If you’re reading this, you might be thinking of pursuing a career in midwifery. Perhaps you've already applied to university and are looking forward to starting your course. Here are some tips on how to prepare.
Welcome on board the crazy midwifery rollercoaster. I remember when I finally got my unconditional offer from ARU, I wanted to start straight away. What did I need to start? What can I start reading? Do I study a bit to be prepared? Don’t worry, I’m here to answer all these questions I also had as an eager student midwife.
1. Make the most of your rest time while you can
I completely understand the acceleration you get when you finally get confirmation. You want to be sat in the lecture hall the next day, and out on placement ASAP. But Midwifery is a demanding course, with long hours of workload for 3 full years. Rest while you can. Treat yourself to a few extra hours of sleep and enjoy time off with friends and family while the time is there. There’s plenty of time for study when September comes around.
2. Do some light reading or revision of Anatomy
So, if you’re like how I was when I began, you’ll think my first point is utter rubbish. So for those who like to stay active, I would recommend some light, enjoyable, midwifery-related reading. This gave me an insight into the world of healthcare and what it is like working on the frontline. A standout book I would recommend is Hard Pushed by Leah Hazard. This book shows the true raw side of being an NHS midwife.
If you’re looking to do some more revision-based reading, I would recommend looking back over the anatomy of the body, specifically topics like the female reproductive system, and your systems of the body (i.e., nervous, endocrine). This will really help your understanding of the year 1 material.
I would recommend going bananas and buying loads of books for university because it’s not necessary. The material supplied by lecturers is fantastic along with the astounding collection in the ARU library
3. Buy comfortable shoes for placement
When I began my first year, I went shopping crazy. Anything that had ‘student midwife’ printed on it, I had it. I’ll save you money now, don’t do what I did. If I could recommend a definite investment for a year, one would be a comfortable pair of shoes for placement. Just think you will spend 12 hours running about in them. A variety of shoes are seen in trusts, make sure to choose ones that are comfiest for you, it’s not a catwalk! I would also recommend having a look at your trust's policy before buying a pair as some trusts have requirements. The pair I settled for was Sketchers go walks. They had a fantastic cushion insole and were wipeable (recommend this because you never know what you will be covered in).
I could probably write a bible of what to do and not to do to prepare for midwifery, but hopefully, my few points have helped some aspiring student midwives. My main tip would be to relax and enjoy yourself when you have the time.
You’ve got this!
FAQs
Example: "My ambition to be a Midwife started when I was a teenager and spent a lot of time helping care for my newborn nephew, who had health problems. Caring for him and my sister, who had postnatal depression, gave me strength, self-confidence and a willingness to help people.
How do I pass a midwifery university interview? ›
Interview Tips
- Arrive on time or you will stand out for the wrong reason!
- Be prepared with your record of achievement or all relevant paperwork in one place.
- Dress smartly.
- Be clear why you want to be a midwife.
- Be ready to answer questions about the profession.
- Know the university you have applied for, go to the open day.
I'm knowledgeable in anatomy, medicine and the mechanics of labor and birth. I also have a calm demeanor and can easily communicate with patients in stressful situations. I want to use my education and my skills to help mothers and babies throughout pregnancy, labor and the postnatal period.
Why should we hire you as a midwife sample answer? ›
I have a keen interest in every part of the process, from supporting mothers during the pregnancy, labour, and birth, to helping them care for their baby during the postnatal period. Unlike many other healthcare roles, Midwives are not there to simply provide medical support, they provide emotional support too.
What are the 6 C's in midwifery? ›
The 6 Cs of care
- Care. Care is our core business and that of our organisations; and the care we deliver helps the individual person and improves the health of the whole community. ...
- Compassion. ...
- Competence. ...
- Communication. ...
- Courage. ...
- Commitment.
Skills required to be a midwife
- an understanding and caring attitude.
- an ability to get on well with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
- emotional and mental strength.
- good observation.
- an ability to act on own initiative.
- patience.
- maturity.
- willingness to take responsibility.
Midwifery is a very noble field of medicine that has been around for thousands of years. Midwives are arguably some of the most important people in women's healthcare. A career in this area could see you supporting countless mothers and their children from early pregnancy to well after birth.
How long is a midwifery interview? ›
You'll be assessed on your values, communication skills, and the knowledge and skills relevant to the role of a midwife. You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions about the course. The MMI will take up to 30 minutes.
How should I introduce myself in a university interview? ›
How To Answer The 'Tell Me About Yourself' Question In A College Interview?
- Provide an informal introduction. ...
- Talk about family and upbringing. ...
- Mention your general activities. ...
- Talk about quantifiable achievements. ...
- Give some unique personal information. ...
- Explain why this opportunity is important for you.
Midwifery is supportive, nurturing, and non-judgemental. Some people choose midwives as their care provider in pregnancy and childbirth because midwifery care is strongly associated with lower interventions during pregnancy and birth, cost-effectiveness, and improved outcomes for both the birthing patient and the baby.
There's no need to tie yourself in knots over the midwifery personal statement conclusion. Simply summarising your strengths, or reiterating your hopes for the future, will end the statement clearly and neatly.
Why would someone choose a midwife instead of a doctor? ›
Many women choose a midwife over a doctor because they want additional emotional support before, during and after delivery. A midwife will get to know you, your family and your preferences over the course of your pregnancy.
How should I answer why should you hire me? ›
You should state three to four significant reasons why you are qualified for the position and list the skills that make you stand apart. Your exceptional qualities and strengths. Make a point of emphasizing your most exceptional qualities and strengths relevant to the position. Your achievements and accomplishments.
What do you say to why should we hire you? ›
Explain how your experience, skills and attributes make you the best fit for the job as it pertains to the company and position for which you're applying. You should address each of the requirements listed in the job posting, plus any additional qualities that make you a great fit.
What do they ask in a midwifery interview? ›
TIP #3 – In preparation for your midwife interview, be ready for three different types of interview questions: motivational questions (why you want to become a midwife and what you have to offer); research-based interview questions (what you have done to research the role and the hospital/organization you are applying ...
How would you describe the role of a midwife? ›
Key facts. A midwife is a health professional trained to provide you with support and care during pregnancy, labour and birth. Midwives help you to stay healthy in pregnancy. If no complications arise, midwives are the main professionals who support you during a birth with little intervention.
How will you cope with the pressure of being a midwife? ›
Speak up for your rights to have enough time and resources to provide the care you want to give. If you have a difficult shift, talk it over with a trusted colleague or friend and get support. Offer the same to them. Notice how you feel when under pressure and manage your expectations.
What questions are asked in a maternal interview? ›
Maternal Interview Topic Areas
Have you ever been pregnant before? Can you tell me about your experiences? Did you have someone in your life to provide you with emotional support during the pregnancies? What type of things did they do to make you feel supported?
What does being a midwife mean to you? ›
A huge part of midwifery is about working with and responding to the dynamics between people in stressful situations and during moments of high adrenaline. Negotiating people and situations has always been an area of interest to me – including how certain situations and events impact us afterwards.
