Londekile Ntsiba’s journey into midwifery began with a simple yet profound inspiration: working with women and children. This calling grew into a passion as she witnessed the transformative power of midwifery firsthand. “Working with women and children inspired me; it feels like a safe space and fills me with purpose,” Ntsiba reflects.
Her passion for midwifery was ignited after graduation, thanks to the mentorship of experienced midwives who revealed the depth and importance of this work. “Their guidance helped me see midwifery not just as a profession, but as a calling that profoundly impacts the lives of women and families.”
A defining moment in Ntsiba’s journey came during her first year as a student. Assigned to the paediatric ward at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, she found herself in the labour ward. Despite the usual restrictions on student presence, a midwife invited her to witness a birth. “Watching the baby emerge and take its first breath was an awe-inspiring experience. It was a moment of pure connection with the miracle of life,” Ntsiba recalls. This profound experience solidified her decision to pursue midwifery and continues to motivate her. “To this day, whenever I feel down or need motivation, I witness a birth—it reminds me of why I chose this path.”
Ntsiba’s early career was marked by significant challenges, including navigating midwife shortages and the high risks associated with midwifery practice. “It’s a scarce skill, and many nurses hesitate to specialize in it due to the associated risks,” she explains. Overcoming these challenges required resilience, constant learning, and the support of her mentors. She learned to mitigate risks effectively while ensuring she provided the best care possible, even under pressure.
Balancing the emotional demands of midwifery with the need for professional boundaries is another challenge Ntsiba has faced. In her previous role as a manager and leader of a maternity ward, the work often extended beyond regular hours. “Setting emotional boundaries is crucial,” she emphasizes. Now in independent practice, her biggest emotional demand is knowing whether her clients were satisfied with the classes and felt empowered. Additionally, her entrepreneurial pursuits, such as content creation and managing her capital budget, add another layer of emotional complexity to her role. “The stakes are high, and I’m deeply invested in the success and impact of my work.”
Midwifery, Ntsiba believes, is an art form. “There’s something uniquely gentle and beautiful about midwives, both inside and out, perhaps because of the joy we experience daily through our work,” she notes. Witnessing the happy moments of childbirth and being part of such a significant time in families’ lives is a privilege that deeply affects midwives, setting the profession apart from others.
To stay current with advancements and research in midwifery and obstetrics, Ntsiba actively works and volunteers in maternity units, attends workshops and symposiums, and continually engages with the latest research. “It’s vital to remain connected to both the practical and academic aspects of midwifery to provide the best care and to innovate within the field,” she asserts.
Midwives play a critical role in supporting women’s reproductive health and rights, often advocating for women in intimate and vulnerable moments. “By creating a caring and supportive environment, we ensure that mothers and women feel respected and empowered throughout their pregnancy and childbirth experience,” Ntsiba says. One of the most empowering experiences she’s had was supporting a patient who lost her baby in the advanced stages of pregnancy. “That experience changed my perspective on infant loss and deepened my empathy.”
Cultural sensitivity and individualized care are essential aspects of Ntsiba’s practice. She makes it a point to listen and learn from each client, embracing the diversity of cultures she encounters. “Understanding their beliefs, practices, and needs allows me to provide care that is respectful and tailored to each individual’s unique context,” she explains. This approach fosters trust and ensures that the care provided aligns with both cultural values and health standards.
One common misconception about midwifery that Ntsiba aims to dispel is that midwives only assist with natural births under the supervision of an obstetrician. “In reality, midwives are highly trained professionals with an independent scope of practice and can provide comprehensive care throughout normal and uncomplicated pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum,” she clarifies. Midwives are also advocates for women’s health and play a key role in ensuring safe and positive birthing experiences.
Looking to the future, Ntsiba envisions midwifery evolving with advancements in technology that could revolutionize patient care. She sees herself at the forefront of this innovation, contributing her own ideas, such as the CTG belt made of silicone—a simple yet impactful solution to a global problem. “I’m excited about the future of midwifery, particularly with advancements in technology,” she says.
For aspiring midwives or those just starting their careers, Ntsiba offers simple but profound advice: “You can do anything. Midwifery is a profession that will never go out of fashion, and the role of a midwife is irreplaceable. Always be kind to your patients, and remember that it’s an honour and a blessing to be a part of their lives during such a significant time.”
Prioritizing self-care is crucial in a demanding field like midwifery. Ntsiba makes it a point to switch off her phone for at least an hour a day to be mindful and present. “Practicing self-compassion is key to preventing burnout,” she emphasizes.
Currently, Ntsiba is working on an exciting project: the first-of-its-kind CTG belt made of silicone. This innovation, inspired by the limitations of existing monitoring tools during the COVID-19 pandemic, has the potential to change how fetal health is monitored worldwide. “I hope it will inspire other nurses and midwives to innovate as well,” she says.
Looking ahead, Ntsiba hopes to leave a legacy that contributes to ending obstetrical violence and promoting harmony in maternity care. She aims to support families and ensure that midwives understand the pivotal role they play in providing a positive birthing experience. “I want to be remembered as someone who advocated for women’s rights and worked tirelessly to improve the conditions that midwives practice under,” she declares.
One of Ntsiba’s key goals is to make prenatal education a norm—something that is seen as essential rather than optional. She believes that involving birthing partners early on and providing them with support can significantly contribute to building societal morale and strengthening families. “When partners are educated and actively involved, it enhances the birthing experience and lays the foundation for a more cohesive and supportive family unit,” she concludes.
Through her dedication, innovation, and compassionate care, Londekile Ntsiba continues to make a lasting impact on the field of midwifery and the lives of the women and families she serves.
