JCU student Danette Potgieter swaps Christmas holidays to gain hands-on clinical experience

A JCU third year midwifery student has spent her Christmas holidays supporting expectant mothers during their third trimesters.

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A JCU third year midwifery student spent her Christmas holidays supporting expectant mothers during the final stages of their pregnancies.

Danette Potgieter followed eight mums over the university break gaining critical hands-on experience in her dream career as part of the JCU Continuity of Care Experience program. The 21-year-old said she loved the idea of following mums-to-be in their final trimesters.

“You know you have to sacrifice your social life during the holidays to be able to do this but it is completely worth it,” she said. “It is an experience that is very gratifying.”

Ms Potgieter went with her mums to their antenatal appointments and will attend their births and provide postnatal support.

Third year James Cook University midwifery student Danette Potgieter with expectant mum Claire Dickson at Queens Gardens. Picture: Evan Morgan

Townsville mum-of-one Claire Dickson is expecting her second child in March this year. She said it was an honour to be sharing her pregnancy experience with Ms Potgieter.

Originally published as JCU student Danette Potgieter swaps Christmas holidays to gain hands-on clinical experience