When you give birth will you be happy to have a student in the room?
The topic of ‘students in the birth room’ often comes up during a Talking Babies course. Many are quick to say ‘No students’ on their birth plan/preferences. Of course, this is your choice and your choice will be respected. But, before you write in ‘no students’ please read this blog to make sure you mean it.
The media has not exactly ‘sold’ having students as a good thing. We can all think of an ER scene where 7 students circle a patient (who is lying perfectly on the bed, tucked in!). The scene continues with them speaking only to each other about the ‘case’. The poor patient just sits politely and gets little or no involvement. In my experience this is NOT what happens, certainly not on maternity, thank goodness!
Let me tell you what to expect…
ONE STUDENT WITH A FULLY QUALIFIED, EXPERIENCED MIDWIFE IS THE NORM.
This student could be a student Midwife (often the case), a student Doctor or, a student paramedic. Remember, all these students are committed to their chosen profession. They have worked hard, been professionally interviewed and police checked to get where they are.
I know that students offer fantastic care, trust me I’ve seen it! Where your Midwife may be seeing another woman, answering the phone or simply snowed under with paper work your student can be by your side, only your side, helping you and your partner achieve a wonderful birth. Some of my best birth memories are from when I was a student Midwife.
The thing is, if everyone declined students it wouldn’t take long before the NHS crumbled. Everyone in these professions and alike have had to start out as a student. These STUDENTS ARE OUR FUTURE. They may become the Midwives who deliver your grandchildren, the paramedics who come running to help when you desperately need it, or the doctors who help your loved one get better.
I admit I am biased in encouraging you to welcome a student in but, remember I wouldn’t be the Midwife I am today, helping you if it wasn’t for the brilliant women, men and families who welcomed me in. I will be forever grateful to them.
Thanks for reading hopefully this has helped you to make your mind up. Either way, please remember to clearly indicate in your birth preferences/plan if you are happy for a student to be with you or not.
You may also like reading:
- Mary and Sam’s Positive Forceps Birth
- Natalie and Paul’s Positive Unplanned C-section
- Rachael’s Positive Intense Hypnobirthing Birth