Nurse Mary Melito, prophesied that I will one day become a midwife after delivering me, making me the product of a home birth. I salute her and can proudly say this prophecy has been fulfilled and I am who I was meant to be. The Lighthouse Birthing Centre was established in 2016, after my journey started as a midwife in 1996, I wanted to help create a holistic birthing experience for women. About my professional history:
In 1995, I graduated from the Western Transvaal Nursing College as a Registered Nurse and Midwife (Diploma). My journey as a midwife started in 1996 at Klerksdorp hospital, I then furthered my studies in 2002 at University of Johannesburg and completed as an Advanced Midwife with Neonatal Science which allows me to assist in complicated births. In 2004 I completed my advanced Diploma in Education and Management and received several awards for being the best midwife in the clinical field with outstanding contribution as facilitator in the clinical learning of BCUR 3rd and 4th year under-grad students of the North West University. Until 2014, I was a team leader and mentor for junior doctors, junior professional nurses and consultant for midwives in local clinics and level 1 Hospitals in the district. In addition I represented the Hospital at Provincial level as the maternal Death Assessor during the period of 2011 - 2014. Which contributes to the optimal health of low risk pregnant women. While maintaining a professional and respectful approach, I believe that midwife-led maternity care creates an intimate relationship with the expecting mother and her support structure to give every mother the holistic birthing experience she deserves.
'IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU" - Sr. Jennifer Griqua