How to you KNOW this is for you??

Hello everyone!

Been talking to my mum about my decision to try and train as a midwife and she has left me feeling a little uncertain! She has said that she can not see me in a medical setting. Although I am 28, married and with two kids, her opinion is still really important to me! (I would never tell her but she is often right!!) One of my best friends has also made "hmmmmmmm" noises and asked why I want to do it. I think this is because I have only done office based stuff and my degree is in history.

I have been thinking about why I want to do this and feel that its because-
a) I love all things pregnancy and baby
b) I get on well with people and would enjoy helping women and would love to help make a difference with their pregnancies
c) I want a big change and to try something new
d) I am really excited about going back to uni
e) I'm pretty good at emergency situtations

However, my concerns are -
a) Could I really do it! What if I got too squeamish, or if I did something to hurt or frighten someone?
b) Can i cope with the shifts?
c) What effect will this job have on my children?

In my heart I feel increasingly that it is what i want to do, but can you KNOW it is?? Do I sound like I could do it or do you think my concerns are too big?

x x x

Ps- My husband says I should go for it!!

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Decided to postpone my application to 2010 for Beds and ARU x x x

Well you only need to look at the "before midwifery" thread to see what type of jobs students had before they applied!!
I think if your heart is in it, then go for it!! Do your research and look through the threads etc on here then decide if it is really want you want. Good luck x x x

I completely understand where you are coming from, I too worry about shifts and children, worry whether I will get squeamish (I used to hate needles and the sight of blood but I am now conditioning myself to see past it LOL!) because I know this is the career, the only career I want to do - I work in a maternity setting now (Ward clerk) and I see all the disadvantages, short staffing levels, low morale, stress and yet I still want to do it - can't explain - it's just something I HAVE to do.
xxxx

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Karen
Currently doing access course part-time Yay! I'm on my way now

i just KNOW, i have butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it, i get the tremors cos i get so excited, even tho its a long way off. its like fallin in love n knowing hes the one for u, same applies to midwifery, :-)

It's a big plus if your OH is behind you - obviously he must know you quite well !? and if he thinks you can do it then that should give you a boost!
I have had similar feelings but the more i think about it the more sure that i am.

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Frizzy bizzy and dizzy!

Hi
I know for sure that this is for me, even taking into account that its not a family friendly career and its going to be mega draining physically , emotionally and financially. I work in a healthcare setting with nurses and definitley know that isnt for me as I dont want to work with sick people. I think you just know, you feel passionate and want to gain more knowledge. You explore other options etc but keep coming back to Midwifery (like a dog with a bone lol! ) I dont think having any experience in a healthcare setting makes a difference anyway, clinical skills are something that are learnt along the way so how can anyone say they can't see you doing it?? If you've got the support of your hubby who sees the real you and is behind you, then go for it.
Gx

Hi Appletree,

I think everyone has some doubts about making such a big career change so you are certainly not on your own!! But i think the only way to find out if it is for you is to take the plunge and go for it!!! Sadly yes some students do leave the course often quite early in when they discover whats really involved and decide the job's not for them!!! But Im sure you will be fine your a mature woman with 2 kids who has obviously given this alot of thought. Why dont you try and get some work experience or just visit your local unit for a tour and a chat to some midwives to clarify things.
My advise would be to follow your dream we only live once and you can do anything if you put your mind to it and want it enough!!!
Good luck with everything
Jules xx

TRy doing some voluntary work if your maternity unit allows it? Or going along to your university's open day to see what everything is really about. You already have a degree so your academic side is great! maybe try talking to some local midwives for half hour and hope this helps you make your mind up. If it's in your heart then go for it, it's a big lifestyle change so of course you worry about how it will affect the life you already have set up. But the rewards are massive. take care, let us know how you get on! xxx

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I still don't know if it's the right choice for me lol! i still have days when i am full of doubt and terrified of the reponsibility and despairing over the assignments, but the highs always beat the lows, and there's no way i'm giving up. I don't think there is any way you can know for certain- but if it's in your heart then leap i know it sounds cheesy but you never know how right it could turn out to be!!!!

good luck and keep us posted xxxxx

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"With my hands, i have felt the strength it takes to grow, and release new spirit......."
"All the best births are the ones where you only have time to record times on a paper towel..."- a midwife, somewhere in the middle

Your reasons for wanting to do midwifery make you an ideal candidate to do the training, in my opinion!

As for feeling squeamish, you look after women throughout pregnancy so the delivery is actually quite a small part in that respect.

Most of the midwives have children and manage shift work!