For many new student midwives, September marks the start of an exciting journey into a rewarding profession. But while anticipation is high, it’s natural to feel nervous about what’s ahead.
To help ease those first-days nerves, Sheffield Hallam second-year student midwife Khadijah Madden has shared her reflections and advice for those just beginning their training.
Khadijah, who has wanted to be a midwife for as long as she can remember, remembers her first day vividly: a mixture of excitement and nerves, but eager to meet others who shared the same passion.
Now, two years into her degree, she is a member of the Royal College of Midwives’ Student Midwife Forum. Here, she shares tips and advice to make the most of your midwifery journey.
Advice for new students:
First of all – welcome! Midwifery is such a special area of healthcare. Generally, people are excited and happy to meet you. Be open, willing to learn, and enjoy every part of the experience.
What makes me feel confident on my first placement:
I tell myself I’m going to have a good day. I expect it to be a good day – and honestly, it works. Try it!
The most useful thing I’ve learned that you won’t find in a textbook:
Never make assumptions about the people you meet or their relationships to each other. Always ask (with a smile). You’ll save yourself from awkward or embarrassing moments – trust me on that one!
Looking after your mental health on placement:
You need to be really in touch with your emotions and spot the early signs of burnout or distress. What’s helped me:
- Debriefing regularly
- Speaking to the Trust’s learning coordinator
- Attending the sessions your uni provides
- And most importantly: Don’t make your entire life about midwifery. Have a hobby. Take days off. During the holidays, shut the laptop. Don’t stress about how many births you’ve supported or what your Midwifery Ongoing Record of Achievement (we call this MORA) looks like. Take that break. Enjoy other parts of life so that you can miss midwifery a bit – and return refreshed and ready to give your best.
My best peer support advice:
Join groups, including your university’s Midwifery Society – keep trying until you find one that clicks. The right support network makes all the difference.
What I wish I knew before I started:
You don’t know what you don’t know! You might think you understand midwifery, but you’re about to meet people from every background, culture, and walk of life. You’ll be surprised – shocked even – and that’s okay. Let it shape you.
The most rewarding part so far:
Definitely breastfeeding support. There’s something so special about helping a mother who desperately wants to breastfeed, but just needs a bit of support. Then, when it clicks and they finally get it – that moment is pure joy.
I was also surprised by how rewarding it is to support the partners. Sometimes, during labour, the birthing person goes into ‘the zone’, and their partner feels helpless. But with a little encouragement and guidance, they realise they can help – and when you witness that little magical moment between them? It’s priceless.
Study hacks:
- I’m dyslexic and sometimes mix up numbers, which can be a problem, so I say them out loud to see if they “sound right.”
- Read the material they give you- and use apps that read it to you.
- Most importantly: Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed. Don’t struggle in silence.
Don’t miss our Instagram Live!
Join the RCM’s Instagram Live on Wednesday 10 September from 12pm to 1pm. For this live, we’ll be joined by Saffron Lewis and Kurt Lee from our Student Midwifery Forum as we discuss ways you can thrive on your midwifery programme, talk through placement information, student life and the professional support available to you. We’ll end the live with a Q&A – you can submit your questions to us via our Instagram account @midwives_RCM.
You can also join the RCM as a student member – giving you access to support and advice, i-learn modules, learning resources, and the opportunity to be part of a supportive community. More information on joining can be found here.
