Julie's Story

When Dunedin woman Julie Moyle’s was completing her first year of study in nursing she completed a family and community placement which she found extremely worthwhile. So when she became pregnant she began to wonder if there was a similar kind of placement for midwifery students and, at 28 weeks, contacted Otago Polytechnic.

When first year student Megan (Meg) Scott showed up for her interview, Julie and husband John were determined to ask her the tough questions. After all, this was their first baby and it was important that everything was right for them.

“With Meg it was right straightaway,” says Julie. “While we were doubtful initially because she was only 19 it was actually great to have a young students. She attended all of our appointments, and the birth and just showed a real willingness to learn. Everything was new for her, and I really loved the joy on her face when she learned something she hadn’t yet learned at the Polytechnic.

“This was the first birth Meg had attended and it was great to have her there. There actually became three clear-cut rolls in the delivery room – John was a supportive husband, the midwife Nicky was the midwife and Meg was my support person. It was very emotional for John and I wanted him to be part of the experience, not worrying about me. John was also quite sick, so Meg took over some of the physical parts which worked amazingly.”

Julie says she would not hesitate to have a student for any future pregnancies. In fact, she would recommend it to any woman whether they’re having their first or fourth child. The only change she would make for herself is to begin earlier in the pregnancy.

“We met Meg at 28 weeks and had my son William a little bit early, so we really only allowed ten weeks to establish a relationship with someone who would be part of a really intimate time in my life. Ideally we’d get the student involved much earlier.”

“One thing I would say is that students must remember the father in all of this. Meg was young with no preconceived ideas so this was something she was really good at. She really became an integral part of a very special and important part of our lives.”