want to train as a midwife - worried about cost

[woahthere]

I have 3 children, youngest is 3. At the moment I am a childminder and earn a good wage from it but my heart is not in it. I want to train to become a midwife but am very worried about how we will cope financially. Im a bit confused about how much it costs, and how much help financially I will get. My partner works and earns about 35k pre tax, I would say we take home about the same amount of money - him maybe a bit more. We earn enough to cope with everyday stuff and basics and mortgage plus 1 main holiday a year but we are by no means well off, we have to be quite careful with our money. Does anyone have experience of doing a midwifery course and how much it will cost, what kind of help I can get, will I get help with childcare etc. I know I can eventually find out by contacting them but am keen for peoples experiences. Thank you.

Hi there, I'm in the same position as you although I'm a nanny. I'm so bored of it and think I went into it as it was an easier option as did rubbish in gcse's so couldn't get on midwife course. Now I'm 29 I have found an access course in health and social which will lead me into midwifery at A level level instead of going back and doing all GCSE's again. My course is only for 1yr and is £700. To frightened to look into how much the midwifery one is going to be. My thoughts are that I've waited this long I'm in a stable relationship and my son is old enough to know why we might not have a holiday for a few years. It's what I want to do and I will fulfil my dream and we will get by somehow.

At the moment the midwifery course fees are funded by the government. This may well be changing in the future though, who knows what the Con-Dems are going to bring in next. You are entitled to a means tested bursary which does take into account things such as mortgage/rent and childcare although it is by no means a life changing amount of money!

You are also entitled to a reduced student loan which is around the 2k mark per year.

Training to be a midwife is one of the most difficult things I have ever done. I am so glad I don't have to do it again, if I could go back in time and choose whether to still do it knowing everything i do now? yeah I'd still do it. Good luck.