Becoming a new student midwife can be a challenge. In this article Sara Freedman shares some of her story transitioning into being a student, finding place and belonging and encouraging others to find their voice.
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My journey to midwifery started 2 years ago. I applied to midwifery during the COVID-19 pandemic and was accepted to start in September 2021, however, due to personal circumstances, I deferred a year and after constant contact with the university was reaccepted into the 2022 cohort. By far, deferring this course was the best decision I ever made, for me, the timing of starting this course couldn’t have been better.
Prior to starting university, I have always had a passion for midwifery and wanted to understand more about pregnancy and labour and although I read books about this, I admit I still had very minor knowledge of the subject overall. COVID-19 for me was a massive eye-opener. Watching the news and hearing stories of the incredible NHS front-line workers and midwives who were working at the time in such critical conditions and their acts of selflessness inspired me to achieve more and want to help others. On the other hand, in researching, I read a lot of negativity and criticism around midwives and the lack of acknowledgment that they receive. This only made my passion stronger and after applying and being accepted this conquered in my mind midwifery is the career for me.
It has been noted that the struggle that the NHS faced during COVID-19, had long-term impact on the way midwifery services function (Ross-Davie et al 2021), however, from firsthand experience, I have witnessed positive changes within antenatal, intrapartum and labour care. The rapport that midwives build with women is one that is built upon trust, and I believe that students have a part to play and that the connection between midwives and students are strong, and they learn and support each other. The book Catching Babies written by Sheena Byrom 2011, really captured the essence of a true story of being a student midwife and the transition into a registered midwife. Although written 12 years ago when the midwifery system ran very differently, the roles and demands of being a student midwife still remain the same. I truly acknowledge her hard work and dedication and to me, reading her book truly inspired me.
Since starting placement, I feel I have gained a world of experience and knowledge. The advocacy that midwives have for the woman that enter our care is beyond admirable and the dedication is beyond . However, the struggle is also real. As a first-year student, it is tough, and anyone who says it is not, I personally question. You find yourself adapting to a whole new world, routine and life. The demands of placement combined with university work and personal life is a juggle, however, with support and determination very achievable.
Finding your voice and building the confidence to communicate with both clients and midwives was my biggest challenge. I question myself on many occasions. The expectations midwives have are high and you only have yourself to rely on.
On the other hand, before starting placement, I reached out to groups on social media such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and joined midwifery groups to get some feedback about the degree. This helped me so much as I was lucky enough to speak to newly qualified midwives about their experience and what to truly expect. From this I learned that organisation is key! Once starting the course you are hit by long days, lack of sleep, and your brain becomes overloaded with information that you can become so mentally tired but not physically able to sleep… finding yourself in a circle you can’t break!
I could not have survived this last year without my checklists, they are so important and although sometimes as long as your arm, they help you so much as it keeps you on track. Also, learning how to manage your time, sleep and work-life balance is essential as you need to remember without this and relaxation, you may not be able to learn effectively at placement which can impact your practice long term. Talking to lecturers, midwives and students really help as they can relate to your experience and their time and words can make a massive difference to you!
In addition, being proactive in your own learning is essential, knowing what you want to achieve from placement that day or week and communicating first thing with the midwife is important. Midwives have a really tough time and having a student can add pressure on them. However, you must remember you are there to learn so respect, communication, along with showing willingness and interest to learn will go a long way and the opportunities of learning will just keep flowing and your world of knowledge will expand!
Every day brings something new, and you never know what walking through the doors will hold but you must remain positive and keep smiling no matter how tough it can become! This course is very challenging and at times, it is very easy to give up however if you remember the core of why you are doing this, you can and will enjoy every day!
Being kind and patient with yourself is absolute key and this is something I have learnt. With time comes experience and every midwife has to start somewhere. I thrive by the thought of advocating, empowering and supporting women through their most vulnerable time and for me, there is nothing more rewarding.
I never thought achieving my dream would be possible, however, a year on and I was honoured to be asked to go in and speak to the new cohort starting in September 2023 and to support them in the following weeks with the eMORA programme, and in addition be nominated for University Student Champion of the Year for successfully following and delivering 5 caseloads and for gaining excellent feedback from both midwives and clients. If I can do this, anyone can!
I am looking forward to the exciting years ahead of me and to be able to continue learning and becoming the midwife I inspire to be!
References:
Ross-Davie, M. et al (2021) 2. Labour and birth, Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 73: 91-103
A big thank you to my family, Midwives and the Education team at BHRUT for their continued support and encouragement.
Sara Freedman
Student Midwife, London
July 2023
Twitter – @MidwifetobeSF
Instagram – midwifetobe_sara_.