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Health check for midwifery degree?

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This thread is now closed. Please contact Anna DUK, Ieva DUK or everydayupsanddowns if you would like it re-opened.
I

Ivy

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Type 1
I would really like to train to be a midwife at some point, but to be accepted onto the course you have to undergo a health check. Would my diabetes be a problem? I've had a lot of health problems in the past but now I have good control. I have retinopathy and take Ramipril for my kidneys. I also claim low level DLA. What does everyone think, would these factors affect my chances of getting onto a course?
 
First of all, when you say low level DLA, is that low rate care or lower rate mobility or both? For what conditions? Does your retinopathy affect your sight?

Stating the blooming obvious, midwifery is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding and involves shift work - no way of avoiding that during some periods of training course, although you may be able to work more regular hours eg visiting mothers and babies at home, once qualified. So, the tutors need to ensure that you would be able to cope with those demands. I'm not saying that you shouldn't or couldn't do the course, just suggesting what will be considered. You'll need to show that you have considered all aspects of being a midwife, not just for health check.
 
diabetes and midwifery

Hi
Just joined this forum today ! I don't have diabetes myself but my husband does.
I am also a midwife and I work with 2 midwives who are diabetic. I don't think it causes them any more problems than any other profession although I know one of them doesn't work night shifts as she has difficulty controlling her blood sugars overnight. it certainly shouldn't affect your chances of getting on the course. Good luck!!!
 
Copepod - I claim low level care. It's mainly because I have had quite a few hospitalisations over the past few years (I didn't look after myself in the past) and require a lot of care if I catch anything like a stomach bug. I used to get more but the amount decreased as my health improved. It is also to help pay for all the sugary food/drinks I have to buy because I have a lot of hypos and I don't earn that much. My retinopathy doesn't affect my sight much, but I will probably be having laser this year anyway to hopefully prevent it worsening. I also have cataracts which do affect my sight to an extent but my eye dr says I can have the op to correct them at any point I choose.

loopeylou - That's really encouraging to know 🙂 Do you enjoy your work?

Caroline - Thanks 🙂
 
I hope it doesn't pose a problem as I am going to be a student midwife starting in Sept! I have got my health check on July 10th, so I can let you know what happens at this check if you want! I am not anticipating any issues!
 
Good luck with this Ivy! I don't see any reason why you shouldn't be accepted. Though you must know you're probably in for a lot of night shifts, as babies tend to make their appearance at unsocial hours 😉
 
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