Summary
What is the role of the midwife?
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the midwife accompanies the future mother and performs the necessary examinations (ultrasound, monitoring of the fetus, screening, etc.). She provides childbirth preparation classes.
Childbirth
If the delivery is announced without particular difficulties, the midwife proceeds to this one. In case of complications, she sends her patient to the obstetrician-gynecologist or the surgeon on call.
It controls the reflexes and the constants of the newborn.
Postnatal care
The midwife monitors the health of the mother and the baby in the days following delivery. She advises the mother on the feeding and hygiene of her child.
What are his working conditions?
Employee first
80% of midwives are employees of health establishments, public or private. They must work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays.
Job requested
Midwives are in high demand and there is no unemployment in this profession.
How much does a midwife earn?
A midwife starts at approximately €1,600 net monthly. At the end of his career, his salary can go up to more than €3,000. Midwives are generally better paid in the public sector than in the private sector.
What training to become a midwife?
Numerus clausus
The State fixes, by decree published in the Official Journal at the end of the 1st quarter of each year, the number of places open to the profession of midwife throughout the territory. In 2012, this amounted to 1,017 places.
1st medical year
To become a midwife, you must first pass the course of the first year of the first cycle of medical studies (PCEM1) and pass the end-of-year competition. The rank obtained in the competition determines entry into the school, according to the numerus clausus.
4 years of study
Studies to become a midwife take place in 2 phases of 2 years each in schools attached to the UFRs of the faculties of medicine in each region. They are at the same time theoretical, clinical and practical.
What qualities are needed?
Stress resistance
The midwife must have strong nerves to practice her profession. She may be subject to significant stress, which she must not, however, communicate to the future mother or her family.
She must be able to work long hours on call while remaining vigilant.
Psychology and empathy
The midwife must be delicate and subtle in her approach to her patients and their families. She has a role of moral support and essential advice, at a time when the young mother is psychologically fragile.
Note: only 1% of the profession is male!
Content updated on 07/10/2012