Student midwives! Lend me your ears!

[HarriVonDoom]

I'm trying to get onto a midwifery course but not having any luck. I have two children and was my sisters birthing partner but apparently I still need more "professional" midwifery experience. Well that's all well and good but its is DAMN NEAR IMPOSSIBLE trying to get it! I've contacted doulas, GP's surgery's, local hospital, volunteering services, my health visitor and am getting NOWHERE! I'm getting the qualifications to get onto the course (and doing really well) but has anyone got any advice where I could get this elusive experience?? Any suggestions gratefully received!! Thanks

I helped out at a breastfeeding group, in my PS I also mentioned that I had supported mums informally at a parent group, and that had planned to shadow a community midwife, and looked forward to the oppertunity. This didn't happen! But I still got in first time.

I have experienced community midwives, who generally do as they please regarding potential students, taking college/school students for a day or so. It's probably best to write a note to your local one and leave it at your gp surgery. When she goes there to do her weekly or so clinic she will ask for any mail etc and I think would be likely to call you. I would.

I tried calling hospitals and got nowhere, our local midwifery led unit do allow work experience. Attending an open day at the uni is just as important, as is understanding the role of a midwife fully, it's not about the babies etc!

Good luck, I'm in my last year, it's bloody tough with kids though;)

Hi, I am also applying to midwifery this year, I have applied before and not got on. I am phoning, emailing and generally pestering everyone I can think of, I have worked as a breastfeeding peer supprter before. So far I have had luck with a local doula and am attending a pregnancy yoga class she runs, I am also going to a home birth conference next week. The feedback I got from the university was to get exxperience in as many settings as possible. It is very difficult, I think that is why it is considered essential, to prove how much you want to do it. have a look at studentmidwife.net, it is fantastic and has some great ideas on how to get work experience.