Midwife Educator: Shaping Future Midwives

Midwife educators are like the nurturing “moms” of the midwifery world, guiding future midwives with a mix of knowledge, skills, and plenty of empathy to tackle the wild ride of maternal and child health.?

Today, let’s peek behind the curtain at what these educators really do—because trust me, it’s more than just reprimands, guilt trips, and an endless sea of assignments.?

Get ready to see them in a whole new light!

Who is a Midwife Educator?

The International Confederation of Midwives defines a midwife educator as a “qualified midwife with current practice experience (minimum 2 years clinical experience) who has successfully completed a programme of study and/or? demonstrated competence in teaching that includes curriculum development, use of instructional strategies, and measurement and evaluation of student learning.”

Educators' tasks involve everything from classroom instruction to hands-on clinical training. They ensure that their students are not just skilled practitioners but also compassionate caregivers who understand the emotional aspects of childbirth and reproductive health.

Apart from the classical midwife educators you know in classrooms and around campus, another teacher critical to build up confident midwives, called clinical preceptors, exist.?

Did you know?

Clinical preceptors are midwives who guide and support students and/or newly qualified midwives during clinical placements. Precepting is used in clinical education in many health care professions. It is a teaching–learning approach that employs a one-to-one relationship between an experienced practitioner and a student.

Unfortunately, due to congestion in clinical settings and undervaluing of the role. Many midwives-to-be never experience these professionals.?Especially in limited resources setting.

Why are midwife educators so important?

Midwives are fond of saying “healthy mothers give birth to healthy babies.” Same goes for midwife educators, who have the huge responsibility of raising the next generation of midwives.

When the necessary measures are not taken, unskilled midwives are leached out in nature. Whereas, well-trained midwives are essential for reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates globally, the World Health Organization confirmed.?

Not more midwives, rather more quality midwives. That's why there's a need for real investment in this branch of the profession. And quality midwives start with quality education, which is dispensed by quality educators.

Investment in midwifery education is multidimensional, from the students getting more invested in their training, teachers in their work and institutions and authorities to supporting students training.?

What do midwife educators do?

1. Curriculum Development: Midwife educators are responsible for designing and updating educational programs that meet current standards and practices in midwifery. This includes integrating evidence-based practices into the curriculum to ensure students receive the most relevant training.

2. Teaching and Mentoring: They conduct lectures, workshops, and simulations that allow young midwives to practice their skills in a safe environment. This mentorship is crucial for building confidence and competence in new practitioners.

3. Assessment and Evaluation: Midwife educators assess student performance through various methods, including practical exams, written tests, and reflective practices. They provide constructive feedback to help students improve.

4. Continued Professional Development: Midwife educators themselves engage in lifelong learning to stay updated on new research, technologies, and methodologies in midwifery. This commitment ensures they can provide the best education possible to fellow midwives.

What are some challenges midwife educators face?

Midwife educators play a vital role, yet they’re navigating a minefield of challenges.?

First off, there’s a lack of resources—think of trying to teach with one hand tied behind your back due to budget cuts and outdated tech.?

Then, we have the workload that’s enough to make anyone consider a career change—balancing teaching with clinical duties can leave even the most enthusiastic teacher feeling burnt out quicker than a candle in a windstorm.?More workload same salary at the end.

Let’s not forget about keeping pace with the ever-evolving field of midwifery. It’s like running a marathon while constantly getting new instructions on the track—it’s exhausting!?

And speaking of exhausting, teaching to disengaged learners can feel like shouting at a wall—your voice may be loud, but good luck getting a reply!?

Finally, there’s the overshadowing of midwifery by other specialties. It’s a bit like asking a cat how to train a dog. During my student days, midwifery and nursing were lumped together in the same department, leading many to believe they were interchangeable—as if donuts and bagels are the same just because they both sport holes!

The Future of Midwifery Education

The future of midwifery education is looking promising, especially with innovative tools like SimCapture for Skills, introduced by ICM and Laerdal Medical.?

This digital resource allows midwives and students to simulate clinical scenarios and collaborate, enhancing essential skills, though the app isn't currently available in Africa.?

As technology evolves—specifically with virtual reality and online platforms—midwife educators must embrace these advancements while prioritizing hands-on experience.?

Now is the time to embrace these transformations and enhance your skills, so don't wait too long!

Ending Words?

Midwife educators play a crucial role in transforming maternal care by empowering the next generation of midwives through effective education and mentorship.?

Their unique combination of expertise, and leadership, fosters an inspiring learning atmosphere, equipping new practitioners to face future challenges with confidence.?

Investing in these dedicated educators is vital for enhancing maternal health outcomes globally. So, when you think of a midwife educator, remember—they’re not just teaching; they’re shaping the superheroes of childbirth!?

See you next week dear midwife!