Midwife Reflective Account

I initially considered midwifery when I attended an antenatal scan with my auntie and heard the heartbeat of the unborn baby for the first time. Listening to discussions regarding health concerns and family support highlighted the importance of the midwife and mother relationship. Two years ago I was given the opportunity to be my mum’s birthing partner alongside my dad. I saw how the midwives interacted and were supportive through the birthing and decision making process. It was found that the baby was breach and the safe option was a caesarean section, and with the complications discussed mum was able to make the right decision. I attended pre and postnatal appointments and listened to the midwives offering advice and guidance, develop a birthing plan as well as check and monitor the health and wellbeing of mum. These first hand experiences have given me a deeper understanding of the role of a midwife and how communication and building trusting relationships is key during these emotional and vulnerable times for a woman, and inspired me to become a midwife.

From conversations with various midwives I was interested in learning how they handled difficult situations such as a stillbirth. I know that compassion and professionalism are essential, and support from colleagues will me help deal with

As part of my health and social care project, I researched teenage pregnancy and discovered the rising trend especially in low socio-economic areas, the medical risks it carries and the high rate of abortion. This highlights the importance of promoting awareness to this age group and I would be interested in specialising and working in this area in the future. Researching websites such as the NMC and One to One Midwives gives me access to practitioner advice, up to date information and current issues. I discovered that delayed chord clamping not only keeps the mother-baby unit intact but prevents complications with delivering the