I was wondering if anyone could help me with some information about midwifery? I live in the UK. I’m considering changing my degree to a degree in midwifery (I’m currently studying social science) but I’m not sure about it… do you think you have to be a certain type of person to be a midwife?
I would love to hear from some midwives/nurses or people who have experience with them. I have a keen interest in pregnancy & birth & thought maybe I should look into a career involving it… but I don’t feel confident enough to do it really.
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i used a midwife with both of my pregnancies. you need to be supportive and have good listening skills. you need to have a great deal of patience as well. my midwives were helpful, even when i got discouraged. you need to be like a best friend to your patients. and sympathetic. have a good sense of humor too. and let nothing shock or panic you. women giving birth have enough to worry about. try to help them when you can and if you can’t help them, delegate it to someone who can.
I’m not a midwife. However, I’ve had one for each pregnancy (a CNM, certified nurse midwife), and I have been nothing but pleased with the experience! It helped me feel like this was a normal experience, not something to be "doctored" to make better — and I am positive I didn’t lose out on any experience, professionalism, or expertise just because there was no MD after her name.
One idea would be to find some midwives and talk to them in person about their experiences. Ask if you can sit in on some sessions with patients (ranging from checkups to births). Alternatively, look into becoming a certified doula, which means you’d be assisting people in labor but more as a support person, not the responsible medical caretaker. (Doulas also will be willing to talk about what they do, and maybe take you along.) I’d say if you’re interested, explore it further! In the end, you’ll have to go with your gut, but don’t be afraid to take a risk if you think it will be rewarding.