Midwife

What are your main responsibilities in this role?

I provide care for expectant mothers, babies and their families in a variety of settings.

This can vary from home visits, routine appointments outside of the hospital, to labour care. I support women who choose to have their babies at home or at the midwifery led unit, labour ward or theatre.

There are over 30 specialties within midwifery alone. You can do additional training and development in areas such as maternal medicine, foetal medicine, bereavement, infant feeding, practice development, prescribing or the New born and Infant Physical Examination.

Whether you love technology, numbers or human biology - there is a role that you can get excited about applying your passion within.

Being with women during such an important transition in their lives is an art in itself.

How long did you study or train for this role?

I trained for three years to achieve my Bachelor’s degree.

Some universities offer a shorter course if you are a registered nurse. I always knew I wanted to be midwife. It was my purpose long before I knew there was a title that came with it. 

What entry-level jobs should someone pursue if they are looking to follow a similar career trajectory?

It’s great to get experience as a maternity care assistant if you can. This gives you hands on experience and a unique insight into the midwifery role.

It’s important to remember that midwives are not just based in hospitals. You could look for local feeding support clinics as a starting point.  

What skills are most important in your job?

Excellent communication skills and patience are vital to being a wonderful midwife. The rest will fall into place as you learn and grow in your career. 

What are the biggest challenges you face in your role?

Not every pregnancy has a happy outcome and that is heart-breaking.  Sadly, we cannot change what has happened, but we can support a family through bereavements which are one of the worst life experiences they will ever encounter. 

There is a lot of emotion in this role so it takes grit, determination and resolve.  

My passion allows me to be the best I can be and inspire the same qualities in the women around you when they need it the most. 

What are the biggest rewards in your role?

Providing holistic care to a family that meets their needs. It is personal and individualised to them. That's when I feel I have made the biggest difference. 

Top tips for others thinking about training to be a midwife?

Get yourself a good alarm clock as homebirths can start at any time of the day or night.

Decent comfortable walking shoes! You’ll cover many miles working in any setting.

What's the next step on your career pathway?

I now have a Master’s degree and am currently focussing on developing myself as a leader. I really enjoy viewing the maternity service as a whole and improving on the current ways of working.