Becoming a midwife

[sum04]

Hi,
Im not too sure if i have posted this in the right section, so I apologise if I haven't, but can't seem to find where exactly is the best place to write.
Im 28 and have just had our 4th baby.
I am really wanting to go back to work, as i have been a stay at home mum for the last 7 years.
I would really like to become a midwife, but Im not sure if i will be able to get onto the course, as i failed my Gcse science and maths, and im pretty sure that you need these qualifications in order to become a midwife?
I would love to hear from anyone who has studied or is studying to become a midwife to see exactly what i need to do and which qualifications i will need to become a midwife and to even get on the course.

Will be watching with interest as I've always wanted to become a midwife, too!

You will need to study for a degree in midwifery. Entry requirements vary but most mature students do an access course. You may need to resist your GCSEs or another equivalent level 2 qualifucation before you start that or you may be able to do it alongside.

Try contacting your local FE college for more info.

I'm not a MW, but I'm a nurse.

Best way to get on a course is probably to do an Access course. Plus you will probably need to get some relevant experience whether through paid work or volunteering.

The main thing you would need is sturdy childcare arrangements, you will be working shifts during training and once qualified - really you will need your partner to be available for the children on evenings/weekends/bank holidays (probably won't work BHs until after you are qualified though) but there may be some night shifts.

I recently gave up my job as I could no longer get flexible shifts as I haven't got room for an aupair or ££ for a nanny (DH also works irregular hours)

Access course at Greenwich

Thanks, I live in North London, does anyone know of any local courses?
I am lucky enough that my husband will be around to look after the kids when needed as he works as a personal trainer, so the hours are quite flexible with his work.

North London is a big place. Anything more precise?

I would look into whether there are actually any jobs likely to be available for you on qualification. I considered midwifery (it sounds like a challenging but varied and interesting job with lots of people contact, which was what I wanted) but there just are no jobs anywhere, so it seemed a bit pointless.

The courses are quite competitive with lots of applicants (so I was told). If you want to pursue it I would think you would need to prove your commitment by doing work experience etc to show you understand what the job involves.

I am a non-practising MW, went back to Nursing after having my children.

Without GCSE's or equivalent you will need to do an access course.

While training to be a Midwife you are expected to follow the same shift patterns as you would when qualified - it is part of the assessment that shows your ability to provide around the clock care. So, you will have to be prepared to work shifts - early, late, and night. Many Maternity Units work long days or long nights which are 12+ hours.

The shifts are on top of all of your written assessments, and continuous assessment of practice while in placements.

I'm going to be totally honest with you - the course is hard work. The hours in placement are long and hard, and you will have to find the time to complete all of your assessments too. You need to be 100% commited to the course, for the 3 year duration, and have really solid childcare arrangements, as the hours required of you can be inflexible.

I've been asked many times about being a MW as it can be perceived to be one of the best careers out. I would always advise that you get some experience of the reality of being a MW before you commit to training as one. As you've just had a baby, you could perhaps look at working as a Maternity Assistant for a while... you would get a feel for working within a Maternity Unit, the hours etc, fulfill the desire to return to work and would also open the door for secondment to training if you still want to go ahead.

Whatever you decide, good luck :)

Im in Bounds green, n11.x

Barnet do one :) call them and ask about it if you're keen. At least they can tell you entry requirements for the course and give you a realistic idea of chances at localish unis.