May 5, 2023
Today is International Day of the Midwife and to mark the day, we meet Kiri Platek, Clinical Midwife Specialist
Q: Tell us about your current role at Northern Health?
A: My role at Northern Health is as a Clinical Midwife Specialist. I work solely in the Maternity Assessment Centre, caring for and supporting women, antenatally, with high-risk pregnancies that require frequent fetus monitoring, and those in the early stages of labour or requiring urgent obstetric care. I’m also currently a part of the Preterm Birth Prevention Collaborative team, working to reduce the incidence of preterm and early term birth at Northern Health as a part of the nationwide collaborative.
Q: Today is International Day of the Midwife. What advice would you give to students and those wanting to pursue a career in midwifery?
A: My advice to students is to fully immerse yourself in midwifery. It is a vast profession with a lot of avenues that you can be drawn to. It’s essential to experience all areas to find the area/s that are most engaging, and you’re most passionate about. But also, it’s important to remember that even though one area may suit you at one stage of life, you are more than capable of diversifying and excelling at other areas that you may grow to develop an interest in, later on.
Studying and practicing as a midwife is a very rewarding profession that allows you to form incredibly strong bonds and connections. Not only are these bonds formed with the families that you care for, but also with the team you work within. The families you care for throughout pregnancy, birth, and postnatally, will remember your kindness, compassion and how you made them feel during such an important shared moment in their lives. From the moment they hear their baby’s heart beating, to baby’s first cry after birth and the first cuddle during skin-to-skin contact, your work as a midwife helps to form key memorable experiences for families, which will stay with them forever. Midwifery also connects you with colleagues that you work with collaboratively through often incredibly high paced and stressful, but also joyous and happy, workdays. Not only are you always learning, but you are also adapting and supporting one another through whatever challenges and new experiences you face together as a team. Midwifery provides you with a sense of reward in that you have the ability to care for and support families through such a pivotal life moment, and utilise your knowledge and skills to communicate, educate, care for and assist in welcoming their baby into the world.
Q: Is there a quote that motivates you?
A: A few words that really resonate with me by Charlotte Freeman: SUNSHINE
The best kind of people are like sunshine- they are warm and brighten your soul with their light. They love unconditionally. They are soft and gentle with your heart and soul. They make you smile with just their presence. They know when something is not right without you having to say anything at all. They are accountable and take responsibility for their actions. They respect other humans. They are kind. They let you be yourself and accept you as you are. They forgive others instead of seeking revenge. They are patient with your struggles. They are there for you no matter the situation. They make you feel safe, loved and understood. These words motivate me to be like sunshine.
Q: Which two radio stations do you listen to in the car the most?
A: I don’t usually listen to the radio when driving. I like to listen to podcasts like Darling Shine or The Imperfects.
Q: Who is your favourite author?
A: I don’t have a favourite author, but the only books I’m currently reading are those to my 4-year-old and 2-year-old at bedtime, so right now, our favourites are Marvel’s ‘The Avengers’ and ‘Mem Fox- Possum Magic’.
