Lara Strangwood

I chose the University of Northampton for this course as it’s the only course of its kind in the UK. I’m also a member of staff at the University and wanted to support the University from a professional and personal point of view.

One of my future career aspirations would be to use my PGCert qualification to commence a Master’s and/or PHD one day, connected to infant mental health and wellbeing, in order to enhance my midwifery knowledge and practice through research and evidence. As the programme lead and senior lecturer on the Midwifery BSc (Hons) programme, I hope that studying this course will further develop my own knowledge and skills in this important area, enabling me to enhance future midwifery curriculums and education for our students. Ultimately, this will further impact on the experience and outcomes of our service users.

Through my studies, I’ve developed a deeper level of knowledge and understanding of the importance of attachment and relationship building, which as a midwife is an extremely important topic. As previously mentioned, imparting this knowledge to future student midwives will ensure service users are receiving evidence-based care and education on the importance of building healthy relationships with their baby to enhance physical, psychological, and social outcomes.

If I could give a piece of advice to anyone interested in this career path, it would be that if you’re interested in postgraduate study, particularly if you perhaps haven’t studied for several years like me, I’d encourage you to just go for it! It’s been an important professional development opportunity for me and has given me the drive to continue in further education and CPD, so that one day I’ll hopefully gain a Master’s and/or PHD.

If you’re specifically looking at commencing the PGCert in Infant Mental Health and Wellbeing, then you won’t regret it. The tutors are inspiring and their expertise in this field is amazing. They couldn’t have been more supportive – tailoring the sessions and content to the group and providing opportunities for open discussion, reflective practice and debate.

My experience on the PGCert has been inspiring and thought-provoking.