20 Secrets Midwives Want You To Know

Midwives really have seen it all and I bet you’ve wondered at some point what they actually think about it all. Well, it turns out that midwives have a lot of secrets and a lot of things that they really want you to know. So, let’s take a journey into the secrets of a midwife…

1.) They get annoyed when people think all they do is hold a woman’s hand

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Yes, midwives do give emotional support to woman during labour. However, they do offer much more than that and are a lot more medically talented. The put in IV drips, top up epidurals, give insulin infusions, take blood and stitch up skin in some VERY intimate places. So, they do a lot more than just hold hands!

2.) They never get over the sense of wonder

Midwives are always the first ones to touch and hold a new life, that in itself is breathtaking. No matter how long, stressful or tiring their day is, delivering babies never loses its charm. Starting a child’s journey into the world is amazing.

3.) Seeing parents “get born” is just as amazing!

Midwives love watching someone transform into a parent. Their body language completely changes and softens the second they see their child for the first time and becomes a parent. The scene changes from screaming and drama to peace and joy.

4.) They live for “the look”

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“The look” is the look of wonder on a woman’s face when she sees her baby for the first time. It makes the midwives job worthwhile and it’s what makes them still want babies of their own! The sheer joy and immediate love and acceptance are just beautiful.

5.) The feeling of responsibility is scarily huge

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When midwives suddenly realise that they are holding life, health, wellbeing and happiness of more than one person in their hands, it can get pretty intimidating. Despite all their training, they are still human and it’s still very daunting!

6.) They think all babies are cute

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They don’t just agree with you that your baby is cute because they have to, they agree because they genuinely think your little one is cute! They’ve seen every shape and size of baby there is, so believe them, every baby is cute!

7.) They like to steal cuddles with babies whenever they can

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When a new mother offers their midwife a little cuddle with their baby, do you really think that they are going to say no?! One of the favourite parts of their job is baby cuddles.

8.) Women are too scared of pooping during labour

Midwives want you to know that they REALLY DON’T MIND if you poop during labour, it’s completely natural! Some women worry so much that they don’t push effectively, therefore, extending the length of their labour. I’m sure you don’t want that so push properly and don’t worry about number 2’s!

9.) Some partners are completely useless

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Whether it’s taking selfies, walking off or being bad-tempered some partners really do get a stern talking-to from the midwife. So, partners, you might want to start being there for your pregnant lady!

10.) Midwives get yelled at and threatened

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Mums in labour can swear, make demands, scream at you but it’s all to be expected as a midwife and it’s fair enough. Unfortunately, women and their partners can sometimes become physically aggressive and that is just unfair.

11.) You develop deep personal relationships with strangers

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Midwives see people at their worst and at their best. They may be rushed of their feet but they always develop a connection with each and every woman as they are there at such an important day in their lives.

12.) Premature births are very challenging

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Midwives will spend a lot of time calming down upset moms who have had a premature baby. However, the outcomes of these births are usually good so it’s not worth being distressed. Midwives are great at keeping things positive.

13.) Autumn is their busiest time

Christmas and New Year “fun” leads to a huge spike of births around September. Midwives are absolutely run off their feet at this time! So, if you don’t want a baby, make sure you take precautions and you’ll make the midwives life a little easier too!

14.) They sometimes have to remove babies straight after birth

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Sadly, not everyone is suitable to be a parent. If a woman is subject to a court removal order, social workers will have to take the baby and comfort the mother. Midwives obviously find this hard to see.

15.) Their shifts are very long and they NEVER finish on time

Midwives work 9 to 12-hour shifts and they cannot even guarantee to have a day off for special occasions. They usually work after their shift has ended to complete all of the paperwork. It’s an extremely exhausting job!

16.) They get no breaks

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Whether its lunch or even a drink of water, they don’t get time for any of that in 14 hours. They MIGHT get to sit down for five minutes if they are lucky. So they are always exhausted, footsore and oh so hungry!

17.) Pregnancy doesn’t always have a happy ending

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When a baby is stillborn, it’s always a huge tragedy for everyone. Midwives always make sure that they take extra special care of these babies. They wash them, dress them, take pictures of them, get hand and footprints, all so that their parents have something to remember their little angel by.

18.) Midwives cry a lot

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Midwives cry many tears, they can be tears of joy, sadness, fear, frustration and worry. Of course, they didn’t expect being a midwife would be easy but they certainly didn’t expect it to be as hard as it is!

19.) They have very little left to give

It’s incredibly emotionally draining supporting mums in labour, after a long shift they really don’t have much energy, physically or emotionally, left in reserve. They hate it when they feel like they can only give basic support.

20.) They can’t help but come back day after day

Yeah, midwives do sometimes think about quitting especially after a tough day. But they wouldn’t do it because they love what they do!

So, next time you happen to find yourself in hospital, whether you are giving birth or being there for someone that is, make sure that you give the midwife a smile. You can guarantee that she has had a long and stressful day and needs reminding how awesome she is!

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