Coffee Shop Worker Turns Fear into Strength as New Midwife

A former coffee shop worker has transformed her childhood fear of hospitals into a fulfilling career as a qualified midwife. Hope Jezzard, aged 39, spent her early years grappling with the trauma of her mother’s health struggles, which included a battle with Crohn’s Disease that led to life support on two occasions. This experience instilled a deep-seated fear of clinical environments, yet it also sparked a desire to help others facing similar challenges.

Hope’s journey began when she became inspired by the midwives who supported her during the births of her two children. Their compassion encouraged her to confront her fears and pursue a career in healthcare, leading her to enrol in a midwifery degree program at Coventry University. She is set to begin her first role as a midwife at the South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust in November 2023.

From Fear to Empowerment

Reflecting on her childhood, Hope shared, “I grew up learning very early on that people are fragile. My mum was often in hospital, wired up to machines. She nearly died twice and was put on life support.” These experiences shaped her anxiety about hospitals, but she has now turned that fear into a mission. “Now I want to help people who are frightened or vulnerable,” she added.

Initially, Hope was hesitant to explore a career in healthcare. However, during her second pregnancy, her sister encouraged her to pursue an access course. Balancing her studies with motherhood, she took night classes and retook mathematics to meet entry requirements. Her determination paid off, culminating in a pivotal placement at the NHS Trust that solidified her commitment to midwifery.

A Journey of Growth

Entering a hospital environment posed significant challenges for Hope. She recalled, “Going into a hospital was a massive challenge. I had avoided clinical settings for years.” The first few shifts were daunting as she navigated unfamiliar medical terminology. Yet, with time and support from university staff and fellow students, she gradually became more at ease.

“There’s no epiphany moment; it happens organically,” she explained. “I can look back now and see how much I’ve grown.” Grateful for her family’s unwavering support, she expressed her excitement about beginning her career at the very institution where she trained.

Hope’s previous experience in customer-facing roles, including work in pubs and running an independent shop, has equipped her with valuable interpersonal skills. She noted that compassion and empathy were key motivators behind her choice to pursue a career where she could empower others.

Proud of her achievements, she remarked, “I doubted my ability and courage to start but I’ve faced my fear and done it anyway. I’m stronger than I thought I was.” Despite the challenges, Hope remains steadfast in her goal to become a compassionate and knowledgeable midwife.

For those contemplating a similar career change, Hope offers simple advice: “Believe in yourself. Start the process and say it out loud; it makes it real and holds you accountable. You are capable of more than you think.”