So now you know a little bit about my journey to midwifery, here is how I was inspired to apply for my course. Hope you enjoy!

I sometimes feel a little shame when I talk about how the Channel 4 TV show 'One Born Every Minute' encouraged me to begin my midwifery application.
But this was my only source of midwifery care that was readily available for most lay people.
Multiple Facebook statuses later about how I wished I could 'quit my job and become a midwife' followed by family and friends commenting how they thought I'd be great at it (again, their reality of midwifery care being OBEM) and I began researching courses in Scotland.

I now know that seeing midwifery in the media for the lay person can be empowering for future midwifery students. Yes, the reality portrayed on the show is not real. Yes, it is not a true reflection of working and training of a midwife BUT! the stories told by the women and families, the ability to be compassionate, the interest in the anatomy and physiology of labouring women DOES inspire future midwives to seek midwifery as a career, myself included.

Before applying I joined a well known chat site for potential student midwives, and even met girls on my course on there. I found the information invaluable, and daunting.

Honestly, I had no idea what 'holistic' care was, why people talking about a 'fundus' and not to mention where the hell was I going to get work experience with a full-time managerial job?
After a mad google search I decided my best bet to get started was to buy an anatomy and physiology textbook for midwives (this one from amazon) and to log into as many midwifery groups on Facebook and twitter that I could (I'll be doing a separate post on these).

One thing I knew would make or break it was my UCAS personal statement, and one bit of advice I pass onto those who wish to apply is; if you are applying for a Midwifery degree, talk a lot about midwifery in your personal statement, about how YOU have a passion for the profession.

My added bonus was my previous degree and job which meant I was offered an unconditional place at my chosen university first time round (after an interview), but I understand for some it can take a few attempts to get accepted. I didn't get into the other two universities I applied too (I limited myself to the three in Scotland) but I made sure I discussed my skills in relation to midwifery in the interview I was asked to attend.

An interview can be daunting no matter what it is for, and I found I felt very nervous before hand, even though my previous job had me interviewing others. I just hadn't sat on the other side of the table in a while. I knew above all else, I had to be myself. I really thought about why I was there, and what skills I already had to bring to the profession. This is a good starting point for those who have an interview ahead - how do you already fit the 'job' criteria? And focus on that.
For example:
Team work
Communication
Working in busy environments
Coping with stress
Asking for help
Thirst for knowledge
Ability to adapt and change

Hopefully some people will recognise these characteristics in themselves and realise work experience is not always how people get university places. Experience is invaluable and try to get this if you can, whether it be shadowing a midwife or working part time in a service profession e.g. care home.
I adapted my full time job to show how I can be versatile and use these skills in healthcare context, experience doesn't have to be in maternity services.

I think I've waffled on enough for today's post. Please ask questions and comment below, I love feedback!

Until next time,

Ruth x

twitter: @ruth_stmw
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