Midwives

Midwives deliver, or assist in the delivery of babies, provide antenatal and postnatal care and advise parents on baby care. They work with other healthcare professionals, and advise on and teach midwifery practice.

Tasks

• Monitors condition and progress of patient and baby throughout pregnancy
• Delivers babies in normal births and assists doctors with difficult deliveries
• Monitors recovery of mother in postnatal period and supervises the nursing of premature and other babies requiring special attention
• Advises on baby care, exercise, diet and family planning issues
• Supervises more junior staff and directs the work of the midwifery unit
• Plans and manages midwifery care services
• Delivers lectures and other forms of training in midwifery practice.

Entry Requirements

A degree in midwifery is essential. Registered nurses can do a 12-18 month shortened course but graduates from other disciplines must undertake the full three or four-year degree programme. Entry to midwifery training without a degree or HND is also possible. Applicants must have a minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent) and at least two A-levels (or equivalent) for degree programmes. There is a lower age limit of 17 years 6 months to enter training.