Providing obstetric care to expectant mothers, midwives play a vital role in the birthing procedure as well as during pregnancy. Working closely with other doctors, health visitors and social workers, the candidate will examine and monitor pregnant women, assess care requirements and carry out screening tests.
Those involved in midwifery will have to be excellent communicators, good with people and be able to handle giving out advice and support in the cases of terminations, stillborn births, miscarriage or neonatal abnormalities. A good knowledge of drugs and dietary requirements of pregnant women is preferred.
Midwifery education requirements are that graduates with diplomas or degrees in any subject can apply to do the course, which is a three- to four-year diploma. The candidate must be of sound health, fit, have excellent interpersonal skills, be resilient and prepared to sometimes work unsocial hours. The candidate can expect between £20,100 and £25,800, depending on skill level and experience. Bonuses and a good pension scheme are usually the norm.