University midwifery societies: Support for student midwives, by student midwives

On starting their programme of study, student midwives are generally highly motivated and optimistic about their journey into their chosen profession. However, there is evidence to suggest the personal, professional, academic and emotional stressors are too much for some students, which leads to attrition, estimated to be 20% in 2012 (Centre for Workforce Intelligence, 2012). With the existing shortfall in numbers of practising midwives (National Audit Office, 2013) and an imminent ‘retirement time bomb’ (Royal College of Midwives (RCM), 2015), it is clear that additional strategies must be put in place to support student midwives to successfully complete their studies and then join the existing workforce (Power, 2015).

Universities have support systems in place for all students, irrespective of their programme of study, including student-led societies. On beginning her programme of study at the University of Northampton, student midwife Ilaria Grzelak realised ‘traditional’ student societies would not meet the specific needs of student midwives, as their course not only has academic but also professional body demands that require student midwives to undertake clinical placements as well as attend university. She decided a midwifery-specific society was needed. Her observations concurred with literature which suggests peer support is a key factor in student midwives' achievement and successful completion of their programme of study (McIntosh et al, 2013).