Career change gives birth to new centre

Kimba, 39, will graduate alongside 1800 other Wintec students during graduation week starting Friday 20 March.

 

Kimba made the decision to change careers after the birth of her own children.

“Having two very different experiences with my own children really opened my eyes to the world of midwifery. After that I just knew it’s what I had to do. 

 

“Being a midwife is rewarding in a thousand ways and witnessing the moment a woman becomes a mother is priceless.”

 

Kimba says that her career as an adventure cave guide actually went some way in preparing her to become a midwife.

 

“Putting on a poker face and having the ability to reassure and comfort someone in a stressful situation are definitely skills that cross over into the two industries. The skills required to convince someone to step off a hundred metre abyss into a cavern for example, are similar to what’s needed to encourage confidence in a birthing woman.” 

 

As if studying full time and caring for a family weren’t enough, in the final year of her study, Kimba became one of the directors of Te Awamutu Birthing – a private birthing facility which opened shortly after the town’s public birthing centre closed last year.

Kimba admits that having a family of her own while taking on study and work commitments was a constant juggling act, but one that’s been worth every minute.

 

“I knew once I started my degree the time commitment would be huge so I took a year out and travelled the South Island in a caravan, home schooling the kids. I wanted to get that quality time in with them while I could.”

 

Kimba says she’s looking forward to graduating at Wintec’s marae ceremony alongside her classmates next week.

 

“I’ve made lifelong friends during my time at Wintec who I know will be there to support me during my career. I’m so proud to be graduating from such a comprehensive midwifery programme and feel privileged to share the day with such exceptional classmates.”