A survey of students’ experiences of returning to midwifery studies after maternity leave: A pilot survey

Liz McNeill; Elaine Jefford; Michelle Gray; Dianne Bloxsome; Terri Downer; Jessie Johnson-Cash; Lyn Ebert

doi:10.1016/j.nepr.2024.104073

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A survey of students’ experiences of returning to midwifery studies after maternity leave: A pilot survey

Journal article

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Peer reviewed

A survey of students’ experiences of returning to midwifery studies after maternity leave: A pilot survey

Liz McNeill, Elaine Jefford, Michelle Gray, Dianne Bloxsome, Terri Downer, Jessie Johnson-Cash and Lyn Ebert

Nurse education in practice, Vol.79, 104073

07/2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2024.104073

Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications

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Abstract

Pregnancy

Midwifery student

Midwifery education

Policy

Aim To identify the barriers and facilitators having an impact on the progression and completion of studies for students who give birth during their midwifery program. Background Balancing the demands of pregnancy and new motherhood with the rigorous academic requirements of a tertiary-level midwifery program is challenging for students wishing to progress and complete their studies. Understanding the barriers and facilitators students face when resuming midwifery studies following birth can assist universities in providing educational environments that support students in achieving their midwifery education. Design Social media online Qualtrics survey with closed and open questions. Method Participants were Australian midwifery students who gave birth and returned to their midwifery studies within the past 5 years. Responses from 35 students were descriptively analysed. Results For students who commenced pregnancy during their midwifery degree, 40 % chose to take leave from their studies at term (37–40 weeks gestation) or continue their studies without leave. Almost half of the students (n=17) chose to return to their studies before six weeks post birth (68 % (n=24) opting for a part-time pathway). Most of the childcare was undertaken by the student’s partner (n=9) or other family members (n=8). Work integrated learning, rostering of shifts and being on call for Continuity of Care Experience relationships accounted for the most significant number (n=19) of responses when identifying barriers to resuming midwifery studies. Conclusions The greatest barrier for students is work integrated learning while juggling the transition to parenthood. Universities must work closely with maternity services to support students in completing their studies.

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Title: A survey of students’ experiences of returning to midwifery studies after maternity leave: A pilot survey
Creators: Liz McNeill
Elaine Jefford
Michelle Gray
Dianne Bloxsome
Terri Downer
Jessie Johnson-Cash
Lyn Ebert
Publication Details: Nurse education in practice, Vol.79, 104073
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Identifiers: 991013209802502368
Academic Unit: Allied Health and Midwifery; Faculty of Health
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article
Local Fields: Original Research - SoLT

A survey of students’ experiences of returning to midwifery studies after maternity leave: A pilot survey

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