This week, Northern Health is celebrating International Day of the Midwife and International Nurses Day. Today, we share the thoughts of Annie Tolmay, Associate Midwife Unit Manager and Clinical Support Midwife.

Q: What is your name and title?

My name is Annie Tolmay and I am an Associate Midwife Unit Manager in Birth Suite and a Clinical Support Midwife.

Q: What does International Day of the Midwife/International Nurses Day mean to you?

It feels conflicting to celebrate International Day of the Midwife without also acknowledging the many pressures and challenges nurses and midwives face. As healthcare professionals we are excellent at supporting our patients and families, however we sometimes don’t have the space to address the ways the complexities of this job can affect us. This day can be bittersweet as we reflect on the sacrifices and challenges, and despite it all continue to show up and provide safe care and support to women and their families.

Q: Why did you want to become a midwife/nurse?

Being a midwife is one of the most humbling, fulfilling and unique professions. Early in my career, someone told me midwifery is mostly pure joy, with moments of pure terror. The highs are so high with tears of joy, rushes of adrenaline and an overwhelming sense of connection. But the lows can be too devastating for words, nothing compares to caring for a family who has lost their baby. Whether I am experiencing the immense joy or heartbreak of midwifery, I am always so honored that a family is allowing me to share in that with them. It is the most intimate and vulnerable time in a woman’s life, and being witness to that will never stop being incredible.

Q: Tell us about your journey to become a midwife/nurse and what inspires you?

I have been at the Northern since my very first observation day in first year as a student. The Northern has been instrumental in my growth and development as a midwife. Throughout my years here, both as a student and now as a midwife, I have had the opportunity to work beside some incredible people who have elevated not just me but our unit at large. One of the joys of midwifery is being the lead clinician in pregnancy and birth, and I am constantly driven to support and encourage new midwives to upskill and continue finding opportunities that keep them passionate about their practice in order to further their careers.

Q: Tell us about a particular patient or care interaction that has really stuck with you.

Last week I helped a junior midwife discharge a first-time mum home with her new baby, and she and her partner both welled up with tears as they stepped out the door. She asked me to pass along her immense gratitude and appreciation for her care team. She had felt such warmth and empathy from every clinician that she felt we were now like family. It made me feel very proud of the work that we do here and the impact we have on people’s lives.