Louise Nibarema
Registered Midwife, Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand – Waitematā
Bachelor of Health Science (Midwifery)
She wants to support women and empower them during their life-changing moments of labour and beyond, says Louise Nibarema who completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Midwifery).
“I come from a world where people live in survival mode. My family is from Burundi, and I was ten years old when we arrived in New Zealand from a refugee camp in Tanzania. I chose the midwifery programme because I want to be part of the next generation of midwives who promote and advocate for equity maternity care, especially for those of refugee backgrounds and those who are marginalised in society.
“AUT’s Bachelor of Health Science (Midwifery) is humbling and very rewarding – you get to work under the partnership model where you get to form incredible relationships with families and be part of their life from the day they find out they’re pregnant to when they have their baby. I loved going on clinical placements in birthing suites, maternity postnatal wards and even high-risk environments like Auckland Hospital. There’s a sense of humility to being accepted as a part of these women’s pregnancy journeys.”
Since completing her studies at the end of 2023, she has now achieved her goal and enjoys being a registered midwife.
“I’m currently doing the Midwifery First Year Of Practice programme through the Waitemata District Health Board, doing my rotations between North Shore Hospital and Waitakere Hospital. I love my hospital experiences, and being surrounded by a really strong and supportive team is one of the greatest feelings. I feel supported in my decision-making on all the different types of clinical scenarios I’m presented with each shift. I hope to strengthen my midwifery skills, work across different areas of midwifery in the communities and one day become a lead maternity carer.”
Supported to thrive
Louise says she chose AUT because of the opportunities it offers in the healthcare sector.
“Studying to become a midwife has always been a deep passion of mine and I was ever so grateful that AUT offers this programme. I also appreciated the support I’ve received from the AUT Student Hub, the AUT Library, AUTSA and other refugee and resettled community support services.”
She is also eternally grateful for the support of the Sir Robert Jones Refugee Daughters’ Scholarship throughout her studies.
“As a midwife, part of my philosophy is to provide maternity care services that are inclusive and cater to women from all walks of life and experiences. This scholarship gave me the extra motivation to study at my best, and has inspired me to work hard towards achieving my goal as a midwife. I wish to expand my knowledge about culture, healthcare, being a midwife and providing compassionate care.”
Advice for other students
Louise has some great advice for other students.
“My advice would be to find what you’re passionate about and follow that intuition, which then becomes your purpose. You should also trust the process that it all comes together somehow like a puzzle.”
Keep believing in the progress you’re already making, she adds.
“It takes resilience but is achievable. Have that vision board in front of you and keep working hard towards that vision. You need to accept that you will face some obstacles, but the key is not to give up in whatever you’re doing.”
