Ally Anderson is a qualified midwife at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, UK. Ally is a Practice Development Midwife and is the VBAC Specialist Midwife. Ally was a secondary science teacher for thirteen years before embarking on a change of career and going back to study again at Teesside University. Ally’s first degree was in Anatomy and Physiology and she has a PGCE and Masters in Education. In September 2021, Ally became one of the first students to commence the MSc in Global Maternal Health at City, University of London. Ally has four children, a husband and a cockapoo called Luna, who keep her busy in between midwifery and study! Ally was shortlisted as a finalist for ‘Student Midwife of the Year’ at the Student Nursing Times Awards in April 2020.
As part of her studies, Ally took the whole family to Tanzania in 2018 for her elective placement. This experience was invaluable in demonstrating that there are so many things we can all learn from each other whether you are a student, midwife or doctor and whether you work in a well-resourced city hospital in a high-income country or a small village hospital in a low-income country. Ally’s elective placement has enthused her interest in ‘normal’ childbirth, breastfeeding and respectful maternity care. Ally is looking forward to travelling to the Czech Republic In May 2022 as part of her current Masters studies.
Due to Ally’s previous role, she is passionate about midwifery education – for students, preceptor midwives and qualified midwives for their continued professional development. In the future, Ally is keen that everyone all over the world should be able to have access to a contemporary and innovative midwifery education. The VIDM is one way that this could be achieved. She is thrilled to be working with this truly international and diverse group of people that make up the VIDM committee.
