Midwifery Experience

Since you've effectively shut out responses by telling us what you don't want to hear, and feel that the most sensible advice you would get is 'patronizing' - well, carry on.

lol, I'm sorry you're so offended. the reason i made that statement is because the last time i asked this exact question i was shut down and told to simply finish my undergrad degree. if you have no advice to give me, i would rather you not make snarky comments. thanks but no thanks!

I'm not offended a bit. But when you ask experienced people already practicing in the profession a question, and then tell them what answers you will and won't accept- you handcuff yourself. Mature people are open to what others have to tell them- whether the answer fits what they want to hear or not.

Hm. You're reading into my question way too much. I was simply asking what actions I can take towards building my career besides solely focusing on my nursing courses. I explicitly stated finding nursing school interesting and not overwhelming as to indicate that I have free time to focus on my passions. I would imagine mature people established in the field to be supportive of those of us entering the profession- but I guess you just have a chip on your shoulder. I also never said what answers I will and will not accept - that's not even a technological feature of this forum posting. I simply said please do not tell me to just focus on my undergrad since I am already doing that and having no trouble with it.

Hm. You're reading into my question way too much. I was simply asking what actions I can take towards building my career besides solely focusing on my nursing courses. I explicitly stated finding nursing school interesting and not overwhelming as to indicate that I have free time to focus on my passions. I would imagine mature people established in the field to be supportive of those of us entering the profession- but I guess you just have a chip on your shoulder. I also never said what answers I will and will not accept - that's not even a technological feature of this forum posting. I simply said please do not tell me to just focus on my undergrad since I am already doing that and having no trouble with it.

And this is different from telling us what answers you won't accept how? My point is: focusing on your studies at the undergrad level IS the best thing you can do right now. You are not going to get midwife-type experience at this level and you are not guaranteed a job in L&D upon graduation. Focus on learning to be the best all-around nurse you can be NOW, while you have that chance. Because, chances are you are going to be practicing in an environment outside your very narrow interest area as a new grad. I wish you success.

I understand that and am looking forward to working in different environment. It's just I also am very interested in birthing. Maybe I came off as abrupt and I apologize for that. Thank you anyways.

Not sure how you would "assist" the midwife. You don't have a license, so they can't let you do much of anything. Additionally- as you found out, being in the hospital environment mostly means being relegated to doing tasks and not being able to necessarily see a lot of action. You might get better luck asking to shadow home births since there is a lot less regulation.

Since you feel so free to tell us what we can't recommend I will simply keep my answer to myself since you are apparently prepared to not listen to it.

I think you should reconsider the doula route. I just got into nursing school and my end goal is midwifery as well. I plan on getting DONA certified so I can volunteer as a doula when I have time. I feel that this will 1) get me in the action with midwives/providers so I can closely observe their process and 2) give me the tools I need to be a more understanding and caring midwife.

I think you are right. Thank you

I agree that pursuing your doula certification would be beneficial and worthwhile. It is something you can do while still in nursing school and up until the point of becoming a CNM. I wish I would have done it! It'll also be helpful on your CNM program application to have that experience. I've had six years since graduating nursing school to now awaiting to hear back whether I've been accepted to Frontier...would have been a smart use of my time :). Like someone else mentioned, you might reach out to homebirth midwives or birth centers in your area to discuss birth assisting. Good luck!

Hi! I'm in a very similar boat except I'm just starting nursing school. I just took a training through Prodoula - less expensive than other organizations and focuses on professionalism while building provider relationships. I've been very happy with them and want to eventually get certified in childbirth education. Good Luck!