Wolverhampton midwife to star on Channel 4's One Born Every Minute

Shantelle Smith, a midwifery graduate of the University of Wolverhampton, will feature on the Channel 4 BAFTA-winning programme tomorrow, a show that highlights the drama and emotion of the maternity ward at Birmingham Women's Hospital.

Shantelle graduated from the city university with a BSc (Hons) Midwifery in 2015 and will feature in two episodes - tomorrow and next Wednesday, April 4.

The 28-year-old was inspired to train to be a midwife following her own experiences having daughter Amiyah, who was one when she started her studies.

Shantelle, who lives in south Birmingham, said: "At first I wasn’t sure about being on TV, but a woman came in who wanted to be filmed so I said yes. It was nerve-wracking but then I got used to the cameras and the production team were really nice.

"When I left school I was a hairdresser and beautician – I knew I wanted to be a midwife but didn’t think I was ready as it’s such a big responsibility. But having my daughter was a turning point and made me realise that was what I wanted to do.

"I love my job. Sometimes it’s hard and there are stressful times but when you get home you can think ‘I brought a new life into the world today’ and that’s amazing."

The single mother decided to apply for university after studying an ACCESS course, aimed at adults who have a career in mind that it likely to require university level study, and was supported with juggling childcare with her studies.

She added: "My tutor, Pauline Lim, was a great help with both the educational and personal side. It was really difficult at times, and I wanted to give up at points. But the support I received from my tutor and my mum really pushed me on to continue, and having my daughter gave me that drive.

"I made really good friends while I was doing the course, and we all work at different hospitals now but we all still keep in touch, and I think they’ll be watching the show."

One Born Every Minute airs on Wednesdays at 9pm on Channel 4.