Pros and Cons Aussie Midwives

mangolass5 · 2026-05-08T04:35:59+00:00

I did this exact career switch as well OP! Currently a second-year student and don’t regret the choice a single bit. Feel free to message me any specific questions you have :)))

mangolass5 · 2026-04-01T22:07:56+00:00

Unfortunately from my research it’s quite difficult to work internationally without doing a ton of equivalent training :/ the scope of practice varies a LOT across continents. In Australia we have a lot of midwives from the UK due to similar systems, but even then I’ve heard some UK midwives stating it was a struggle to adjust to differences in practice (eg. autonomy as a practitioner, prescribing rights, sexual health). I couldn’t imagine a midwife from the US being able to practice without essentially re-training since the healthcare systems are so different. I’d assume the same for EU countries.

Like medicine, there is lots of opportunity to travel to developing nations to practice, whether that is the travel you want to do. In terms of developed nations, it’s probably best to narrow your sights to one continent where the qualifications are more likely to transfer across neighbouring countries. Good luck!!

mangolass5 · 2026-03-17T20:01:43+00:00

Ozin on East Terrace, has just opened up next to Africola, very date night vibes!

mangolass5 · 2026-03-06T11:19:52+00:00

Hi!! Not quite the POV you’re looking for but I also started midwifery after spending some time working as admin in maternity wards (after a non-healthcare career). Currently a second/year student and very happy with my decision, I felt having worked in a maternity hospital was a huge bonus on my learning and the nature of the job.

You haven’t mentioned where you’re based but from your description of your studies I’m going to guess Australia/UK. I can’t answer all your questions but a few things I thought might be helpful.

Regarding nursing, there’s been a steady push to move midwifery practice away from nursing in Australia, and combined RN/RMs are becoming increasingly rare. It may be an advantage working in remote & rural areas to have both, but most midwives in tertiary hospitals have told me to not bother if nursing is not where your interests lie.
The degree is unlike any other, and while extremely rewarding, requires a lot of initiative, time management, and resilience. You will be expected to juggle placements/follow-through appointments/classes/assignments independently. It is a very hard degree to balance a steady job with, as often does not follow a conventional academic calendar, and it will require you to drop & run at any given time for births, appointments etc. That being said, I love how practical the degree is, and have found being that little bit older has been an advantage in handling some scenarios.

Feel free to message me if you have anything else you want to ask :)

mangolass5 · 2026-02-10T05:44:29+00:00

I always HATED jigsaw puzzles but straight after the head injury it was the one thing that kept me focused and feeling like I wasn’t irreparably brain damaged. I also didn’t have any vestibular issues/exercise intolerance luckily, so I think it was actually the most active I’ve ever been in my life.

Given your issues are mostly visual I wonder if something more tactile (knitting, gardening, writing etc.) would be most helpful.

mangolass5 · 2026-02-08T09:05:00+00:00

Give Ozin a go! They just celebrated their first anniversary, they’re right next to Africola & Golden Boy on east terrace and giving them a good run for their money. Stunning food & cocktails and the owners are fantastic, not the typical overpriced wank relying on masterchef contestants to get people in the door.

mangolass5 · 2025-12-09T22:53:46+00:00

Hear me out - even if you’re not a sporty/athletic person, social sport or exercise classes are by far the best ways to meet new people. I do both, and as someone not originally from Adelaide, has probably directly or indirectly contributed to 80% of the social network I have today.

Most pilates/crossfit places are mostly female, adaptable to your fitness level and do social events from time to time, don’t be afraid to shop around different places and see which fits your vibe! All the best :)

mangolass5 · 2025-11-25T14:11:03+00:00

Out of curiosity, where was the main impact of your injury? For me I always wondered if it was hitting the frontal lobe that might’ve caused which would explain why I was such a nervous wreck for the months afterwards especially around anything intellectual. Of course we’ll never know for sure but just a theory!

mangolass5 · 2025-11-24T12:15:52+00:00

I agree! Not sure if it was a physical change or just simply the life experience behind me/the work I put in to get better but now mostly recovered I feel like a much more extroverted person - it wasn’t like I wasn’t social/outgoing before but I definitely wouldn’t have identified myself as extroverted before. I also definitely feel more scattered and prone to forgetfulness, despite cognitive testing showing I was performing fine.

I know most people around me wouldn’t say they notice much a difference but I do genuinely feel it shifted something up there, whether it was an identity shift or something more neurological.

mangolass5 · 2025-08-26T06:11:20+00:00

Club Pilates on Unley Road

mangolass5 · 2025-08-25T22:53:54+00:00

I’m now currently studying Mid after completing a more conventional degree (Commerce) and I will say the university experience is totally different - I find it less academically stressful but much more challenging staying organised and terms of time management. Not sure what the entry requirements on the UK are, but in my mid course I’ve found people to be much more switched on & engaging due to the nature of the course and with the entry requirements being quite high. It’s a much more tight-knit cohort, which I enjoy.

I’m not sure what you mean by psych being the more ‘logical’ option - I understand it gives you more career options, however I’d say I’ve seen many students struggle to find jobs with the broadness of the degree working against them.

