is what makes it special."
"The midwives at Hawkesbury are so passionate about supporting and empowering the women in their care and I look forward to continuing to grow as a midwife here at Hawkesbury."
