Midwifery

What is it?

Everyone knows midwives deliver babies. But not everyone knows they do a lot more besides.

 

Many people think being a midwife is all about being at the birth of a child, helping the mother and her partner as a new life begins.

 

That’s true, but the job goes well beyond that. You’re the professional who works with mum, her partner and maybe her family in pregnancy.

 

You help people get ready to be parents. You’re involved in postnatal care too. You offer support, education and advice to help the baby and its family get off to a good start.

 

(By the way, you don’t have to be female! There are more than 100 male midwives in the UK)

 

What are the good bits?

• Working closely with individuals and families
• You’re the lead professional in the management of birth
• When you study Midwifery at university, your tuition fees are paid
• Lots of opportunities – travel, progressing to consultant level

What skills and interests do I need?

• Communication, caring, helping
• Able to work independently and in teams
• Calm, plenty of stamina
• Practical and dedication

What qualifications/training will I need?

After GCSE exams you need to stay on at school or go to college to take a Level three qualification like A levels or a BTEC National Diploma. Other entry routes might also be available for example a relevant Access to HE course. You may need to study science and/or a health-related subject. Then you need to study Midwifery (three or four years) at a university.

 

Qualified nurses can take a shorter midwifery programme at university (usually 1.5 years) which enables them to practice as a midwife.