In celebration of International Day of the Midwife, we spoke to some of our wonderful colleagues who travel across the UK with us to train other midwives, paramedics, and maternity support workers. We asked them why they decided to become a midwife and what they love about their job. We also got to ask our volunteer student midwives – the midwives of the future.
Clara
Why did you become a midwife?
I have wanted to support women having babies since I was little. I was always really fascinated by pregnancy and birth. My mum was a midwife and I just thought it was an amazing part of people’s lives to be witnessing and joining in supporting them. It’s something I wanted to do for a long time.
What’s the best part of your job?
It’s definitely the variety. Meeting lots of different people from lots of different walks of life, working with amazing midwives, doctors and support workers. Every day is different. I love teaching, I love supporting women having their babies. Looking after them antenatally, postnatally… It’s just such a joy to be in a job that is not really monotonous or boring or predictable – it’s varied and that’s really exciting.
Steph
Why did you choose to become a midwife?
I became a midwife after the experience of my own maternity journey, with the midwife I had as my community midwife then because she was fantastic. And she inspired me to change my career to be a midwife.
What do you love about your job?
What I love about my job is the different people you meet, and the variety that the job brings every day. You get to be at the most important time in people’s life to provide them with care.
Over to the student midwives…
Hollie and Leah – Student Midwives
Why did you choose to become a midwife?
…when I was a teenager, I watched TV program about midwives and thought that it was an absolutely awesome job to do, and I was 100% right because it is awesome.
I chose to be midwife because I was fascinated with the process of pregnancy and what women’s bodies can do. And I wanted to be a part of that.
What’s your favourite part?
I would say, one of my favourite parts about my job is being able to encourage my colleagues to be the best team that they can be to support women in the best ways.
What I love about my job is actually following women through their journeys and being a part of it from start to finish.
Vikki – Student Midwife
Why did you decide to become a midwife?
I’ve always wanted to care for women and their family. After being an MSW for four years, this confirmed to me that providing women-centred care and being part of their special journey was something I really wanted to do – to make a difference.
What do you love about being a student midwife?
I love being able to work alongside amazing, compassionate, courageous midwives who inspire me every day.
Midwives have endured some incredible pressures, particularly over the last few years. The passion they have for their jobs, and for the women and families they look after, is inspiring!
We celebrate midwives every day, but today especially we will be shouting it from the rooftops.