Age and Student Midwifery

upsy daisy · #31 (**permalink**) 18-May-2008, 22:02

Not a student midwife yet but I'm 34 and "feel old" sometimes LOL, although it has to be said that many of the midwives where I work are "old school" and there are a few nearing retirement. But, I've noticed that a lot of the students are fairly young which is refreshing to see....this thread reminded me of a comment an old school friend made to me recently (she's a midwife working for a different trust), she's the same age as me but not married, no kids etc and she says that ALL the time she gets ladies asking her how old she is (she looks young for her age) and whether they could have a more experienced m/w LOL, they usually look shocked when they're told that she's the 2nd most senior m/w on shift!!!

Well said spunky, I do believe that age shouldn't matter - it's the passion and enthusiam for the job that's important
xx

Justineb1988 · #32 (**permalink**) 19-May-2008, 08:05

I agree with everyone, I am terrified of doctors, they dont ever seem to wanna know what students have to say. When i was on delivery suite, it was really busy and my mentor is a coordinator and she asked me if i would go and assist the doctor with a speculum on ne of our ladies - my heart missed a beat due to being so nervous!!

The doctor had an accent and i really struggle to understand her (plus im not that familiar wit technical terms), i was expected to get her gloves and everything. I think she just thought i was useless coz she doesn't even take the time to make eye contact with me now!!

I do think it is coz i am young tho, coz the older students seem to get on so much better with the docs. I guess it's a fear we all need to overcome, but its so intimidating.

xxxx

KarrierBag · #33 (**permalink**) 19-May-2008, 08:15

Originally Posted by Justineb1988

I do think it is coz i am young tho, coz the older students seem to get on so much better with the docs. I guess it's a fear we all need to overcome, but its so intimidating.xxxx

I think it has more to do with confidence than age; you can be a very very quiet person and not get noticed much or you can be an extremely loud person and get noticed a lot, for all the wrong reasons. As your confidence grows and you get a bit more clear on certain things, you'll feel able to approach more people or actually say - 'I don't understand that, can you repeat it, etc...'

Just my opinion

xx

Justineb1988 · #34 (**permalink**) 19-May-2008, 08:26

Originally Posted by KateD

I think it has more to do with confidence than age

That is very true a lot of older ppl are really loud and get noticed, im not a confident person when docs are around and dont feel comfortable talking to them really. Some of the younger SHO's are ok, but its some of the registrars that scare me.

xxxx

nikolelily · #35 (**permalink**) 21-May-2008, 19:14

i began as a doula when i was 19. i had much trouble getting clients of "older" age, i think due to the fact most women want a "mothering" type to support them, and can not see that coming from a gal that age. i ended up volunteering with much younger gals. this worked for both parties, they felt a closer kinship to me, a young mother myself and closer to their age than any healthcare provider they were seeing, and i got to do births! i am 23 now, and i still feel that my age is a hinderance, as a doula at least, i am not a midwife yet and have a load of time until then, so that i can not say.

KarrierBag · #36 (**permalink**) 21-May-2008, 19:20

Originally Posted by Justineb1988

That is very true a lot of older ppl are really loud and get noticed, im not a confident person when docs are around and dont feel comfortable talking to them really. Some of the younger SHO's are ok, but its some of the registrars that scare me.

xxxx

I know what you mean... I used to get intimidated by doctors until I realised that they are not God... They are human too! You'll be suprised how much most of them are willing to help but just don't offer... You have to ask!! Lol, typical doctors!

xx

KarrierBag · #37 (**permalink**) 21-May-2008, 19:21

Originally Posted by nikolelily

i began as a doula when i was 19. i had much trouble getting clients of "older" age, i think due to the fact most women want a "mothering" type to support them, and can not see that coming from a gal that age. i ended up volunteering with much younger gals. this worked for both parties, they felt a closer kinship to me, a young mother myself and closer to their age than any healthcare provider they were seeing, and i got to do births! i am 23 now, and i still feel that my age is a hinderance, as a doula at least, i am not a midwife yet and have a load of time until then, so that i can not say.

That's good experience, I bet the girls felt a lot more secure (not sure if that's the right word) having someone close to their own age with them! Well done you!!

xx

midwifemissy · #38 (**permalink**) 21-May-2008, 19:22

Registrars can be very scary and even intimidating in their manner sometimes, and I have to admit I always hope they don't come to me when they want to know something lol.

Shopaholic · #39 (**permalink**) 21-May-2008, 21:24

Hahaha Madwife Mccann scrubs is amazing! I have just started watching it and I am hooked!!

I did wonder whether that is what it must be like your first day in a hospital! Luv them all!

I am worried about my age when starting! I'll be 20 with no children!

I think it'l be hard at first but I will get used to it. Working in Mothercare now, it happens all the time, women thinking I am too young to help them with anything but in the end they do come back to me and thank me for my help and that they coudn't of done without me.

Just because your young, I don't believe you have a disadvantage because you may have the right knowledge and abilities to care for a pregnant woman and her family. It's just up to the women to realise that.

x x x

kittykat · #40 (**permalink**) 26-May-2008, 23:13

Originally Posted by emsi88

Just because your young, I don't believe you have a disadvantage because you may have the right knowledge and abilities to care for a pregnant woman and her family. It's just up to the women to realise that.

I totally agree, I'm 19 and do not have any children(apart from my niece and nephew whom I love to steal!!) and if a woman thinks I'm inferior to an older student/midwife then they obviously don't have a very open mind, or aren't willing to accept it, hopefully this won't happen!

For me, it is the right time to start training, because I don't have a family, home etc, not to say it will be easier just that this was my choice of career since i was about 11 years old, and having the chance to do it now is perfect timing.

I really don't think it should matter what age you are, you're obviously suited to the course otherwise why would they offer you a place?

Perhaps my opinions will change, perhaps they won't...just my two cents!