Wonderful Women Interview with Midwife, Marley Hall

Marley Hall is a midwife, mother of 5 and content creator on Instagram.

After having her first child at 18, Marley went on to complete a degree in Digital Broadcast Media before deciding to follow the midwifery path.

11 years of midwifery, a set of twins and 2 further children later, she decided to start educating parents via her much-loved doodles on her Instagram page.

Her increasing popularity online has lead to an array of brand, event and media opportunities including attending the Baby Show as a guest speaker and working on a campaign for Pampers. She has also created a podcast, and her debut book will be released shortly.

Marley is passionate about raising awareness on the racial disparities that occur with maternity care as well as promoting informed choice in birthing.

 

Describe a typical day for you?

I wish I had a typical day! I have lots to juggle with my children and work but pre lockdown, my day would start with me getting 3 of my children off to school and nursery. Once home with the baby, I would then attempt to do a little work i.e. catch up on emails, take business calls and plan any future antenatal classes. I always create content for social media too. Much of my work-time is done when the baby naps.

 

What do you feel are your greatest achievements?

For me, having a baby at 18 and then taking myself off to university to study a degree in Broadcast Media when he was a few months old was a great achievement. Also returning to university and studying midwifery whilst pregnant with twins. I look back and think, “How on earth did I manage that?”

 

What’s in your handbag/ satchel?

A lot of unnecessary stuff! Aside from my purse, I have a ton of inhalers for my asthma, a baby’s bib and a few random toy dinosaurs. I can’t go anywhere without my tin of Vaseline for my lips though, that’s an essential.

 

What are your ambitions in life?

To live long enough to see racial disparities in maternity care disappear. In fact, to see racial equity in all areas would be a dream. Aside from that, my absolute ambition is to ensure my children are given every opportunity they deserve and they are happy and healthy.

 

What do you wish you’d known at the start of your career you now know?

That I would end up having 5 kids and trying to juggle work and parenting so much! That was never the plan but hey ho, they’re here now and I couldn’t imagine life without them.

 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

Making a difference to women’s birth experiences throughout the world through my teachings. I might have even published a couple of books by then, who knows!

 

What advice would you give a budding midwife?

Remember that midwifery is about women and birthing people, not just babies. I am approached by people weekly who are considering midwifery as they just, “love newborns”. ..Midwifery is about providing evidence-based practice and promoting choice to help women have the best possible experience and care. Midwifery is also challenging and can be emotional at times so always have a pack of tissues to hand 😊.

 

What advice would you give to a new parent?

Don’t compare yourself to other parents you know or see on social media/television. Allow yourself time to heal after birth, learn about your baby, and develop as a parent. Fill yourself with as much knowledge as possible and reach out for support from your midwife/health visitor/ GP if you need it.

 

Finally, happiness is…

Sitting down on the sofa with my partner after a long day, with the kids in bed, glass of wine in hand, Netflix and a takeaway. Oh, the simple things in life.

 

To learn more about Marley, visit her website www.midwifemarley.com and follow her on Instagram @midwifemarley.

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