Alumni Story: An Interview with Tegan Kavanagh, Registered Midwife
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Tegan Kavanagh began studying at UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems after completing her Leaving Certificate. An award-winning student, she co-authored two published articles alongside members of the midwifery faculty in UCD, and graduated with first class honours. She is now a registered midwife working on the Labour and Birthing Unit at the National Maternity Hospital (NMH).
What led you to study Midwifery?
Ever since I was child, I’ve been fascinated by all things pregnancy, birth & babies. As I progressed through my studies in secondary school, I was drawn towards Midwifery. In 2018 the referendum on the 8th Amendment brought massive debate around Women’s Rights and Healthcare. The realisation of how passionate I felt about the subject during this time was also a cornerstone in my decision to study Midwifery.
What advice would you give to someone considering studying Midwifery?
Many people have never had any insight into the Irish healthcare system prior to starting their studies. Although not necessary, I think if you can obtain some type of experience working (e.g. TY work experience; maternity care assistant) in maternity care prior to starting, that could really help in deciding if Midwifery is the right choice for you.
Otherwise, I would say just go for it! Every day is different and it is not always an easy journey, but if you are passionate and willing to work hard, it is most definitely one worthwhile.
What is your fondest memory from your time at UCD?
I have many fond memories, all of which involve the girls. Our Midwifery group was small, only eighteen of us, and we grew really close over the four years. It was so enjoyable attending lectures/placements every day with such a supportive group of like-minded people. I would have been lost without that support network during the more difficult days.
What is the proudest moment of your career to date?
Driving home after completing my last shift of internship and realising it was all over, I was finally a midwife! All of the early morning shifts, late nights studying, the many tears and sacrifices made were worth it!
What have been the most challenging aspects of your career?
I found the transition from student midwife to registered midwife quite the challenge. I felt I had lost my safety net and I now had to deal with this huge level of responsibility all on my own. However, that was far from the reality. I’ve had great support from my midwifery colleagues and peers during this transition, and I have found that there is always a second pair of hands to help when you need them.
Did you witness anything during the pandemic which made you particularly proud to be a midwife?
I think the selflessness demonstrated by the midwives during the pandemic was huge. Leaving their own families at home during what were extremely scary times, to provide care for the families of others, no questions asked.
In your career and/or personal life, who have been the most inspiring or helpful mentors/advisors that you’ve had to date?
Every one of my mentors/advisors from UCD, the NMH and WGH have provided great support and guidance over the past 5 years. Always leading by example, they inspired us to become the best we possibly could for the families in our care.
And of course, my parents, always watching and supporting from the sidelines. I wouldn’t have achieved all I have without them.
As a midwife, how has ongoing professional development helped your career?
Maternity care is ever changing. Therefore, it is so important to keep up to date in order to provide the safest, most effective, evidence-based care to women and their babies. It is important to always remain open-minded - being a midwife is about lifelong learning.
As a midwife, our job is unpredictable and often what is seen as a ‘low risk’ situation can become ‘high risk’ in a very short amount of time. This is when we really see the benefits of our ongoing professional development. The ability to act quickly and efficiently as a team during these emergencies is partly down to the continuous revision and learning that is required of us throughout each year.
What do you do to relax? Tell us a bit about your current life, family and hobbies...
At the moment I am still adjusting to and figuring out life as a new grad. I try my best to use my days off for self-care, to help prevent burn-out. I love pilates, yoga & reading. Long walks around my hometown, Wicklow, and socialising with my friends and family really help me recharge on my days off.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Sometimes care can become very routine for those of us providing it, but it is important to remember that this may be the first or last experience of pregnancy, labour and birth for the woman/family in your care, and they deserve to feel as though their experience is special, because it is!!