Nine-year-old Talia Cohen has known for years that she wants to help bring babies into the world. Rambam Health Care Campus (Rambam) gave her a rare, age-appropriate glimpse into the profession she already dreams of joining.
Talia Cohen is already certain about her chosen profession and is pursuing that dream with remarkable determination. She wants to be a midwife. Her mother, Yael, describes her as curious and inquisitive, always asking questions about the birth process and the role of the birthing team—especially midwives. Talia watches videos, reads extensively, and actively seeks opportunities to learn more. “She has a natural instinct,” Yael says. “When Talia is around babies, she’s calm, gentle, and completely at ease.”
Recognising her daughter’s passion, Yael approached Rambam with an unusual request: would they give Talia a firsthand glimpse into the profession? The hospital welcomed the request and recently arranged for Talia to visit its busy maternity departments, providing a rare opportunity to step into the world she admires.
Talia was presented with her own hospital ID badge
Arriving at Rambam, Talia was presented with her own hospital ID badge labeled “Future Midwife.” Dressed in scrubs, she toured the two Picciotto Family Maternity Departments and the neonatal unit. Certified midwife Donia Nasrallah Mubariki walked her through the delivery rooms and explained its daily operations.
“By the time you become a midwife, I’ll be old,” Mubariki joked, “but I’m sure you’ll fulfil your dream—and we’ll see you here at Rambam.”
In the nursery, nurse and lactation consultant Smadar Fima demonstrated how to care for newborns using training dolls. “She was incredibly focused,” notes Fima. “This wasn’t just a fun visit—she showed a genuine desire to learn. She asked thoughtful questions and paid attention to even the smallest details.”
Urgent global shortage in the field
The staff closed the visit with a smile and a promise: “We’ll be waiting for you in a few years—as a full-fledged midwife.”
May 5 marks the annual International Day of the Midwife. This year’s theme “One Million More Midwives,” highlights the urgent global shortage in the field.
With a fertility rate of 2.9 children per woman—nearly double the OECD average—Israel also faces increasing demand for skilled professionals. Talia’s visit was inspiring and reflects the Israel Midwives Association broader vision: a midwife for every woman in labor.
The special visit to Rambam strengthened Talia’s resolve. “I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,” she says, “I love this profession and want to help babies come into the world.”
Based on a Hebrew language article that first appeared on ynet
