Exactly which textbooks do you need to read when training to be a midwife???

[Dalrymps]

I know this may sound a bit odd but thought i'd ask in case anyone knew.

Basically I want to train to be a midwife at some point in the future. I can't at the moment as am taking time to be a SAHM and am looking after my 2yo ds and am pregnant with ds2, due 6th March.

It's a long term plan and one I have been considering for some time. I want to wait until the children are a bit older before I commit as I understand the training is pretty full on and I may need to commute or even move to do it.

Anyway... I want to do all I can in the meantime to prepare. I thought it might be a good plan to read up as much as I can on the subject as that's about all I can do to work towards 'the dream' at the moment, whilst I wait.

So, is there anyone out there training to be a midwife who can tell me which books you are advised to read once you start training? I find the subject truly fascinating and seem to have the type of brain that absorbs such information well so I'd like to give it a go.

I'm hoping it will stand me in good stead for when I eventually get to train.

bump

Not a MW but training to be an antenatal teacher and on our reading list there are two huge midwifery textbooks which we can choose from:

www.amazon.co.uk/Mayes-Midwifery-Christine-Henderson-DPHE/dp/0702026166/ref=sr_1_1?i e=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264010433&sr=8-1

OR

www.amazon.co.uk/Myles-Textbook-Midwives-Diane- Fraser/dp/0443069395/ref=sr13?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264010433&sr=8-3

I'd advise reading midwifery magazines, I don't know the names, but they should keep you up to date with new midwifery research.

Ah thanks, will have a look at those books.

I had considered the magazines also but want to read the textbooks too...

Will look in to both, anyone know the names of any of the midwifery magazines?

I find Practising Midwife very accessible.

Where would I get hold of that?

You would be able to read it at a university library that trained MWs. Other than that, you could subscribe. Not too expensive for students but depends how honest you want to be!

Ah I see, thanks... I love an hour away from nearest uni so that's not gonna be an option at the moment. Will look in to subscribing, maybe I could get it as a birthday present or something

live

IME myles or mayes, but mayes is the most commonly used one-you dont need both, they are v similar books and when you do get to uni, the libary will stock both so you only need to own one.

I would recommend keeping your eyes peeled on amazon/ebay for them after about june time-iirc I paid about £60 for mayes from my local bookshop and when i sold on ebay someone got a pristine book for about £14. with all the other books i needed i spent about £300 on uni books!

My advice also if you want to give yourself a good base knowledge is to really really familerise yourself in particular with the pelvis (what a complicated body part-didnt realise it had so many "bits" to it before i started training) the blood vessels/pelvic floor and the feotal brain+skull.

getting familiar with these subjects, which will take some time, will set you off to a great start.

when the time comes to apply to uni "student midwives sanctuary" is a good site for a)interview tips/inside info b)help with/examples of personal statements-and beleive me they are your key to getting into uni!

feel free to cat me if youve any more questions, hth, good luck!

sorry about the spelling, its late and im not feeling well!

Thanks so much for the advice Glasto

Irc I had a look on student midwives sanctuary a while ago and it seemed a good place to get info/tips etc so will remember that when the time comes.

is the pelvis info all covered in the Mayes textbook or is there seperate reading I can do on that?

One thing I wondered is whether you had any problem with doing things like taking blood etc. What I mean is, is it something you were a bit worried/squeamish about doing but then got used to once you had done it a few times?

I can be squeamish but am pretty sure with pratice I could overcome this, just wondered if it was a common concern?

Glasto, you still around?

Hiya,

I'm a midwife. Practising midwife is very good and I know that if you ring up and explain that you're a prospective student and not currently workingthey will do it you at student rate. Or they used to do. Its cheap at that rate.

I'll have a think about books and get back to you. The thing is that a lot of stuff in the books won't make much sense to you now and they're expensive and go out of date quickly. You'd learn a lot from the student midwife forum but it has moved to a new website now. I think its called The Midwifery Sanctuary now.

As for the blood taking yes you will get used to it. I was very squeamish before being a midwife and was worried about this side of things. Was worried I wouldn't be able to take blood, etc. But the first time I did it I just knew I had to be professional and got on and did it. Have no problem at all now, can suture periniums and everything.

Hiya!

Thats good to hear about the practicing midwife. I was a bit confused when I looked on the website as they just seemed to have rates for students or qualified midwives and I am niether! Will give them a ring and see what they say.

Good to know the new forum name too..

I'm reassured by you saying I should get used to the whole blood taking etc. I'm not extremely squeamish, just a normal amount but feEL i could get over this. It's hard to know how you'd react to these things when you've never done anything like that before.

Wow at you being able to suture periniums, must be a real skill! I'm actually envious that you're able to do that, how sad am I!

OK,

If you want a book to give you a passion for midwifery and support women then this is a fantastic read. Be warned its American and quite old so not relevent to modern midwifery in a UK setting but it is fantastic. Not a textbook but a journal of how a lay person became a "midwife". Lots of great birth stories.

www.amazon.co.uk/Spiritual-Midwifery-Ina-May-Gaskin/dp/1570671044/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=12 64187230&sr=8-20

I think this book is a good basic textbook which covers all aspects of midwifery. Its easy to read and good, clear explanations.

www.amazon.co.uk/Survival-Midwifery-Pocket-Companion-Nurses/dp/0443103887/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books &qid=1264187099&sr=8-9

This book is the "bible" of midwifery textbooks. Its huge, covers everything. Not exactly an easy read but interesting.

www.amazon.co.uk/Myles-Textbook-Midwives-Diane-Fraser/dp/0443069395/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1 264187099&sr=8-5

Wow, thanks!

Off to look at the links now, thats really helpful of you

Ooh, more info to read up on, great! I'd better get saving for all these books! Thanks pistachio