Becoming a midwife at pushing 40!!!

[tigwig]

I have worked with babies and young children since qualifying as a nursery nurse back in 1996. I have always harboured a dream of becoming a midwife or children's nurse and actually got accepted onto a course a few years back but decided to turn it down to start a family first.
Now I am thinking about it again and want to become a midwife but if I have to do an entry course first thats a total of 4 yrs full time study and I will be nearly 38 by then (once my youngest is at school).
So has anyone else done it at that age or should I forget it and concentrate on my kids?

[welshlibranr]

Haven't done it myself, I know it will be hard work for you!............but, if it's what you wnat to do!............go for it!...........40 isn't old!.............the way this country's going you'll be working till nearly 70 anyway!...........lol............go for it!........

[sherrardk]

Have you thought about becoming a dhoula? You have loads of experience so it might suit you. I looked into it but I couldn't do the birth bit (wasn't keen at being at the birth of my own children, let alone a stranger's) and didn't fancy the post-natal bit as I wouldn't have the patience.

[askyourgran]

I believe there is a chronic shortage of midwives. If you really feel you are up to it go for it tigs, although you are right to wait until your little ones are a bit older. The hours will be long and tiring and you will need a reliable childminder.

[tigwig]

The course is actually funded by the NHS so having to pay back fees wont be an issue just managing to live on one wage and an NHS bursary and probably paying for some childcare will be.
sherrard I havent given any thought to becoming a doula actually but I will look into it it may be less hassle!

[karenmac60]

Tigs, the thing that sticks out for me from my daughter's birth as far as midwives were concerned, is that they were all very nice and everything, but none of them had children. They were mostly all very young, with one older spinster - I wondered how they could be so sure about everything they were telling me if they hadn't actually done it themselves. (That probably sounds a lot harsher than I mean it to) I would have found it more reassuring if at least one of the team had been in my position, so I think someone with your experience would be a great asset! Also, you say you would only want to work 3 or 4 days a week - that may change, especially if you've been doing a full time course, and your kids will be older by the time you qualify. Keep looking into it and don't be put off by the age thing.

[rosycider]

You need to apply through UCAS see http://www.ucas.com/. Despite the national shortage of midwives, application is very competitive with around 8 - 10 applicants for every place on offer. Entry criteria ie UCAS points vary at each University. Each University course is 45 weeks a year ( most Uni courses are 33 - 35). It is a very tough course and degree only.