I agree with you there smwife, there have been times during this placement that the midwives have said thank god we have students on today as we are so short staffed! While it can be nerve wracking to be pushed in at the deep end at times like this I feel that I learnt a hell of a lot on those days, you just have to get stuck in there and I feel more confident without someone breathing down my neck all day. I sometimes feel daft when talking to mothers if my mentors present but when Im on my own Im much more relaxed. I know that if theres something Im unsure of that my mentor trusts me to ask her to check I wouldnt dream of doing something off my own back without asking her first. Having said that if everyday was like that then I think you can be in danger of not having the oppertunity to learn new skills as theres not enough time to be shown so its nice when there are quiter days too so that you have time to ask questions and progress. I feel like I'v come on leaps and bounds during this placement and had loads of really nice complements off midwives and mothers.