In the latest instalment of our Alumni Spotlight series, we speak to Maria Gibbons, Registered Advanced Midwife Practitioner Perinatal Mental Health/Birth Trauma at University Maternity Hospital Limerick (UMHL). Maria completed a Master of Science in Health Professions Education in 2003 and went on to lead the award-winning Lavender Clinic initiative in Limerick, which supports women who have experienced birth trauma.
Maria tells us about her nursing journey, to a career in perinatal mental health, and the people she's met along the way, who keep her curious.
Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I’m from Limerick and trained as both a general nurse and a midwife. I’ve always engaged in ongoing education throughout my career. I work as a Registered Advanced Midwife Practitioner in Perinatal Mental Health/Birth Trauma at UMHL, but I am also an Adjunct Clinical Lecturer with the School of Nursing and Midwifery at UL. In this role, I facilitate lectures for student midwives and postgraduate students.
Why did you choose to study at UL?
We are so fortunate to have a University in Limerick which has an excellent reputation among students and colleagues.
What did you enjoy most about the course?
What I enjoyed most about the courses I undertook in UL was the opportunity to challenge myself by constantly learning new things. I also loved connecting with like-minded people and having fun in the process.
What did you enjoy about UL? What is student life like here?
When I trained as a nurse and a midwife, we didn’t attend university for lectures, so having the opportunity to experience student life a little later was really exciting. Everyone at UL was so helpful, and lecturers went out of their way to support me.
Highlight of career.
In my Advanced Practice role, I was part of a team that developed a postnatal multidisciplinary team clinic to support women following a traumatic birth experience. We were thrilled when The Lavender Clinic was awarded the HSE excellent award in 2023 in the category ‘Improving patient experience’.
Tell me about your own career journey so far.
In my midwifery career, I have worked in all clinical areas within UMHL. I have spent ten years in Health Education and Promotion, which was truly rewarding and helped develop my passion for mental health promotion and protection. In 2018, the Specialist perinatal mental health service was established at UMHL, and I’ve been part of that amazing team since its inception.
What or who inspired you to pursue this career?
My mother was a midwife, and she always spoke with such passion about the privilege of helping mothers to bring their children into the world. Midwifery is a very autonomous career, and it has given me so many opportunities to grow and develop both personally and professionally.
How have your studies at UL contributed to your career?
To progress in my career, I knew I needed to prepare by obtaining the appropriate qualifications and engaging in continuous learning. My studies in UL provided that foundation. Along the journey, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the most inspiring women, individuals who have a strong belief in and passion for what they do.
Are there any lessons or insights you wish you had known when starting your career?
Never be afraid of learning or taking on a new challenge. It can feel daunting, especially if you’ve been out of the learning environment for a while, but gaining new knowledge and skills can transform the way you think and practice.
What are your hopes and plans for the future?
My hope for the future is to do everything I can to leave a legacy of kindness, care and compassion.
Here at UL, we encourage our students to ‘Stay Curious’. What keeps you curious?
Human beings keep me curious, no two are the same. Not a day goes by that I don’t learn a valuable lesson from the people I am fortunate to work with, especially the women and families I care for.
Anything else you would like to say that I didn’t ask you about?
I hope I will inspire other students to pursue midwifery as a career. The opportunities are endless. Go for it!