ECU's MAMS program helps expecting parents and midwifery students.
Going through pregnancy, welcoming a child into the world and then learning to be their parent is an epic journey full of ups and downs.
It's an often-difficult process for many reasons, so it can help having people along for the ride to provide support — especially if they have a passion for midwifery.
The good news is anyone who is expecting a child can have such a person in their corner.
Edith Cowan University's (ECU) Mothers Adopt Midwifery Students program sees expecting parents "adopt" midwifery students to accompany them on their journey through pregnancy, birth, and the first four-to-six weeks of the child's life.
The free program sees the students attend check-ups, parenting classes and more, all under the watch of trained maternity healthcare providers.
Parents aren't locked in and can withdraw at any stage should they wish.
ECU Associate Dean of Midwifery Dr Di Bloxsome said mums and students both benefited immensely from the experience.
"Every woman's pregnancy and birthing experience is unique," Dr Bloxsome said.
"Our midwifery students can offer vital support to mums and their partners during what can often be rollercoaster ride, while the program also offers invaluable opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom and develop both their clinical and personal skills.
"At ECU, we pride ourselves on producing midwives of the highest standard and this initiative helps ensure our students graduate as highly qualified, job-ready professionals ready to enter the workforce as Registered Midwives."
Support when and where it's needed
No one's journey to parenthood is easy, but mother-of-two Sharni Hughes travelled a harder road than most.
When 16 weeks pregnant with her first child, Sharni discovered she and her husband were both carriers for a genetic disorder called short rib polydactyl syndrome.
The following years then saw the family go through the emotional turmoil of a series of pregnancies which ended in heartbreak.
After years of receiving bad news, when Sharni became pregnant with her second child Jasper, she knew she didn't want to attend appointments alone.
Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic saw restrictions on who could attend healthcare settings, meaning her husband was unable to provide support at scans and key meetings.
A healthcare provider suggested ECU's program, which saw midwifery student Taylor Boelema step in to be by Sharni's side throughout her pregnancy and be in the room when Jasper was born.
"We had quite the complicated journey to having a healthy baby, so having Taylor there was so important, especially to reduce my anxiety in waiting to find out if we had a healthy baby," Sharni said.
"Your support people are who make or break your pregnancy, really. The ability to have someone who is learning and passionate about maternity care is amazing."
The experience saw a strong bond form between the pair, which has remained after the program finished.
"Taylor was amazing, so supportive: she still sends me messages now to find out how Jasper and the rest of the family is doing," Sharni said.
"I would 100 per cent have another student midwife and have recommended the program to few friends who were pregnant.
"I wish I'd done it with my first child."
Creating better midwives
All ECU midwifery students must complete the program with at least 10 parents to graduate — and they start from the moment their studies begin.
As a first-year student, Ms Boelema said having the opportunity to apply what she's learned in real-world settings with two pregnancies so early in her degree has had a major impact.
"Being in those clinical settings and offering support really reaffirmed my aspirations to become a midwife," she said.
"I feel like I've learned a lot on both the journeys I’ve been able to follow.
"I've been able to get hands on and do things like feel a baby's position inside the womb.
"Jasper's was the first birth I’ve been to in-person, which was incredible and so beautiful."
Despite being early in her studies, Ms Boelema said she gained confidence from seeing what she had learned in the classroom had real world relevance.
"I was asked a question about why a baby's hands were blue, and I could actually answer," she said.
"When I first started, I wasn't as confident and would feel a bit nervous but then I was able to get more hands-on, learn all the acronyms and definitely became more confident.
"I've already built my knowledge so much: each of the births were very different and once I've had the chance to help more women birth their babies and support more parents, I'll be even more confident and capable when I graduate."
The program is always looking for more expecting parents to take part, visit the Mothers Adopting Midwifery Students homepage for more information.
