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To all the new Midwifery students starting this month here’s some tips I’ve learned along the way...
1. Always carry a notebook - write down abbreviations, drugs/doses, hangovers, obs (and if you want to rewrite the important stuff in another book to build up a wee bible!)
1. Always carry a notebook - write down abbreviations, drugs/doses, hangovers, obs (and if you want to rewrite the important stuff in another book to build up a wee bible!)
2. Always have a minimum of 3 pens on you. They will get lost, they will run out at the worst moments...
3. ASK THE QUESTION. No such thing as a stupid question. Plus if your asking questions you are showing enthusiasm and I think confidence in knowing your limitations. (Write any appropriate answers in book in point 1)
4. Turn up early, SMILE, and introduce yourself to your mentor, HCSW, doctors, Charge Midwife’s etc and to every women and family you care for and meet. Fake it til you make it if you have too.
5. Make friends with some of your cohort. You will need them, they are the only ones that understand the rollercoaster you are about to go on! 
6. Have a life outwith Midwifery. Make time to study and for assignments, stick to it and you will have time to socialise too. You need to have a life, you need time away from “work”
7. Start an essay well before it’s due 
plan and research it!
plan and research it!
8. Be part of things - Midwifery societies, buddy schemes, journals...
9. If you can see this you are already here but TWITTER. Having a Midwifery based following list on twitter actually has helped me so much - great for finding out current issues, research articles, and how other students/midwives practice
10. COMFY SHOES!!!!!!!! 12.5 hour shifts in uncomfy shoes is not nice! Oh and a comfy bra too for the ladies.
11. Remember every day is a school day! You don’t know everything and nobody ever will.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. This shit is hard. Find coping mechanisms - exercise, socialising, watching a film, family time, wine... find what works for you and use it.
13. Enjoy it. Even on the bad days, you are allowed to hate it, have a bad day but remember the joy it brings you and you will get through, this is such a honour and privilege 
14. And when the shit hits the fan and you don’t know what to do first - SCRIBE.
15. Always Listen to the woman you are caring for. It can be so easy to become complacent and assume but don’t. Things can change fast in Midwifery. And women know their own bodies!
16. Even if you don’t have a great relationship with a practice supervisor you are working with, you can still learn from them or even learn how you don’t want to do things when you are qualified!
17. Remember why you wanted to be a midwife
18. Meconium happens sometimes Learn from it and move on 
Learn from it and move on
19. When in doubt squirt some breast milk on it 
