A midwifery society inspired by RCM Student Conference

After attending the RCM Student Midwives Conference in Brighton I am full of enthusiasm, having shared such a stimulating experience with so many other midwifery students. Speakers included leaders in the world of policy, clinical practice and research and to hear the warmth of their voices and see them in person was particularly motivating, as their words carried more weight spoken than written on paper alone. They delivered information with such passion; inspiring me to investigate further not only those subjects I am particularly interested in – but issues I had not considered before. One such topic was the possibility of caesarean section procedures being conducted more sensitively, allowing the parents a more satisfying experience, as discussed by Dr Niamh McCabe, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital, Belfast.
 
My companions and I enjoyed visiting the numerous and diverse stalls, collecting goodies and leaflets, which provide invaluable information on products, initiatives and organisations that will become part of our working world. There was an energetic buzz throughout the venue and I felt that the whole experience gave me a greater sense of belonging in the magical world of midwifery, along with a renewed sense of purpose as I returned to my studies. 

On my return to university, I was disappointed that there had been so few representatives of our midwifery programme at this national conference. This was also true for a number of other universities around the country, as evidenced by the attendance list included in the programme. Why is this? On investigation, a number of factors seem to contribute to this situation. Financial cost and travel arrangements were a major issue alongside availability of childcare for the period of the conference. There was general consensus that students had not pursued attendance at this, or indeed many other events, due to lack of support and peer lethargy – possibly due to unspoken concerns. The easiest option was ‘I’ll go next year’. 

This situation has prompted a small group of my cohort to launch a ‘midwifery society’ through the university student’s union, in the hope that a combined strategy of saving, co-operation and resource sharing can be developed. This would enable increased access for midwifery students to enhanced learning experiences throughout the year. There are often inexpensive study days and events highlighted in the RCM Midwives magazine and other media, and through the society we could adopt a cohesive approach; co-ordinating transport and assisting with fees. Inviting speakers to our own lecture rooms and holding events open to other interested students could provide fundraising opportunities that enable subsidised costs for our members. A forum for discussion would stimulate independent thinking and a whole host of current topics, guidelines and studies could be picked over and debated. The society could also become a vehicle for change – highlighting local and national issues relating to midwifery and protecting beliefs and practices we feel strongly about as we move towards qualification.

Setting up a society involves a simple form, four committee members and deciding a nominal membership fee. The university student’s union provides a web page and is able to give plenty of experienced advice and support regarding room booking, income management and promotional aspects.

As a second year mature student, I have successfully negotiated the winding path of first year midwifery training, confronting apprehensions when learning new skills, coping with the stress of juggling placement, family, work and social pressures and enjoying waves of relief at passing the seemingly insurmountable hurdle of end of year examinations. I have personally found that access to external influences, beyond the excellent curricula provided by my programme, gave me that extra bit of focus and wider perspective when the going got tough, reminding me of the possibilities and exciting options available to me in the future. 

As the blind corners and hurdles of the second year’s path loom ahead, I know that inspiration will help me stay on track. I am excited about the opportunities our midwifery society could provide, promoting the joys of hearing experts share their knowledge and facilitating student participation. This society could further improve our personal midwifery practice and self confidence, ultimately benefiting the women we compassionately support. It could also provide an important support structure for those who need it across all years of the university midwifery course. There are times during placements or prior to assignment deadlines when understanding, advice and friendly support makes the difference between continuing with training and stepping off the path.

I would be interested in exploring the prevalence of midwifery societies at universities elsewhere in the UK, possibly discussing their activities through the RCM Communities student pages; sharing ideas on what works – and what doesn’t. Personally, I’m looking forward to the RCM Student Conference 2012 and would like to think that the development of a midwifery society will enable greater participation at this worthwhile and inspiring event, and many others leading up to it.