Midwife
Kerry, Belfast HSC Trust
Midwifery Lecturer
Gail, Queen’s University Belfast
Midwifery Students
Maeve and Eilish, Queen's University Belfast
Midwifery Experiences
First Year, Direct Entry (non nurse) Midwifery Student – Sophie, Queen’s University Belfast
Experience of exceptional nursing staff who guided my family through bereavement made me think about working within the health service. During my pregnancies my gut instinct told me that Midwifery was where I could make a difference to the experiences of women during one of the most significant periods of their lives. The program of study at Queen’s University Belfast combined theory and practice and emphasised keeping birth woman-centred. Tutors have been personable and supportive in guiding my studies. During clinical placements my experience of wonderfully skilled midwives working tirelessly within local Trusts, has confirmed time and time again that Midwifery was the right choice for me. My education has been the most incredible, exhilarating and rewarding period of my life and I am excited at the prospect of qualifying as a Registered Midwife this year!
Third Year Direct Entry (non nurse) Midwifery Student – Rachael, Queen’s University Belfast
I applied to study Midwifery after working in a local women’s refuge. There I met midwives providing antenatal and postnatal care and was inspired by their sensitivity and compassion. Now I have the opportunity to be involved in this kind of care, working alongside midwives in clinical practice. The time spent in the clinical area is well balanced with teaching. It is rewarding to be able to develop my skills and knowledge in university and then apply them in the clinical area. The variety of learning opportunities is excellent, including simulated practicals, tutorials and lectures from guest speakers! Everything is underpinned by an ethos of woman-centred, holistic evidence-based care.
Second Year Direct Entry (non nurse) Midwifery Student – Eleanor, Queen’s University Belfast
I always knew after completing my Adult Nursing course that I would return to study Midwifery. I am so glad I did! Although it is a very intense course and non-stop, the sense of achievement and fulfilment when looking after women through the trajectory of pregnancy and childbirth is overwhelming. The support in Queen’s University Belfast is excellent and having a ‘Home Trust’ means you get to know the clinical staff well over the time you are in practice. Managing a caseload in the final few months has enabled me to provide women with even more continuity of care; therefore, promoting excellent professional relationships and trust. With good personal organisation, Midwifery Studies all-in-all is a very fulfilling course.
Final Year (Post Registered Nurse) Midwifery Student – Amy, Queen’s University Belfast
Midwifery Myths
You have to be able to ride a bike to be a midwife
– let’s face it, Call the Midwife has been great for highlighting midwifery as a career option however, thankfully the profession has moved on from bike-riding – unless you choose to do this in your spare time! One aspect that has not changed is however, the need for midwives to connect with women across social boundaries. Midwives support women regardless of their social circumstances, now more than ever, given the inequity in health outcomes across Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic women. In fact, midwives provide care to all women regardless of their social, physical or emotional circumstances, so whilst you don’t need to be able to ride a bike, physical fitness and emotional resilience are useful traits.
You have to be a woman to be a midwife
– this is simply wrong! While the majority of midwives happen to women, it is not a woman-only profession; and you will find that men are welcomed onto the midwifery programmes, just the same as any other student!
Midwives don’t care for sick women and babies
– midwives are experts in caring for all women, babies and families. This includes caring for those whose experience of pregnancy, birth and transitioning to parenting is straightforward; and those who require additional, more complex care. All the knowledge and skills you need to be a midwife are embedded in midwifery programmes, so you will be well prepared for the diversity and challenges associated with this hugely satisfying career.
You have to have had children yourself to be a good midwife
– definitely not! Your own personal experiences shape you as a person, but don’t determine the maternity care you give women and families. Every woman’s childbearing experience is unique, so midwives treat every woman with individualised, holistic care. Being a good midwife involves acquiring a deep understanding of midwifery philosophy, practice and evidence-based research, as well as developing excellent clinical and communication skills. Most important of all are empathy, objectivity and passion for this important role that midwives play in the lives of women and their families.
You have to be nurse before you can be a midwife
– this is not true! Midwifery is distinct profession, and in fact, the majority of our midwives today have never been a nurse! You will learn everything you need to be an excellent midwife on the midwifery degree programme, so if you are given this career advice, find the courage to say no, and apply directly for a midwifery student place.
You have to be a certain age to study midwifery
– there is no “certain age” to be midwife. A large number of midwifery students transition straight from school (age 18); while others come join the midwifery program later in life. However, there is good evidence that whatever a person’s age or experience, they have a lot to bring to the midwifery profession; and the midwifery profession has a lot to offer them.