Midwives, do you hate when your apprentice gets pregnant?

[BirthMatters]

Do you keep their position for them? I desperately want another baby but I am 1.5 yrs into my apprentcieship. I'm afraid to mention it to my mentor midwife. She'd be delighted for me, but I fear that someone will take my place after I have a baby. I do not know if she's cool with nurslings coming to appts and births. Somehow, I doubt it. She has a fairly busy practice (3-5/ mo) and she's very professional. I know, I know I should just talk to her. The reason I'm uncertain is because she's made comments of semi-retiring just when I'm ready to take it on. She's told me that I will become part of her practice and such. I don't want to blow that opportunity! Anyone else go through this?

[pamamidwife]

I think that it all depends on the preceptor. I've known many students and preceptors that were fine with the student workign right up until her due date and then only taking a month or two off - emerging right back into the apprenticeship.

For me, I feel differently. I don't know that I'd "hold" an apprenticeship position for anyone because I don't feel like there should be a rush to get back (and certainly would need an apprentice to be present and not wishing she was home with her newborn, of course). I'd likely get another apprentice, but if she was close to finishing offering her the ability to come back in later and have the new apprentice assist her with her primaries with me just supervising.

But, that's just me. I'm not a big fan of our children at births...I think the only fair situation is when it's the family's children at a birth, not ours. I've done this a couple times with my own daughter, even when she was older, and it is really hard. I personally would find it distracting if it was on a regular basis.

I would cry, cry, cry if my apprentice got pregnant right now. But that would be crying for ME because she's so great. I would be totally supportive of her - and work whatever we can to make it fair for all involved.

[Zoo Loo Naturals]

That just happened with me. I was the pregnant assistant. I hope to soon be back in the groove of my work, I love it and miss it.

Pregnancy seems somewhat catchy for the younger birth attendants.

[NamastePlatypus]

Originally Posted by Zoo Loo Naturals

That just happened with me. I was the pregnant assistant. I hope to soon be back in the groove of my work, I love it and miss it.

Pregnancy seems somewhat catchy for the younger birth attendants.

[Maggi315]

My preceptor had a joke that everyone seemed to get pregnant when working with her, it holds pretty true. i know she wasn't thrilled when i got pregnant, but hey, neither was I. I wanted to finish first since I get really sick.

And I agree with pamelamidwife, I don't think I would "hold" the spot. I wouldn't let someone with a little baby apprentice with me. i would feel too guilty taking mom away from her baby.

I don't like children at births either except for the families. It's their special day and bringing my own little ones takes away from that. I guess if they were friends or something, that would be different. There are always exceptions, but definitely not on a regular basis.