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Why Should I Consider a Career in Midwifery?

Midwifery is a hands-on occupation!

What does Midwifery involve?

Many people assume that midwifery is all about the birth of a child, but while this is obviously the most exciting part, the role of the midwife is much more extensive. It starts after the pregnancy has been confirmed and continues until around 10 days after the birth, sometimes longer.

Midwives have a supporting and caring role, not just for the pregnant woman, but her family too, especially her partner. This is particularly true in the first pregnancy when mothers-to-be have hundreds of questions about the changes that will happen to their bodies.

Before the birth a mother-to-be has regular scans using high-tech equipment, as well as blood tests, urine samples and general health check ups. This allows the midwives to monitor the health of both mother and baby, as well as checking for a range of genetic abnormalities.

During labour and the birth process, the woman and her birthing partner require both medical monitoring and good old fashioned reassurance from their midwife during this traumatic, but rewarding event.

After the birth, the midwife helps to care both for the new baby or babies and the mother. This can involve helping the mum to breastfeed, monitoring her health and tending to any injuries caused during the birth, and monitoring the baby’s vital signs. It could involve looking after premature babies in incubators.

What are the important midwifery skills?

A midwife will need patience, a caring approach, a good sense of humour (and the skill of knowing when humour really is not appropriate!) and the ability to relate to all sorts of people without making judgements. A thick skin may also be needed at times of stress.

Communication is a key midwifery skill and can range from placating worried new patients or keeping a woman in labour as calm and as focused as possible. Not to mention reassuring their birthing partner.

Why become a midwife?

Midwifery is an important skill that will always be required and it means you will be employable all round the country, and will be in a good position to get work overseas.

You will be there at the most important time in a person’s life and while the baby will not remember you, the proud parents certainly will!

There is the opportunity for a wide range of working environments from home visiting and home birthing to working in a busy delivery ward, or premature baby unit.

Other midwifery articles:
How do I train to be a Midwife?
What Qualifications do I Need to Become a Midwife?-