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Midwifery

birthing pool

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to the Midwifery resources page.

Here you will find out exactly what our academics are looking for in their students, including skills they look out for, some of the topics they want you to know, recommended reading and useful places to boost your knowledge.

So without further ado let's get started!

Skills we are looking for

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Effective problem-solving skills
  • Caring and compassionate
  • Interest and basic understanding of anatomy and physiology
  • Ability to work independently and also as part of a team
  • Enthusiasm for midwifery

"A strong personal statement is needed to evidence what skills and attributes applicants have to make them a good midwife."

Midwifery lecturer

Topics to explore before you start

  • The role of the midwife
  • Woman’s Health
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Human Biology
"The course is particularly heavy with Human Biology. A good grounding in this is essential and indeed why science is an essential requirement to step onto the programme."

Midwifery lecturer

a student midwife supporting a couple, with the woman in the early stages of labour

Recommended reading to prepare for university

  • National Maternity review
  • The Baby friendly Initiative 
  • Coad, J., Dunstall, M., and Pedley, K. (2019) Anatomy & physiology for Midwives. 4th edn. London: Churchill Livingstone. ISBN:0702066680.
  • Johnson, R., and Taylor, W. (2016) Skills for Midwifery Practice. 4th edn. London: Elsevier. ISBN:0702061875.
  • Lindsay, P., Bagness, C., and Peate, I. (2018) Midwifery Skills at a Glance. England: Elsevier. ISBN:1119233917.
  • Macdonald, S., and Johnson, G. (2017) Mayes’ Midwifery. 15th edn. London: Elsevier. ISBN:0702062111.
  • Marshall, J.E., and Raynor, M.D. (2014) Myles Textbook for Midwives. 17th edn. London: Churchill Livingstone. ISBN:0702076422.
  • Peate, I., and Hamilton, C. (2014) The Student’s Guide to Becoming a Midwife. 2nd edn. Chichester, England: Wiley- Blackwell. ISBN:1118410939.
a student midwife undertaking a simulation of introducing a father to their baby.

Programmes to know

    Students need to be familiar with commonly used programmes, such as:

  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Zoom
  • Microsoft Teams

Websites our academics recommend

Standards for Midwives:

We are the professional regulator for nurses and midwives in the UK, and nursing associates in England.

How to become a Midwife:

Considering a career in midwifery? Find out how to get there, and what to expect along the way

Hertfordshire and West Essex Health and Care Academy:

The Academy is a collaboration of health and care organisations across Hertfordshire and west Essex, working together to develop a workforce that delivers the best possible care for our community.

Professional bodies to research

The Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC):

The professional regulator for nurses and midwives in the UK, and nursing associates in England.

two student midwives checking on a pregnant patient in a bed

Courses Herts offer

Interested in studying Midwifery here at Herts?

Take a look at our undergraduate course below:

Did you know that there are new government grants available from September 2020 for both new and continuing degree-level Midwifery students? Find out more about the NHS Learning Support Fund

Get a feel for studying at Herts

Contact us

We hope you all found these resources useful but we appreciate that you may have more questions.

If you have any questions regarding our campuses, facilities, accommodation or just general life here at Herts, you can contact current Herts students via Unibuddy.