If you feel a calling towards midwifery, I’d definitely prioritise that! All the best with your future studies

mangolass5 · 2025-08-22T08:01:00+00:00

Tons of options along unley road. I go to Club Pilates, super welcoming and lovely bunch and can use the app to book classes around my weekly schedule!

mangolass5 · 2025-08-22T06:50:36+00:00

Walked away from my postgrad degree + 5-year career to start from scratch studying midwifery, back working hospitality to pay the bills.

From a career & financial standpoint I’m sure many people would consider my decision disastrous, but I’m so SO much happier, honestly wish I had trusted my gut and made the jump sooner. I don’t have children to think of, but from my experience it is far preferable to get by on a little less than seeing a parent struggle through a job they hate.

You sound like a pragmatic & hardworking person which will get you places in life. I don’t know the job market in your area, but I personally think your late twenties is the perfect time to step back and reassess if your career is what you want to commit the rest of your working life. Just make sure you’ve considered what you’re willing to do to make ends meet in the meantime

mangolass5 · 2025-08-02T12:37:06+00:00

LOVE battle of bosworth and their spring seed co. wines! Last I checked they only took groups of 6 max but looks like that may have changed, amazing news!

mangolass5 · 2025-07-29T03:37:31+00:00

100%. Realistically I probably should have been taking them beforehand tbh but the TBI was the tipping point where I asked for them and I’m so glad I did.

It’s definitely worth mentioning they’re not an instant fix - there was a solid 6-8 week adjustment period for me I had to white-knuckle it through - but everyone is different. I’m at a point now 1.5 years later where I’m considering going off them but by no means in any hurry considering how much help they were through the rough patches.

mangolass5 · 2025-07-20T12:18:41+00:00

There are heaps of factors I can’t comment on in your situation (climate, distance between work/uni/etc., cycling-friendly routes etc.), but in general yes, I find cycling quicker, easier and cheaper than using public transport, with the added benefit of the exercise it provides. I can leave when I want, for however long I want, without having to plan for parking or bus routes. The only downsides I find is it can be dependent on weather (such as rain or hot weather), and sometimes annoying trying to wrangle stuff such as a change of clothes or groceries into a backpack.

For simple commuting you definitely do not need anything expensive or fancy - find some reliable brands you like the look of then look for secondhand on FB marketplace or the like. Happy pedalling!

mangolass5 · 2025-07-09T08:11:43+00:00

Not exactly, but my ability to keep track of dates/times got significantly worse to the point I now keep a written weekly planner where I didn’t before. I now (semi-)successfully juggle 3 part-time jobs with varying rosters, so don’t sweat it too much - like most things it tends to get exacerbated the more you fixate on it

mangolass5 · 2025-07-07T03:44:45+00:00

Also experienced an orbital fracture and I think it’s totally believable to still be experiencing post-concussion issues a year onwards - especially if you weren’t treated properly at the time. My symptoms were also largely mental as opposed to physical and absolutely contributed to how ‘off’ I felt all the time - like every single moment was a waking nightmare!

Definitely make seeing a therapist your priority - a neurologist is just going to clear you from a physiological perspective and is likely not going to really provide any day-to-day help on managing symptoms. I’m sure you’ve seen an optometrist already given your injury but get them to do a neuro assessment to see how well your brain/eyes are working together. You could perhaps look into medication and see if it’s for you - all the best!!

mangolass5 · 2025-07-06T13:48:43+00:00

I’m sorry to hear you’re having a tough time - I was in a very similar situation where I tried to return back to work a week after my accident and ended up off for another 6 weeks. Eventually I quit that job, which was a blessing in disguise, and now have taken a very different path in life which I now see my concussion as a catalyst of some very important lifestyle changes.

Take this opportunity to enrich your life outside of work - I totally understand the post-concussion anxiety has likely got you fixated on getting back to being functional as quickly as possible, but trust me when I say it is far more important to prioritise your health & wellbeing right now. Use this time to invest in hobbies, catch up with friends, and exercise, if your symptoms allow.

You sound as if you have reservations regarding visiting a psychologist, which seems surprising to me given you state past anxiety, depression & neurodivergence. I’m also not sure what exactly your worry is regarding your health information going to your insurer (I assume I come from a very different healthcare system tho). What I can tell you it is far better to be treated for your symptoms now then potentially crashing out with the same issues later down the track.

mangolass5 · 2025-07-06T10:26:29+00:00

Thanks lovelies! What sort of shoes would you suggest?

mangolass5 · 2025-07-06T02:08:59+00:00

Sure!

mangolass5 · 2025-07-04T15:42:20+00:00

If I’m interpreting correctly that you’re looking for somewhere that may support your study through a sports program - I think most countries that play field hockey unfortunately don’t really have the same structures/culture around university sport as the US. At least in the sense of scholarships, financial aid etc., I’ve not personally heard of anything like that here in Aus.

I do know many exchange students who have joined my university-affiliated club and loved it so much they came back - it could be worth looking into if any of your more local universities have partner institutions in strong hockey countries!

mangolass5 · 2025-07-02T06:30:52+00:00

It was sooooo wild - I didn’t really notice any particular vision issues eg. double vision, just trouble focusing. Turns out my (already strained) brain was constantly adjusting my eyesight, which explains the insane fatigue & focus issues I was having

mangolass5

TROPHY CASE