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training to be a midwife

5 replies

bighug · 24/02/2004 22:05

I'm 33 and thinking about training to be a midwife. I've looked at various websites (NHS, RCM etc.) I know the degree course takes 3 years. I do already have a degree in English and 10 years work experience in unrelated disciplines but realise that this is irrelevant! I'm drawn to the profession because I really appreciated the care I received when pregnant, in labour, and postnatally for both my pregnancies and I'm attracted to the idea of helping other women to have positive experiences too. I had such big respect for the midwives and their dedication and care. However, I'm concerned that I'm too old, and once qualified the hours are difficult when trying to combine it with raising a family. My "A" levels are in arts subjects, but I do have maths, chemistry, physics and biology "O" levels (yes I did those!!). Most sensible people train when they are 18 and don't have kids yet don't they? My children are 11 months and 3 1/4 years.
I'd appreciate any thoughts from mumsnet members who are midwives. I read on a website that degree courses are very competitive to get on to - but the NHS is crying out for midwives isn't it?

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mears · 25/02/2004 00:23

The NHS is short of midwives - mainly in England and Wales. You certainly are not too old at 33 We have a number of student midwives who have started their training with young families. It isn't easy when they are working shifts in the clinical areas but every effort is made to accommodate their needs whilst training. Your qualifications will not be a problem. Best to get started with an application because there willl no doubt be a waiting list despite the shortages. If it attracts you, no reason not to go for it. Good luck

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bighug · 25/02/2004 08:44

Thank you Mears for your encouraging response!

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alibubbles · 25/02/2004 09:36

bighug, my sister has just qualified as a midwife, she is 45.

She absolutely loves it, the course was tough and not all of them made it, some thrown off the course 3 months before the end, which they all got up a protest about as they were probably amongst the best potential midwives.

The accademic part is what gets the older candidates down, as they are out of practice with essay writing etc. The younger ones sail through that part.

If you want to talk to somebody who has just finished it and can tell you what it is like, I am sure my sister would be happy to talk to you. I could also give you her email address.

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tiredemma · 25/02/2004 10:02

bighug, im hoping to train as a midwife in sep2006, have to go to college to do an access course first this sept as i have not studied within the last 5 years and dont have relevant quals.
there is a website called student midwives sanctuary (www.studentmidwives.co.uk) which has all info on there that you could ever need, i have found it invaluable, especially the forum.
you will be pleased to see on there that the majority of women training are over 30 with families so i wouldnt worry about your age.
log on and have a look and good luck!

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bighug · 27/02/2004 19:00

Thanks to everyone for their posts. I'm going to have a good think about it over the weekend and will get back in touch if I decide to move on to the next stage. It was lovely to get such warm and helpful reponses - thank you.

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