student midwife essentials

can any make any recommendations
of things to buy ahead of starting a midwifery degree at uni, thanks

Hi
Have lots and lots of bio pens for when you are at placement in hospital because sometimes you'll get someone asking to borrow a pen but never get it back....
Notebooks - have a pocket notebook in your uniform pocket when you are on any placement to take down notes on things you have done during your daily shift ( where you get the opportunity to do so), as you can then rewrite it up on your coursework folder as it will eventually form part of your essays, assignment and exams over the three years of the course. ( Keep all your notes until you qualify).
A4 notebook if you are wishing to write down your lectures notes at university study weeks.
Get a good pair or two of very comfortable shoes/ trainers ( I wear sketchers trainers as very comfortable for walking as my health board allows us to wear either ) - you'll need to know what your hospital trust uniform policy is for wearing footwear as some allows both shoes or trainers, you'll get some stating shoes only, so make sure you know what the uniform policy is before you buy them okay.
You could buy yourself a Stethoscope for your own personal usage and it should last you for a very long time if look after it ( you can use what is provided but they are shared amongst everyone else hence why I bought my own one as don't like sharing 😔).
A recent version of anatomy and psychology of the human body will be good for you to learn the human body ( Ross & Wilson generally the best to get - but you'll be giving a PDF list of books etc that you'll be required for your coursework from the university when you start) and then you can borrow these from the university library or if possible local council library.
Good luck with your coursework and and also look forward to three years of very hard work 🙏 🙏 🙏
NHS band 7 senior charge midwife

Following for answers as I am starting to prepare for September - planning to get myself a payday treat each month to collect things I'll need for the course,
So far I have crocheted myself a stuffed boob as I've seen those as needed for breastfeeding support and have started a wishlist of a few books, personalised fleece etc.
My friend ordered me a pretty student midwife name badge when I got my offer
The next big thing I want to start looking at is shoes! My course is integrated placement so will be out from week 3 and need to get them bought and worn in over the summer 🙂

thank you for this. im so looking foward to getting into it, i knownits gunna b tough, but worth it! wanna make sure i am as prepared as i possible can be

Following for answers as I am starting to prepare for September - planning to get myself a payday treat each month to collect things I'll need for the course,
So far I have crocheted myself a stuffed boob as I've seen those as needed for breastfeeding support and have started a wishlist of a few books, personalised fleece etc.
My friend ordered me a pretty student midwife name badge when I got my offer
The next big thing I want to start looking at is shoes! My course is integrated placement so will be out from week 3 and need to get them bought and worn in over the summer 🙂

You'll get a official name badge as part of your uniform and you have to wear that unless you ask if you can wear the one your friend got you.
Making sure you get a very good pair of comfortable footwear as you'll be on your feet a lot during your placement. Sketchers are very good but there's also Clarks. ( Depending on your hospital trust uniform policy - you might be able to wear either trainers or shoes so perhaps check this out so you know what you are to buy.
The stuffed boobs for breastfeeding isn't real necessary but at least you would have it and practice the knowledge of breastfeeding..... Although you may be taught this it doesn't mean that the new mum wants to breastfeed because you can't force anyone to do that as it's personal choice. You are encouraged to get the new mum to breastfeed and hopefully she will.
Good luck with your midwife degree and hopefully you'll enjoy your next three years of very hard work ❣️ ❣️ ❣️

Thank you!
Yes my friend works at the trust and they wear their yellow ones on lanyards but also have fun/character/pretty ones on their pocket 😊 I thought it was a lovely thoughtful congratulations gift
Absolutely agree with you re: breastfeeding, it’s uni who have recommended we all have our own boobs for skills but I was one of those women who just didn’t produce any milk so can see both sides of feeding struggles and choices
Shoes, are there a particular type of sketchers you’d recommend? I see lots of people saying them but never which ones 😊

Hi Sarah
You are welcome 🤗 🤗 for the information and hopefully it will help you.
Hopefully you'll get find some good stuff on the internet as well...... which will give you some insight on the coursework
Have you ever watched " Emma Willis delivering babies" and the TV program filmed in Liverpool woman's hospital ( maternity) as they may let you see how things are at those different hospitals with maternity care. ( Forgot to mention that previously).
Sometimes it is best to actually wait until you start your midwife degree as this is the best way to learn what you are doing instead of sometimes reading or watching misinformation on the internet about maternity.
I never looked at anything before I started my midwife degree as left it until I started the coursework.
I knew some basic nursing facts because my mum was a adult nurse and learnt from her about some of the basic nursing skills which was okay but nothing to do with pregnancy.
It's tough going but certainly worth it at the end.... Do what you can do in preparation for this and take whatever you learnt from it into your midwife degree. Xx🤗😀

Thank you!
Yes my friend works at the trust and they wear their yellow ones on lanyards but also have fun/character/pretty ones on their pocket 😊 I thought it was a lovely thoughtful congratulations gift
Absolutely agree with you re: breastfeeding, it’s uni who have recommended we all have our own boobs for skills but I was one of those women who just didn’t produce any milk so can see both sides of feeding struggles and choices
Shoes, are there a particular type of sketchers you’d recommend? I see lots of people saying them but never which ones 😊

i have not watch the emma willis program but will add it to my list i just wanna be prepared as possible as i have the luxury of time right now which i know i wont come september

can any make any recommendations
of things to buy ahead of starting a midwifery degree at uni, thanks

You could also watch the Young Midwives of Essex and Nurses on the Ward on the U:TV Series Stream on Demand app for free.