Studying midwifery as a parent to young children

[AmiThyst]

Hi, I’m considering pursuing a career in midwifery as it’s something I feel very passionate about and I’d love to have a career doing something I genuinely care about.

I’m 24 and I have 2 children, one is turning 4 soon and will start school in September and the other is almost 18 months old. I’d need to complete an access to higher education course prior to being able to apply for any universities. I also live with my fiance who has a decent income (~£40k) and works Mon-Fri 8-5. I don’t have practically any family support, my family live 2.5hrs away and any close by relatives are unreliable but can maybe on occasion be able to help.

I want to know if I’d be able to realistically afford to be a student and also if I could manage childcare around uni and placements. I know it would be hard, but if it’s doable the outcome will be worth it.

If anyone has any experience of studying as a midwife (especially as a parent), any insights would be greatly appreciated :)

Thank you x

Realistically, can your partner manage to do all drop offs and pick ups if required? As when on placement, you get minimal preference for your shifts

Yes, if we used breakfast and after school clubs my partner could do drop offs and pickups. My main issue is my youngest child, nursery would be a little harder. My sons school has a nursery that takes from 2yrs old which would be more convenient but I worry about placements as it won’t be set days will it? Is it best to wait until my youngest starts reception at school? I suppose I need a year to do the access course anyway though so my youngest would be 3ish by then