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

Can you drive? My DD’s friend has placements a good distance from uni sometimes not accessible on public transport at times she needs eg early or late shifts.

Yes I do drive :) and lucky enough to be in reasonable distance to a few hospitals, the nearest being about 5minutes away, the furthest around 45 minutes away xx

You need to very carefully consider placements, where the uni may send you.

I work at a uni with a very close hospital, but not everyone is placed there. The placement areas can be up to 2 hours' drive away. I've heard that fresh from sixth form 18yos are placed closer as they are more vulnerable living away from home, whereas the mums/mature students living at home tend to be sent further away. Placement days are long, you couldn't work around school drop off etc.

It is absolutely doable but you really need a robust child care plan in place.

What about childcare through the school holidays-there’s obviously 6 weeks in the summer, 2 at Christmas and Easter, 3 half term weeks and 5 insets days where your partner won’t be able to drop them off.

Go for it! You will work it all out as you go along. You know it's going to be a tough few years juggling but you'll do it and come out with a career for life. Sometimes we can put obstacles in our own way. You're a superwoman. Good luck with your studies x