Alex Rutherford may have only officially joined the team at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals two years ago, but her journey into midwifery actually began as a five-year-old listening to her baby brother’s heartbeat.
Now a key part of the maternity team at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, the 23-year-old has already reached the incredible milestone of helping to deliver 105 babies for local families. Based at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Alex said midwifery was always her only career choice: “When I was five, my mum had my little brother, and I remember listening to his heartbeat. I think that was one of the first moments where I thought, ‘I want to look after babies’.”
Childhood Dream Realised
From that moment, Alex set her sights firmly on becoming a midwife. Thirteen years later, she achieved an A* in her Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care before applying to study Midwifery at the University of Hull in 2021.
Initially unsuccessful due to the competitive nature of the course, Alex was later offered a place just three weeks before it began. She said: “I was only accepted onto the course three weeks before it started after someone dropped out. I completed all my placements at Scunthorpe Hospital and finished the course in September 2024 - I was working at DBTH by the end of October.”
More Than Just Births
Since joining the Trust, Alex has already supported the delivery of 105 babies. However, she is keen to highlight that midwifery is about more than births alone: “The babies are an important part of my role, but maternity care is really about the mothers, which people might overlook. I feel so fortunate that I get to look after women throughout their pregnancy and postpartum.
“It’s not what I expected midwifery to be, but I absolutely adore my job. I even got to deliver one of my best friend’s babies last November and look after my auntie after she gave birth. It really is such a rewarding role and an honour.”
Supportive Team
Reflecting on her time at DBTH, Alex praised the support she has received from colleagues: “Everyone has been so welcoming and easy to speak to. I honestly don’t feel scared to ask questions because I get along with everyone. The practice development midwives were like my second mums. They supported me through my induction, training, and skill signoffs during my first year.”
Future Aspirations
Looking to the future, 23-year-old Alex hopes to become a specialist midwife for safeguarding, helping care for some of the most vulnerable mums in the community - a path inspired by her own personal experiences with social services.
Lois Mellor, director of Midwifery, said: “Alex has really settled into her role at DBTH, and we couldn’t be prouder to have her as part of our team. She has received fantastic feedback from patients in a short space of time, highlighting her compassionate approach and commitment to the women and families we care for. We look forward to seeing all she goes on to achieve in the future.”
On International Day of the Midwife, the Trust is proud to celebrate colleagues like Alex, whose compassion and commitment make a difference to families every day.
