Abigail is studying PGCert in Midwifery and has elected the Optimal Birth module in preparation to transfer onto a master’s programme. She’s found the hybrid format a supportive tool for her busy life.
Life before City
What were you doing before you came to study at City?
I have been a qualified nurse and midwife for 13 years. Currently I work as a Maternity Triage Midwife and Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA) within the NHS.
Why did you choose to study at City?
I previously studied nursing at City. On reflection, the training and preparation I had received was excellent. What impresses me is how each module, then and now, complements each other. This gives me renewed perspectives on contextual awareness, supports my reflective practice and has improved my analytical skills.
Postgraduate training at City has enabled me to articulate why the biopsychosocial model of care that we give as midwives is essential. I feel that I have been able to re-engage with what is fundamentally important to my practice.
Why did you choose to study your course?
I went into midwifery after giving birth to my three children quite closely together. I had three hospital deliveries unaware that I could have birthed at home or in a midwifery led unit/birth centre. I wasn’t completely satisfied with the care I had received, whether it was antenatal, during delivery, or post-natal.
It made me realise I didn’t want other women to feel as I did. Especially with the experiences around my first pregnancy and birth.
We’re spoilt for choice in so many areas of our lives, but the way we give birth is still so controlled. Women often have very little choice in how they give birth in the UK in the 21st century. This need for control over childbirth often strips women/birthing people of their autonomy.
The knowledge we’re gaining, and the conversations we’re having on this course are important for the futures of so many women and birthing people
Studying at City
How have you found the teaching and facilities on your course?
Unquestionably the hybrid format has advantages and has been interesting. I’ve found it to be a beneficial tool as the lectures are recorded, so you can go back and listen again.
The face-to-face teaching is inspiring. You realise you're not a lone voice. It's fulfilling to come together with people who are also working midwives, who actually feel similar and want to re-engage with the social aspects of childbirth, and with women and birthing people giving birth in hospital environments.
Future plans
How will these experiences help you with your future career?
At this juncture, where an vast majority of childbirth occurs in a hospital setting, I am dedicated to supporting women/birthing people and midwives in that setting. I feel that the role of a Band 6 midwife advocating for clients and supporting colleagues is varied, complex and potentially very powerful leading from the ground.
Undoubtedly this master’s will enrich my knowledge and ability to effectively advocate for women/birthing people.
Every encounter with a woman/birthing person counts. Working in Maternity Triage my assessment starts as soon as I lay eyes on a client. Along with the physical assessment I ensure I ask about their overall health. Our midwifery practice is more meaningful than the reductive assessment criteria based merely on limited physical parameters of assessment tools.
Midwives have made the effort to graduate as professionally qualified midwives and this is not a small task. Acknowledging colleagues need support and understanding when work can be challenging is an important part of my overall practice as this can also impact the overall experience of our clients.
This course enabled me to build upon the tools I have to provide women/birthing people with a better chance of having an optimal experience of childbirth.
Combining my therapeutic use of self with my midwifery knowledge, optimal birth physiology comes into play, improving the clients experience. They go home feeling empowered by the experience and engaged with her family unit.
What would be your advice to anyone considering studying this course?
I would encourage people to do this worthwhile and very rewarding course. It adds perspective to your work and assists you to recognise the positives from each experience. You can really engage with the learning material and implement it into your everyday practice/interactions with your colleagues.
Do ensure you have the support of your line manager as it’s rewarding, but will require a lot of time. Plan how you’ll juggle the rest of your life alongside your studies. Good luck to all those embarking on this journey!
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