Should i give up my career as a midwife to become a hv

[fakeblondie]

Ok ive been a community midwife for 15 years . I am passionate about midwifery and without blowing my own trumpet i believe i am very good and feel so honoured to share what i have been able to over the years with so many parents. Ive also been on call for 15 years.
i have 4 dc.
I get home late.
I work weekends holidays.
I miss most school thongs.
I work christmas someyears and hate that.
I hate the politics now that i cant do the job as i would like to because i cant give the women the time they deserve and eventually i ended up with very high blood pressure and became quite anxious and down. This obv. affected my dc and dh .
Recently i thought i know ill go do my health visiting. I can still work with the families ive got to know and give the support i know they need, but work mon to fri 9 - 5 . No on calls no weekends no nights on labour ward at 55 ! thought i need to put my own health first as have started again family wise with a baby myself. As the interview draws nearer i keep welling up with this huge lump and could literally sob at the thought of never putting my hands onto someones tummy again and seeing their face when they hear that fiorst heart beat ! I know my family will support me whatever but what i need is someone to tell me what to do because i`m all nappy brained myself and just cannot think straight ! So please someone tell me whats the right thing to do ! x

Have you looked at other options within midwifery? eg research, lecturing, writing, with a bank shift or two a week to keep your skills up and keep your registration valid? You might be able to achieve a better work-life balance without leaving hands-on midwifery behind completely?

Thanks,
yes ive thought about that but I did a research post for 2 years and really missed midwifery. Other options worth considering tho.i just have a feeling im going to get offerred this training post - typical !

My lovely hv recently left to go back to being a scbu nurse.
Do it. You can always go back to midwifery

Do HV and do agency midwifery as you feel like it to maintain your midwifery regiatration, and keep your hand in (no pun intended!)

Bear in mind that HV is more 8-6 than 9-5 and the workload is immense, but yes no nights (unless your team offer an on-call service in A&E) and less/no weekends and holidays (duty HV may be a role in your PCT).

Good luck!

Do it - you can always go back.

We need more good, sensible HVs!! And you'll swap putting your hand on someone's tummy for getting to coo at cute little babies who are no longer covered in afterbirth!