Embrace the twists and turns of your learning journey: Becoming a midwife

Selecting the correct career is a crucial decision with far-reaching implications. It is a choice that will shape your future, underscoring the importance of making an informed decision.

Over the next few weeks, The African Reporter will engage with business people, professionals and other role players, focusing on a specific career every week.

By doing this, we aim to provide valuable guidance to our younger readers navigating their career choices. This week, we give a platform to the midwife career.

Kulungile Nkosi has been a midwife for four years and says her love for delivering babies and helping pregnant women throughout their pregnancies led her to the career.

Her advice to those aspiring to go the same route is, “Do thorough research on what midwifery is, go to accredited universities and colleges, have a compassionate heart and be willing to compromise much of your time to help patients,” she said.

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What is a midwife?
A midwife is a healthcare professional/nurse specialising in providing comprehensive care to women and newborns during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, with a focus on natural, normal birth. They mostly assist with non-medicated births and help patients who prefer to have a natural birth.

What do midwives do?
They offer holistic and supportive care, including antenatal care, labour support and postpartum education. Some provide routine reproductive care like pelvic exams, Pap tests or counselling on birth control.

They might also provide full antenatal care, including parenting classes, clinical examinations and screening. They are also responsible for identifying high-risk pregnancies, monitoring women and supporting them during labour and the birthing process.

They teach new and expectant mothers how to feed, care for and bathe their babies. Midwives are equipped to independently monitor and handle uncomplicated birthing situations. Patients might prefer the addition of an obstetrician in the case of premature or multiple births, among others.

Where can I study to become a midwife?
You can pursue a Bachelor of Nursing (BNursing) degree at various universities, including:

• the Tshwane University of Technology;

• the University of Johannesburg;

• the University of Fort Hare;

• a diploma in nursing: General Nurse (R171) with an advanced diploma in midwifery (R1497);

• Postgraduate diploma in midwifery: The University of Johannesburg offers this diploma.

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How long does it take to become a midwife?
It typically takes about four years to become a midwife in SA. A more detailed breakdown:

• Education: You must complete a four-year Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery (BNurs) degree, which includes practical experience in hospitals and clinics.

• Registration: Upon completing your degree, you must register with the South African Nursing Council to practice as a professional nurse and midwife.

• Further studies: For advanced studies, you can enrol in an advanced or postgraduate diploma in midwifery.

• Alternative path: If already a registered nurse, you can pursue a full-time or part-time one-year course to be a midwife.

• Training: Training is offered as an advanced diploma in midwifery (GNR1497) at public colleges of nursing and a postgraduate diploma in Midwifery (R635) at public colleges of nursing and universities.

Which high school subjects do I need to become a midwife?
National senior certificate:
• English, life sciences and mathematics at level 5.
An APS of 30, excluding life orientation, is required.

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What are the roles and responsibilities of a midwife?
• Providing family planning and preconception services;

• Doing exams and administering tests when necessary;

• Overseeing all aspects of physical and mental health during pregnancy and delivery;

• Giving dietary advice to stay healthy during pregnancy;

• Providing exercise regimens;

• Advising which medications can be taken before birth to improve medical outcomes;

• Deliver the baby;

• Writing a referral for a patient to see a doctor like an obstetrician or paediatrician;

• Admit and release the mother from a hospital or medical facility

What skills do I need to become a good midwife?
• Communication: For the professional to convey information about the birthing process to the patients who might be distressed.

•Active listening: Common understanding is required to understand patients’ concerns, answer their questions and provide relevant information or responses.

• Leadership skills: There’s a need to motivate patients to collaborate with them to achieve safe deliveries.

• Problem-solving skills: Should be able to overcome the challenges a patient might experience.

• Knowledge of all pregnancy stages: Apply their knowledge to help patients care for themselves to minimise risks;

•Advocacy: Good advocacy skills ensure everything goes well as per the patients’ desires.

What are the pros and cons of the job?
Disadvantages: Long working hours, litigations and a lack of resources in most government institutions. Advantages: Career growth, ability to open your practice.

Where do midwives work?
• Hospitals, clinics, birth centres and people’s homes