Hayley’s journey to pursuing her passion in midwifery

Having spent majority of her life in Albany, Hayley Bolton always knew she wanted to serve the community she calls home.

Her connection to the Great Southern extends beyond her personal life; she’s worked for WA Country Health Service since her nursing graduate year in 2011 and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

“Albany has such a great sense of community – everyone knows someone you know. Plus we have the best beaches!” she said.

“I’ve wanted to be a midwife since I was 15 and its originally why I went into nursing.  

“But when I started having my own children, I put that dream on hold.”

Hayley said when the Paid Student Midwifery Model Pilot became available, she saw the chance to finally pursue her passion.

The Paid Student Midwifery Model Pilot allows country nurses to stay in their existing workplace while upskilling to care for expectant women and newborns. It includes fully funded course fees, access to clinical facilitators and travel to the metropolitan area for study weeks.

“I studied midwifery through the University of Notre Dame as part of the model, which was an amazing opportunity,” Hayley said.

“I’m so grateful to have been able to take part, it allowed me to follow my dreams.”

Now a registered midwife, Hayley finds immense fulfilment in her role, which goes far beyond delivering babies.

"I truly love being a midwife. I want to support and empower all women, to help them make informed decisions and have positive experiences throughout their pregnancy, birth and postnatal care,” she said.

"The maternity team is so supportive. We work hard to create a safe space for women and their families, and I love being part of such a positive environment."

Working in country WA comes with its own unique rewards, including models of care that allow midwives to build meaningful relationships with the women they support.

“We get to be with mothers throughout their entire pregnancy journey, which is really special,” she said.

“And there’s something extra special about seeing babies you’ve delivered out in the community.”

In the coming years, Hayley sees herself continuing to build her career in the Great Southern while raising her family and giving back to the community she loves.

“I want to keep consolidating my knowledge so I can be the best support and advocate for women that I can be.”