New CPIT degree offers life changing experience

New CPIT degree offers life changing experience

Tertiary study is often life changing, but for Carlene Dixon there is an added element of regularly witnessing new life emerging into the world.

Now in her third year of the new Bachelor of Midwifery at CPIT, Carlene estimates she has observed at least 50 births during her studies.

"It's very beautiful and amazing seeing a family begin, those first couple of minutes after the birth, seeing the woman transform into a mother. Then you take a step back and just let the family connect and bond together," she said. The programme's expanded practical component partners student midwives with pregnant women, providing practical experience for students across all maternity settings including homebirth, small maternity units and complex births at Christchurch Woman's hospital.

"Right from year one, you are on practical assignments, more in an observational role, but it's still nice," Carlene said. "The new programme is hands-on and you just grow in confidence. It's not like a university degree where you finish for the day and go home; you are on call 24/7 for periods of time with your mobile joined to your hip!"

The qualities needed to be a midwife will be discussed at CPIT's Midwifery Information Session on 14 June, but CPIT lecturer Mary Kensington says that students need to be passionate, enthusiastic and committed to women's health. "The programme requires commitment and the maturity to accept responsibility. Students will need a good support network, especially if they have children."

The programme's holistic approach ensures that students develop a good understanding of how to assess the social, psychological, physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural needs of each woman and her whanau/family so they can support her during her childbirth experience in the way that she wants.

A blended delivery model means that students do the majority of their study in their own community with weekly face to face tutorials, practical experience and online learning, plus face to face blocks (intensives) at CPIT through the year.

By the end of her Bachelor of Midwifery Carlene will have met the requirements for registration as a midwife in New Zealand, which includes following women through their entire childbirth experience and facilitating a minimum of 40 births in a variety of maternity settings.

"What I thought I knew about pregnancy and childbirth - there is so much more to it," she said. "In this programme you are constantly debriefing and you learn a lot about yourself. There is a lot of support and CPIT prepares you really well for the industry."

CPIT's Midwifery Information Session is on Tuesday 14 June, 6pm at the Rakaia Centre, CPIT Madras St Campus. For more information contact 0800 24 24 76. Or see http://www.cpit.ac.nz/subjects/midwifery

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