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Original poster

I would love to retrain as a Midwife...... is too much to take on?

48 replies

M2T · 30/09/2003 13:32

Hi folks,

I am having a battle with myself at the moment. I 25 years old and I'm an Engineer, but I never wanted to be one.... I've just kind of fallen into this over the last 3 years.

I've only been in my current job for 3 months, but I'm not enjoying it and it's making me miserable to the point where I feel sick at the prospect of going.

I have always been fascinated with the Scientific aspect of conception, pregnancy and childbirth and since having my own ds I've also got my own experiences to draw on. I would LOVE to retrain as a Midwife. But I've done a degree (Biology) and I just don't know if it would be the right decision for me to give up my job as the main earner to start studying again.

I really do feel though that Midwifery is a career I would never get bored of, I'd always be interested and stimulated and I'd get to talk about pregnancy and childbirth all day long!

I was looking for advice from anyone who had done this.

Have any of you Mumsnetters given up a career to retrain as a Midwife???

If so, what kind of financial assistance do you get and how do shift patterns fit around childcare?

OP posts:
forestfly · 30/09/2003 13:33

I want to do exactly the same!!!!

Original poster
M2T · 30/09/2003 13:35

Really FF? Have you looked into it yet? Can you do the academic part of the course part-time?

OP posts:
pie · 30/09/2003 13:36

There were some links put up here a little while ago.

Original poster
M2T · 30/09/2003 13:37

Cheers Pie! How did I miss that?

OP posts:
codswallop · 30/09/2003 13:44

I would hate the bit when you have to "give" kids to horrible parents.

pie · 30/09/2003 13:47

Thats what I thought too Coddy.

codswallop · 30/09/2003 13:48

Obv all mumsnetters could give a sign and that would be ok!!

codswallop · 30/09/2003 13:48

You would have to give up smoking m2t!! Go on Go on

Original poster
M2T · 30/09/2003 13:56

I only smoke when I'm drinking and I think most maternity wards would frown upon me having a glass of wine or 2 on duty.

OP posts:
codswallop · 30/09/2003 14:03

No you could have it as youre policy to serve champers after each birth! I would have a baby "with" you

Original poster
M2T · 30/09/2003 14:11

Grrrrreat Idea!!!

OP posts:
cazzybabs · 30/09/2003 14:41

OH MY GOD WE ARE THE SAME MT2- he he he . Have sent off my application form for my boss to write me a reference, although annoyinggly he has sent it back saying its not appropriate for him to write it and I have to ask my nasty boss who I really didn't want to know!!! But I am still thinbking about it...it doesn't really pay very much AND I want other children and the shift work. But am quite excited and do want to do it.

Lilysmum · 30/09/2003 15:04

I know somebody from another website who has just started her midwifery training (she is 30 years old, and mum to a 14 month old). I wish I could put you two in contact as I am sure she would want to help - but I can't really post her email address here. Maybe I'll try and be clever and copy a link to this page in the other site on a message to her (but am not holding my breath as I am a technophobe).

lilibet · 30/09/2003 15:48

how strange, I have wanted to do this for years but have never had the guts to give up my salary, which although not a lot keeps me in wine. I wonder how you can find out what bursary you would get and benefits you would get.

cazzybabs · 30/09/2003 15:55

THE DOH website has publications to tell you burserys for degree or diploma level. They are different. Just do a search in google (I am being lazy and can't remember the URL). I think you get more for doing a dipolma because you aren't eligable for a student loan. I don't want to post any more in case I am wrong (i usually am) and thereare far knowledge people out there. BUT my understanding is you get about £6000 per year, more if you are mature (over 25 think) and more if you have children deepending on their ages and your dp/h.
Actually i am a bit hurt my boss didn't say, "what are you doing you are a fanastic teacher." instead he just said I can't write you a referece, understand you want to explore different options. Clearly I am a rubbish teacher and wants rid of me I shall wallow in self-pite and figure how to ask my other boss

forestfly · 30/09/2003 16:00

Thanks for this M2t, its really making me think about it, lets go for it!!!!

alibubbles · 30/09/2003 16:04

My sister is 44 and in the last two months of her midwifery training. It is never too late, go for it!

Original poster
M2T · 30/09/2003 16:18

WOW!
I had no idea it would be so popular. FF - I'll really have to look at finances, but I have cheered up just talking about it!

Cazzybabs - WELL DONE!!

£6000 per year, plus help with childcare costs, plus perhaps a part time income from me would be okay I think. Our expenses would drop as I wouldn't travelling to and fro from work which costs about £200 per month.

I have a degree alread, will that affect whether I get a bursary or not??

OP posts:
Original poster
M2T · 30/09/2003 16:37

Does anyone know what the starting salary is for a newly (diploma) qualified NHS Midwife? I can't seem to find it anywhere!

I've just worked out that if dp gets the promotion he's up for then we will only be about £150 per month worse off (providing I qualify for the £6k bursary). That's makes it sounds SOOOO accessable and realistic.

OP posts:
forestfly · 30/09/2003 16:48

Whats your next step M2t, i dont know what to do , i looked on the internet about a month ago and couldnt work out how you apply is it through a nursing body or the university? I trained to be a nurse for a year but dropped out as i was too young and just wanted to mess about. I loved the work though. When i applied then it was through something like Ucas but just for midwives and nurses. Cant think of the name. Anyway perhaps we can help each other with homework!

forestfly · 30/09/2003 16:56

Just looked at the website NHS Careers, its got loads of info, including where to apply, and the starting wages. Good Luck

quackers · 30/09/2003 17:18

Hi M2T, looked into this myself about a year ago. If you contact NHS careers they will send you a lovely pack all about salary, burseries etc.. I believe it;s £7k plus extra if u have dependents etcc.. They also send an application pack and where to study. Good luck! I've just applied to be a healthcare assistant on our maternity wing. Don't feel I'm ready for the hours yet for midwifery and this job is 20, so perfect for me, plus my mum is a nurse and is in the same hossie, so would be fab, good luck all!!!

katierocket · 30/09/2003 17:35

where is mears these days? maybe a missed a thread but last time I read anything from her she was finishing her dissertation?
just wondered because she'd be able to give you loads of info M2T

go for it btw.

forestfly · 30/09/2003 17:40

The starting salary is 17,660 to 21,325

mears · 30/09/2003 22:10

I don't really have a lot of info because I am doing further study as a qualified midwife already ( Masters in Midwifery). Don't have any experience of bursaries etc.

This site might be informative though here

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