How do I become a MIDWIFE?

[EverybodySayHumf]

I left school in 2000 I had about 10 GCSE, A-C (inc As in Art, english lit and language, C in maths and science though)

I never completed college and have been a SAHM ever since.

I've always wanted to be a midwife, my youngest is 1 now and my DH is at home due to medical reasons so I'm thinking of training to be a midwife. I don't have many qualifications but I know I'm clever enough and my enthusiasm is monumental. I've gave birth 4 times and had 3 home births, its just my dream really.

Where do I start?

Am in Manchester.

You will need to go to university to get a degree in midwifery. Check their admissions criteria but most likely you will need to do an access course first and some relevant volunteer work. Good luck, it is a very hard course to get on to. :)

I only know a bit as I considered it a long while ago, then your choice was to complete a 4 year degree or a 3 year something else that you could get a bursary for but the degree would give you higher level entry to the job.

I think the training is hard to get on to and sadly jobs few and far between, despite the UK being very short of midwives, it is not through a lack of them training. You will probably need to consider the fact that you might need to move to work.

I have two friend who used to be midwives but both have long given up as the job is far more about paperwork and targets than supporting women, they both felt that the pressure of the job and the dangerous understaffing was putting them into horrible situations.

You could of course consider working independently or privately.

Good luck, don't mean to be down on the idea, hopefully others will be along who are far more knowledgable than I.

No, its OK, I'm only looking into it as I know it would be a long hard slog and that the prospects aren't good.

Perhaps being a Doula would suit my needs better?

Hi humf, I am about to start my MW degree. I didn't have relevant A levels so I had to do an Access to HE course at my local college (equivalent to 3 A levels and 2 GCSEs in 1 year). I applied to my local uni to do the degree and the college offered excellent help with UCAS application process and interviews. It is incredibly tough to get a place and I was extremely lucky to get one. 1500 people applied to my uni for 70 places.

That said, once you are on the degree course you get a bursary to pay for fees and possibly some living expenses and childcare depending on your household income. My course is fairly typical I think, we have Sept-Dec lectures then out on placement for the rest of the year with occasional 2 week lecture blocks slotted in. The placements will be in both community and hospital settings meaning shift work. I can't wait.

I would say that you should contact your nearest uni that does a MW degree and ask about their entry requirements, particularly for mature students. If you can volunteer at the NCT or local maternity unit that looks amazing on your application. If you want to PM me I can offer more details if you need them.

Also, check out the forums on studentmidwife.net, loads of info on there.

Access too health care first, you can do this dlc or at college, contact unis you could get to and ask their criteria, be aware that the criteria goes up nearly every year. You have to get relevant experience and then apply to uni, be prepared to take a few years to get into uni. good luck :)

Working as a doula is great, but times are tough and I think a doula is seen as a luxury most cant afford at the moment. I worked as a doula for 2 years and although it was great it just made up my mind to become a MW.