Would you hire a newly qualified independent midwife

[belgianmama]

I want to use MN to do a little market research here. I'm a student midwife and I'm thinking about going independent. Considering the current job situation in the NHS, I am thinking of doing it sooner rather than later. Would you feel happy to employ a newly qualified midwife as your independent midwife? Any reactions/suggestions would be nice. Thank you.

belgianmama,
Someone said something to me once that stuck in my mind .
Does a midwife with 20 years experience have 20 years experience-
or 1 years experience repeated 20 times ?
Most experienced midwives have a wealth of expertise and knowledge to offer-however its very important that they are up to date with current literature and research so that they can deliver a high standard of safe individualised care.I am sure you could do this as you sound motivated and caring.
However i would personally advise a couple of years at least on a good big high risk consultant unit labour ward first.This will give you valuable experience in dealing with major emergencies in a supportive environment.
Out on the community, maybe miles away from the nearest hospital, will you honestly be prepared to deal with whatever major obstetric emergency is thrown your way ?Im sure i could have done 10 years ago, but now i know the drills and the little things that only come with having actually done it so many times ,i dont think i would have had the hands on expertise to give the standard of care i can give now.Sure i would have been safe-but go and work on the labour ward for a few years first.You shouldnt need to rely on the expertise of a senior pertner to be there for you should things not go as hoped.You will be an independant midwife-that means independant, and you can only benefit from gaining some experience first.(She says having done her first ever waterbirth with the protocol book on her lap ! )
That said i wish i had your confidence when i first qualified.