Is anyone here a midwife and willing to give me a 'no-holds-barred' view of what it's really like?

[3Ddonut]

Hi, I'm currently a Registered Adult Nurse but my true passion is pregnancy and childbirth, I have 'dabbled with doula-ing'!!! but I need to make a living, and as much as I'd love to be a full-time doula, it ain't gonna happen!!! I have applied to do my midwifery before but been declined, I know what I need to boost my chances but a few things have put me off. I'm very worried about the responsibility side of things, although, I will work and study very hard to make sure that I have as much knowledge and therefore confidence to do my job well. I'm also worried about how I'll cope when horrible things happen, but I suppose I'll just have to deal with it as it comes (much as I do now) and the other thing that worries me is the child protection issues, again, I think that that will come through training but still...

On the positive side, I know that I will love all the rest of it, and I have ideas of where I want my career to go and how I can create a better service, I know the midwives are stretched but I still think I might like to give it a try.

Any advice or thoughts on this would be appreciated!! Thanks!

Anyone?........

Sorry, can't really help you, but at least I will be bumping it!
There were times that I considered Midwifery....but I don't think I could cope with it....!

Have you considered Antenatal Teaching?

Hi, I'm a m/w.

It is over stretched and you would be rushed off your feet - but I do love it. Its not uncommon to be having to look after 3 women in labour at the same time. And as at the end of the day you are totally accountable then it is scary.

You do get good training and support on child protection, and again with any bad events.

I think the main thing to be aware of is that job prospects aren't good. I've been very lucky that I got a job, but couldn't get one where I trained. The otehr girl's I trained with have been offered one day a week each on temporary contracts. Nationwide (apart from London) its very hard to get a job.

Thanks for your input stripey, it's very valuable, I am worried about the level of responsibility I've got now, so maybe will look elsewhere... our trust (North East) are often advertising for midwives.. so may be improving.

Turnip, good idea, but I need to earn more than that!

There have been more ads recently I think because its the start of the financial year - I now both Middlesboro and Darlington have recruited recently.

Its certainly still crap in the NW and in the Midlands.

There is a lot of responsibility but at a good hospital you should be well supported. In a ward environment there will always be a shift co-ordinator to go and ask.

Saying that I have my first ever shift as a RM tomorrow and am crapping my pants

But I know that I have a preceptorship programme in place which should help my learning.

Hi, How did it go?

It went ok thanks. Have now had 5 shifts, inc 2 on the labour ward. Had a scary emergency lscs to sort out and baby came out not breathing, but was fine.