September is traditionally the time when the majority of new students start their programmes. As a lecturer and midwife of many years, meeting people for the first time always makes me think back to the beginning of my career and the lessons I have learnt along the way.
Midwifery courses continue to be popular and students have done amazingly well to get their place. As such, many have gone above and beyond to gain experience to enhance their personal statements. This means they already have a good deal of valuable experience and life skills to aid them as they progress. However, as we know, being a midwife can be a rollercoaster of emotions and students can be faced with difficult situations from their first day in practice.
I would advise students to value their peers and the support they can bring. Being with a group of people all working towards the same goal is a massive help. They will all have different experiences and ups and downs but this is where lifelong friendships can be made. Learn to share thoughts and feelings, helping each other where possible, and use any leadership skills to promote group collegiality. Groups who get along well together find the course much more enjoyable and individuals seem much more able to share any concerns openly, knowing they won't be judged. You can be the student who is kind, helps to organise events and makes the student journey as enjoyable as possible. Getting involved is a great way to learn and develop. Offer to be the student representative, be a part of midwifery societies and help form the midwife of the future via curriculum planning. Being involved means you will get a better sense of achievement.
Be aware of the support networks available should they be needed. From the mentor in practice through to counselling services, there are many people who can help along the way. Asking for support is not a sign of weakness, but rather shows insight and an ability to self govern. As a lecturer, I have seen students leave it late to let us know that problems have occurred. This sometimes leads to them making poor choices—a common one being borrowing someone else's work because of the pressure of looming deadlines. The earlier we know there is a problem, the better able we are to help. Don't avoid situations; they really won't go away and trying to plod on might make the things worse.
In practice, watch, learn and listen. Identify midwives who are good role models and learn from them. I remember working with my mentor on the delivery suite. She was a great midwife and communicated well with women and families; however, most births were ‘managed’ in the same way. The lights were on, active pushing was encouraged (there was no evidence against this at the time) and things felt hurried. I didn't know any different until I worked with another midwife who dimmed the lights, had a very quiet and calm environment and didn't really speak much. She communicated by touch, smiling and encouraging the woman to focus on what felt right to her. This was a turning point for me. It was not every woman's choice and sometimes more active management had to be suggested, but it did illustrate that midwives can practice very differently. I learnt a great deal from both of these midwives.
When times are difficult (and they will be) speak to your mentor or any midwife. Go to practice educators who support students in placement and speak to your university personal tutor. Be aware that some bad experiences can be difficult to let go, and you need to develop coping strategies. Learn to ask for and accept support and be debriefed by more experienced people. I remember caring for a woman some 20 years ago with a multiple pregnancy who was on the antenatal ward for bedrest. I returned from days off and undertook a routine examination. On that day I wasn't sure I could hear three fetal hearts. I knew the woman well and shared my concerns. She said that she felt something wasn't quite right. After an urgent scan, she went to theatre and one baby girl was born alive. After a stay in the neonatal unit, the family went home. This was one of the most difficult times for me. I often think about them now, but I accept that I did the best I could for them. Midwives face such challenges and as students, you need to ensure that you are open and honest about your feelings and learn from every situation.
Being a midwife means touching people's lives, even for a short time, but those contacts will remain with women and families forever. Women remember their midwives and birth experiences—be the midwife they remember for the right reasons. Be kind, be thoughtful and listen to women. You will become the role model for future midwives so take every opportunity to learn.
You are entering a fantastic profession and I get enormous pleasure from seeing students progress and become confident, competent midwives. Yes, it's not always going to be easy, but those challenging times make us the midwives we are today. Enjoy your journey but recognise that you will need to accept support along the way.