A Day in the Life of an Advanced Midwife Practitioner

By Yvonne Tier, Advanced Midwife Practitioner – Supported Care, UMHL

I was born in Waterford, but I’ve spent most of my life in Limerick – living, working, and raising two young boys. Like many working mums, I balance a busy home and work life, powered mostly by (decaf!) coffee and Pilates for wellbeing.

From Trauma Ward to Maternity Care

I began my nursing career in 2007 specialising in orthopaedic care and worked in an acute trauma ward at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) for nearly five years before making a complete career U-turn. I began training as a midwife in UMHL in 2012 and I’ve never looked back.

I’ve worked as a staff midwife, clinical midwife manager, and now as an advanced midwife practitioner. This journey required a major academic and professional commitment, but the rewards have made it all worthwhile.

Launching a First-of-its-Kind Clinic

A major part of my current role has been setting up the Birth After Caesarean clinic in 2023, the first of its kind in Limerick. The clinic has grown steadily since launch. Women with one previous caesarean section can be referred following their first booking visit in pregnancy.

What I love most about this role is its continuity of care. As the lead care provider for these women throughout pregnancy, I see them at every antenatal visit. This builds strong relationships and a sense of working in partnership with them and their families, which is very satisfying.

Supporting Women, Every Step of the Way

The clinic runs every Friday morning in UMHL, starting at 8am. Each woman has a 30-minute, one-to-one appointment with me. Every visit includes a holistic assessment of her physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing – as well as monitoring the baby’s growth and health.

I also work closely with colleagues across the multidisciplinary team, including perinatal mental health, physiotherapy, and the ultrasound department, as needed.

The focus is on informed, supported decision-making around birth options. My job is to support, educate, and empower women as they decide how they want to give birth. I feel privileged to be trusted with these conversations and choices. I’m also fortunate to have the full backing of senior midwifery management and our consultant obstetricians, who share a clear vision for the benefits of this clinic.

Looking Ahead

I work to ensure that every woman who attends the clinic feels she has an advocate, someone on their side, and that mums and babies are safe and well supported as they begin this new chapter together. One woman told me after her birth, “I feel like Superwoman.” I was honoured to play a small part in helping her feel that way.

The future is bright. The clinic continues to grow in popularity, and I look forward to meeting more women as they begin their pregnancy journeys at UMHL. I’m excited to see how this service will evolve to continue meeting the needs of our mothers-to-be.