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Any midwives out there? Desperately want to retrain, would I be considered?

5 replies

MrsHelenBee · 07/09/2012 10:46

I qualified as a primary teacher in 1999 and, while I still enjoy my job and am at the end of my maternity leave, I kno in my heart that I want a career change.
I've always wanted to be in a caring profession and when I was at college I struggled to decide whether it was teaching or themedical field I was most interested. I decided on teaching, and certainly don't regret that choice as I've worked in some amazing schools and had some fantastic experiences, including overseas. However, my interest in things medical has always been there and, since having my son last year, I realised how much I wanted to change direction. I would love to do a midwifery course.
During my pregnancy, I talked to midwife a lot about my interest in the profession, but it wasn't until the birth of my son that I set my heary on it. I had some amazing support following a very difficult pregnancy and traumatic birth, but I also had care from a midwife who left me feeling totally disempowered and inadequate. I've spent the last 13 months being treated for severe postnatal depression and PTSD which I know has its roots in many aspects of my pregnancy and labour, but I also feel very strongly that my midwife had a huge impact. I feel passionately that no woman should go through what I went through in those first few days, and I want to be there for women to support them through what is an amazing but also frightening time when we're at our most vulnerable.
I have a big worry that my dream may not realised though as I don't have any science-based A-Levels (mine were English, Geography and Art&Design), only a GCSE in Science at grade B.
Does anyone know if there's any chance of me going forward as a mature student, or whether I'd have to do evening classes to get more suitable A-Levels first? My heart is so set on this and I really need some advice!!!!

OP posts:
BoreOfWhabylon · 07/09/2012 10:54

I'm not a midwife, but this states

"There are currently no national minimum academic entry requirements for entry into midwifery courses. As a consequence, each higher education institution (HEI) running courses sets its own criteria. All applicants must be able to demonstrate evidence of literacy and numeracy."

Good luck!

Grohlsgirl · 07/09/2012 19:13

I'm a nurse not a midwife but the training follows a similar pathway - you may need to do an access to nursing/midwifery course at your local college first if your grades don't match the midwifery school criteria. I know many people who have done this first before beginning training and all have said how beneficial it was in preparing them for the workload/content of the degree. Good luck! Smile

MrsHelenBee · 07/09/2012 22:41

Thank you so much Grohlsgirl. It's been a while since I studied so chances are an Access course is the best way to get started. Thank you for your help :-)

OP posts:
TeaBrick · 07/09/2012 22:47

I'm starting a nursing degree in about a week and a half (eek!) and I had to do an access to nursing and midwifery course, and the unis local to me also ask for A to C grade GCSES in English and maths (and may ask for science from next year). Bear in mind that there are very few places on midwifery courses and it is hard to get in. Some people from my course are doing nursing and will then be able to do an extra 18 months to qualify as midwives. Have a look at the websites of the unis you are interested in, and go to a few open days. Good luck!

glendathegoodwitch · 13/09/2012 14:23

I start my midwifery training in March next year after working as a maternity care assistant for 3 years. I would suggest you try and get some work experience in your local maternity unit as it really is a different world to what you think it will be like - you need to be aware of the long hours (12.5 in our unit), staff shortages, missed breaks not to mention the tragic side to midwifery such as stillbirths, poorly babies and awful safeguarding issues resulting in babies being removed from the mothers care whilst on the ward. If after you have experienced this and still want to continue then google student midwife.net for support, advice and information on all things midwifery.

Midwifery is a highly competitive degree to get on to and most uni's require evidence of recent (5yrs) study. I have just completed an access course which has really given me a good basis for getting back into education.

I hope I haven't put you off - but after 3 years working on the wards and seeing students flunk out after they realise how hard the job is, and not the rose garden they thought it was, when so many people who would make amazing midwives have to apply and apply year after year and still don't get the chance.

Good luck on your chosen path - it is a wonderful job despite all of the above and if you want any further help pm me and I'll see if I can help xx

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