Student Midwives

I'd like to start by acknowledging the beautiful little baby in the cover picture, and the hardworking, caring women who are also in it.

I'm sad to say there are relatively few pictures that humanise and centre the mother and her attendants. All too often, they're a collection of body parts - breasts, bumps, vulvae, gloved hands. In many (most) images, the mother is not even present. That is a post for another day!

I recently shared a post on Facebook about student midwives. The post was written by a midwife, explaining a little about how it works when a woman consents to a student attending, and on the whole I found her post positive and encouraging. I echo her sentiments! She says,

Many are quick to say ‘No students’ on their birth plan/preferences. Of course, this is your choice and your choice will be respected. But, before you write in ‘no students’ please read this blog to make sure you mean it.

The media has not exactly ‘sold’ having students as a good thing. We can all think of an ER scene where 7 students circle a patient (who is lying perfectly on the bed, tucked in!). The scene continues with them speaking only to each other about the ‘case’. The poor patient just sits politely and gets little or no involvement. In my experience this is NOT what happens, certainly not on maternity, thank goodness!

Let me tell you what to expect…

ONE STUDENT WITH A FULLY QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE IS THE NORM.

This student could be a student Midwife (often the case), a student Doctor, a student paramedic or, a student nurse. Remember, all these students are committed to their chosen profession. They have worked hard, been professionally interviewed and police checked to get where they are.

I know that students offer fantastic care, trust me I’ve seen it! Where your Midwife may be seeing another woman, answering the phone or simply snowed under with paper work your student can be by your side, only your side, helping you and your partner achieve a wonderful birth. Some of my best birth memories are from when I was a student Midwife.

The thing is, if everyone declined students it wouldn’t take long before the NHS crumbled. Everyone in these professions and alike have had to start out as a student. These STUDENTS ARE OUR FUTURE. They may become the Midwives who deliver your grandchildren, the paramedics who come running to help when you desperately need it, or the doctors and nurses who help your loved one get better.

I admit I am biased in encouraging you to welcome a student in but, remember I wouldn’t be the Midwife I am today, helping you if it wasn’t for the brilliant women, men and families who welcomed me in. I will be forever grateful to them.

We (this midwife) and I are both in the UK, so keep in mind that things may be different where you are. Here, midwife-led care in a hospital is the norm for "low-risk" women.

Here are the highlights:

• Women are usually (should be) asked antenatally whether or not they consent to a student attending them.
• They will be attended by a fully qualified midwife whether or not a student is present.
• The mother's choice is (should be!) fully respected.
• A student may be just beginning her training, or she may be almost fully qualified, or anywhere in between!

What I loved most about this post were the comments that poured in. Mothers were inspired to share their stories, and this is something I always find magical. These were overwhelmingly positive! With very few exceptions. There were women who, thanks to having a student, were able to have continuity of care that they wouldn't have otherwise had. There were others who wanted up-and-coming birth care professionals to see something different, and less medical. One commenter shared that her baby was the student's first "catch", and what a positive experience it was.

It's very important to remember that the birth of your baby is, first and foremost the birth of your baby. It's not a show, or a training exercise for anyone else. You don't have to "perform" it for anyone. You and your little one are not learning props. You're human beings going through a transformative, once-in-a-lifetime event. (Even if you have ten children, you only give birth to this baby once.)

It's also important to keep in mind that, generally, extraneous people in the room can have a negative impact on the process. Remember, it's a bodily function - could you poo in front of a room full of people? It's likely to be shorter and easier with fewer people gawking at you. That said, a student can bring enough value with her (it's almost always a woman) into the room to make her presence worthwhile to the birthing mother. If this turns out not to be the case, it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind. A phrase I feel sure was invented for pregnant women.

In short - as with most things: there are pros and cons, and the choice belongs with the woman giving birth.

What about you - did you have a student present? Would you?

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