Midwifery

[Careerminded]

I am currently a SAHM to my 2 DC's. Before having kids I did a variety of jobs, but did not follow a path and so do not have a career to go back to.

I have been thinking about midwifery for a while and it is something that I am interested in, but I am concerned that after 3 years study I will find I don't enjoy it and therefore it will have been a waste of time.
I was wondering if there are any midwives around who could give me a steer on whether it sounds like it would suit me?

I would describe myself as a process driven person. I am not especially creative, but am very organised and analytical. I like knowing what job is expected of me and how I am expected to do it.
What is more important to me I think is the goal I am working for and in this sense midwifery would suit me I think. I could not work for an organisation I did not believe in and have always worked in the public sector. Capitalism is not for me!

In the past, jobs I have thought about are: Social work, Dr, teacher and I think that midwifery would have these aspects.
For me it is not so much about the babies, but the women.

I suppose my main concern is the day to day tasks and what they actually are as a midwife and whether I would find these tasks fulfilling and if they would suit how my brain seems to work.

Thanks.

Most hospitals have bank staff. Why not apply for a bank position as midwifery assistant? You would get to see first hand whats involved. Then you can weigh up whether 3 years of uni training is for you!

I think you have to be quite thick skinned to be a midwife, or perhaps this is built into you through your training. You will see a lot of wonderful moments but there will also be very trying times (still births, miscarriages etc) where you will have to be strong for the couple/woman. I have a family friend who is a charge midwife (or midwifery sister as they used to be called!!) and she loves her career. You will work alot of night duty (many unsociable hours).

I agree with PP, you may want to try an auxillary post in a maternity ward and get a feel for what it would be like to work in that environment. Shift work is not for everyone.

Good luck on whatever you decide

Have a look at the website www.studentmidwife.net there is a section on thinking of applying. Theres loads of info which I think you will find helpful. Some areas also have taster courses where you can spend about 10 days shadowing a midwife.