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Warwickshire mum conquers hospital fears to qualify as a midwife
Hope Jezzard
University news
Thursday 16 October 2025
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A Warwickshire mum who once avoided hospitals due to childhood trauma is now a qualified midwife and hopes to use her experience to support others who feel vulnerable in clinical settings.
Hope Jezzard, 39, was deeply affected by spending much of her childhood visiting her mum in hospital as she battled Crohn’s Disease.
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. I had to leave her behind and although I knew she was being helped, it felt like I was being separated from her. That shaped my fear of clinical environments.
Hope Jezzard
Despite her fears, Hope was inspired by the midwives who supported her through the birth of her two children. She made a bold career change, leaving behind her customer-facing role in a coffee shop to pursue a degree in Midwifery at Coventry University.
I want to help people who are frightened or vulnerable. In some way, I hope it has an impact on my mum, who’s still very scared of hospitals.
Hope Jezzard
Hope, from Southam, had long been interested in biology, feminism and women’s health, but fear held her back.
During her second pregnancy, her sister encouraged her to enrol on an access course. She studied at night while her children slept and retook maths to meet entry requirements.
Her first placement at South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust was a turning point and she’ll begin her first role as a qualified midwife there in November.
Going into a hospital was a massive challenge. I had avoided clinical settings for years. The first few shifts were terrifying. I didn’t understand the medical terms and felt out of my depth. But over time, I became more comfortable.
There’s no epiphany moment, it happens organically. I had support from the university, staff and my fellow students, and I can look back now and see how much I’ve grown.
I’m happy to be going straight into the workforce, and feel lucky to be starting my career at the place where I trained. I’m also thankful for my family as I would not be in this position without their ongoing support.
Hope Jezzard
Hope believes her experience in customer-facing roles - from pubs and estate agencies to running an independent shop - has helped her connect with patients.
My interpersonal skills, compassion and empathy were driving forces behind my desire to pursue a vocation where I could support, help and empower others.
Hope Jezzard
Hope is proud of how far she’s come.
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. I can reflect now on how much I have learned, and I remain determined to become a compassionate and knowledgeable midwife. The course has tested my resolve and is challenging, whether you have children or not, but I’m glad I decided to start this journey.
Hope Jezzard
Her message to others considering a career change is simple.
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.
Hope Jezzard
Follow in Hope’s footsteps.
