Tallulah McCarthy-Huxley is a third-year Bachelor of Midwifery student at Griffith University.

1 What inspired you to choose a career in nursing/midwifery?

From a young age, I was deeply passionate about healthy and sustainable ways of living. I always envisioned a career in healthcare, but I felt that my holistic beliefs didn’t align with the biomedical model. I initially embarked on a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics, only to quickly realise it wasn’t the right path for me. At that time, my dream was to work with women and families, particularly in the realms of pregnancy and postpartum care. Although midwifery had crossed my mind, insecurities held me back; I feared being too young and struggled with imposter syndrome since I had never been pregnant or given birth. Eventually, I took that leap of faith, and I haven’t looked back since!

2 Can you share a moment from your clinical placements that confirmed midwifery was the right path for you?

There hasn’t been a single moment that solidified my passion for midwifery; rather, it has been a series of connections and interactions that have propelled me forward. The deep and meaningful relationships formed between women and midwives, built on compassion and respect, consistently reaffirm my commitment to this path. It is a profound privilege to support women during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.

3 How do you manage stress and find balance between your studies, work and personal life?

For me, the key to inviting spaciousness and alleviating stress lies in cultivating presence and a connection to myself. I firmly believe in the healing power of being present and spending time in nature. In my free time, I love to surf, walk, and swim, as any time outdoors serves as a remedy for my nervous system. Prioritising relationships has reminded me of my holistic sense of self – I’m more than just a midwifery student. This perspective helps reduce the stressors I experience as my world view expands. Practices like yoga and breathwork keep me aligned with my emotions and needs, enabling me to process feelings and show up in midwifery as present, stable, and ready to support women. I strive to fill my cup so that I can pour from a place of abundance rather than depletion.

4 What’s your top study tip?

Seek to understand rather than remember and you will never forget.

5 Which specialty are you most interested in, and why?

Continuity of care. Risk mitigation through the development of trust within the midwife-woman partnership is known to improve outcomes for women, babies and midwives. In a climate of increasing birth trauma and burnt-out midwives, I believe continuity of care can provide an environment for all to operate and succeed at their best – midwives and women.

6 What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone just starting their midwifery journey?

Find ways to come back to your truth, joy and love every day. AND

Pour energy into connections with your peers, lecturers and mentors.

7 If you weren’t pursuing midwifery, what career might you have chosen?

Probably something in the sphere of women’s health, maybe Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) specialising in fertility, pregnancy and postpartum care.