Midwifery

Southampton University.

I took A-levels in Chemistry, Maths and History. I got AAB.

I’ve always enjoyed working with people, and in a job like midwifery you get to learn so much about people in such a short space of time, forming trusting relationships with them and supporting them through one of the most special experiences of their life. I’ve always had a particular interest in sexual and reproductive health but never really fancied going down the doctor or nurse route. The lovely thing about midwifery is that people aren’t sick, just pregnant! Being able to help support a natural process and intervene when things don’t go to plan is exactly the right balance! I always knew I didn’t want to work a 9-5 job so something with shift work felt like the right choice.

The course is split 50% theory and 50% practical. At my university, the course was carried out in blocks of about six weeks at a time. A theory block looked very similar to most university courses, with a mixture of lectures and time spent in the skills lab, learning things in a practical way. Assignments varied from essays, to research projects, to emergency scenario exams. Around this, we had a fair amount of time for independent study and to complete our reading around the subject. I joined a few societies at university and was on the committee for one of them. The other half of the time, whilst on placement, was a lot more full on! Working full time for the NHS, with day shifts and night shifts, is a little bit different to a lot of student life. Despite this, I still managed to keep up with society life at university and still found plenty of time to see my friends and have fun. 

My favourite part of my course was definitely being out on placement! As a student midwife, you get thrown into the job straight away because when you finish the degree, you’re thrown straight in as a qualified midwife and need to know what you’re doing! I loved having the opportunity to think on my feet and make decisions about care with families, to get them the care they want and need.

The biggest challenge of studying my degree was probably working placement hours! Working 37 and a half hours a week without being paid can take its toll on you, especially when your friends on other courses have so much time to spare! Worth it in the end though!

For now, I’m gonna throw myself into midwifery – it’s a pretty specific degree! I want to grow as a midwife and support people on all their different routes to growing their families. Learn some more skills, help some more babies into the world! Down the line I think I’d like to specialise in looking after vulnerable families, maybe pursue a role in relationships and sex education, or become a sexual offences examiner. It feels like a very specific degree but there are still lots of options and I’m excited to see where it takes me!

Look after yourself, all the way through. Find people you know can support you. And little things, like meal prepping ahead of shifts is really helpful! And take every opportunity to do things you haven’t tried before! Know your limits and what you can do safely, get help if you need but try everything because otherwise you’ll never learn!