How to become a midwife

Buthelezi, who is working at the Far East Rand Hospital, explains that midwifery is divided into neonatal, ante natal, labour and post natal sections.

She says it includes responsibilities such as caring for the mother and the baby and adhering to hospital policy and maintaining an awareness of issues such as health and safety.

To qualify as a midwife, one must obtain basic nursing training, as well as an advanced diploma in midwifery.

Some of the admission requirements

•  Proof of registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a nurse and midwife
•  Students must be employed as a midwife in a maternity ward of an approved hospital
•  A signed agreement from the unit manager and preceptor for the practical

Diploma modules in Advanced midwifery and neonatal nursing science

•  Module one: Nursing skills during pregnancy part one
•  Module two: Nursing skills during pregnancy part two
•  Module three: Nursing skills during labour part one
•  Module four: Nursing skills during labour part two
•  Module five: Postnatal care and neonatal nursing science part one
•  Module six: Postnatal care and neonatal nursing science part two
•  Module seven: Midwifery skills, advanced midwifery and neonatal nursing part one
•  Module eight: Midwifery skills, advanced midwifery and neonatal nursing part two.

Every clinical subject contains a practical component and one is required to perform at least 30 hours of practical service per week in the maternity and or neonatal unit in the clinic, hospital or unit where you are employed, which is approved by the SANC.

Buthelezi says the important skills and the knowledge that one needs in order to pursue a career in midwifery include dealing with emotionally charged situations, ability to answer questions and offer advice and excellent people skills. She also encouraged others to study to become the midwives.