Week in the life of a Student Midwife and Well-being Tips!
A week as a student midwife doesn’t quite match the stereotypical image of uni life. The course is intense and juggling everything can be hard! I am currently on placement on the postnatal ward and expected to work three twelve and half hour shifts a week (full-time). These can be a combination of day and night shifts in which I am allocated a practice supervisor to assess my skills. I have a series of competencies, reflections and feedback to gather which creates a portfolio ready to be assessed at the end of the year. This week I have worked Monday, Thursday and Sunday day shifts. During these shifts I am expected to work within my competencies under indirect supervision.
A day shift on postnatal ward often looks like:
7.00am - Handover from the night shift team. I am allocated a bay of women and babies to take care of for the day alongside my mentor midwife.
7.30am - Introductions are made to the women and I undertake observations (blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate, oxygen saturation and temperature) and postnatal checks of each mum and baby. I am then required to document each check on each mother’s observation chart and postnatal maternity book.
8.00am - The drugs round is carried out. Women are provided any prescribed medications and pain relief on request.
8.30am - Full blood counts are taken from women that need their Hb levels re checking before going home. This indicates whether or not women need iron prescribed or in more serious cases a blood transfusion.
9.00am - I distribute discharge leaflets are and provide discharge talks to women and their partners if they are going home that day. This entails important information such as birth registration, cord care, safe sleeping, contraception and signs to look out for.
The rest of the day is often unpredictable and can vary each day. Throughout the day we often get women coming through from labour ward, post caesarean section or instrumental delivery. In this case we are expected to carry out maternal observations regularly as well as baby observations if they are required. It is important to escalate any observations that deviate from the norm to the correct healthcare professional as soon as possible so it can be dealt with appropriately.
As a student midwife coming to the end of my second year, if I were to give tips to any other student midwives it would be to treat people how you would want to be treated. I believe if you are compassionate with the care you provide and do the best you can do each day then that is all anybody can ever ask of you. If you are unsure of something it is better (and safer) to ask somebody in the team that can help you. You are not expected to know it all… so be KIND to yourself.
I know at the moment maternity services across the UK are in a crisis, with short staffing and high volumes of women to care for. As a student midwife you can definitely feel the pressure of this and some days feel like it’s all too much. Here are some things I have found useful:
Plan your meals in advance to take on shift and make them nutritiously dense. If you’re fuelling yourself with good food you’re more likely to feel energised. (I have a selection of recipes on my Instagram page @sarahfitnessuk which are perfect for taking to shifts).
Plan lovely things to do on your days off (meal out, walk with a friend, cooking etc.)
Get some exercise in (I am bit of a workout addict because I love the way it makes me feel) However even if you’re not someone who loves exercising, try doing some gentle yoga or a walk in the fresh air.
Listen to some podcasts. I love a podcast and always listen to one when I am on a walk. I have a highlight reel on my Instagram page if you need some inspo!
Rest! It is so important to allow yourself to have some downtime. Listen to your body and recharge.
Remember you are not alone and if you ever want a chat then please drop me a message… I would love to hear from you :) Good Luck with your training… I know you are going to make an AMAZING midwife.