A former Eastern Bay student says she is “ecstatic and grateful” after being awarded a scholarship to support her midwifery studies.

Libby Miller, who finished at Trident High School in 2023, is heading into her third year of a four-year Bachelor of Midwifery at Victoria University of Wellington. She has been awarded the Victoria University Eastern Bay of Plenty Scholarship (MK Lamont), valued at $5000.

“I am very ecstatic and so grateful for this scholarship,” Ms Miller said.

“It will support me in my studies and help ease the financial pressures of studying midwifery and being on placements, allowing me to focus more fully on my academic goals. I’m proud to represent the Eastern Bay of Plenty.”

Ms Miller said she had already been involved in the delivery of three babies.

Although birthing experiences are usually reserved for third-year students, Ms Miller said she was given the opportunity to take part earlier than expected due to the small size of the cohort.

“I love this degree so much,” the 20-year-old said.

The hands-on experiences have helped shape her future career goals. While she initially imagined herself working as a hospital-based midwife, her perspective has shifted.

“Continuity of care has become really important to me,” she said.

“I’m now open to the idea of being a lead maternity carer (LMC) in the community, which I never wanted to be previously.”

Lead maternity carers provide care to mothers throughout their pregnancy and beyond. Next year, Ms Miller will spend time working alongside an LMC.

“That will be my first proper LMC stint,” she said.

“Previously, I only went out for a couple of days doing post-natal checks, where I got to play with lots of babies.”

She is also acutely aware of the national shortage of midwives.

“We’re told how stretched facilities are and how understaffed many midwifery centres are,” she said. “We even had a primary unit run by midwives close for a day because they didn’t have enough staff. We’re reminded – in a positive way – that if we keep going, we can make a real difference.”

She said the financial demands of the degree could be a barrier for students.

“We had more students in our first year, but a few people decided it wasn’t for them or couldn’t continue with the cost of study because we have to fund everything ourselves, such as paying for parking in the hospitals.

“We get placed all over Wellington and have to pay for accommodation if we go further out and it can get very expensive and so I am grateful for this scholarship.”

After completing her degree, Ms Miller will sit a final exam and then spend a year as a “new graduate” midwife.

“It’s more supportive than going straight into it on your own,” she said.

She hopes to complete that year in a larger hospital to gain experience across a wide range of cases.