The beauty of birth

Paramedic Lydia Attrill’s experience at an unplanned homebirth reaffirmed her decision to study midwifery.

When paramedic Lydia Attrill was called to a pregnant woman’s home one afternoon shift, she didn’t save a life – but she did see a new one enter the world.

“The birth was a quick progression of spontaneous labour which proceeded to an unplanned homebirth,” she said.

“The paramedic team arrived just as baby was born, with mum lifting the newborn onto her chest. I was able to provide the required care with confidence and competence, educating my paramedic partner along the way.

“When mother and baby were stable, we safely transported them to hospital.”

It could have been a very different story if Lydia had shown up before she had started studying her Bachelor of Midwifery (Graduate Entry) at ACU Blacktown.

“On reflection, I was struck by how composed I remained,” she said. “A year earlier, I might have panicked – but this time, I felt prepared and confident in my actions.

“It was an experience that has left a lasting impact on me. Due to my midwifery training, I felt calm and in control, and handled the birth with confidence.”

The beauty of natural birth

Lydia’s first year studying midwifery has shown her the power of letting nature do its job.

“When I commenced studying midwifery, I naively thought I knew about childbirth – turns out I couldn’t have been more wrong,” she said.

“My first year in this degree has taught me the importance of slowing down and recognising the beauty of normal physiological birth.”

Even if she were to stop studying tomorrow, Lydia said being present at that one birth would still make the entire journey worthwhile.

“It reaffirmed my passion and deepened my commitment to growing in both midwifery and paramedicine, so I can continue to make a meaningful difference.

“This degree provides us with the tools to offer impactful, compassionate care during one of life’s most significant moments – whether in the structured environment of a hospital or in the spontaneity of an unplanned late-night birth.

“I’m incredibly grateful to ACU Blacktown midwifery staff and look forward to completing my final year of training in 2026.”

Dreaming of being a midwife? Explore midwifery courses at ACU.