Celebrating midwifery opportunities: Inspiring the next generation of midwives

Following International Day of the Midwife on Monday 5 May, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) continues to highlight the vital work of midwives, as well as the exciting opportunities available for those considering a career in midwifery.

Midwives bring passion, dedication, and profound empathy to their roles, and the ICB is committed to growing its own talent. Through innovative education and hands-on learning, aspiring midwives are equipped with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in this rewarding profession.

Rahmat Ibrahim, a midwife at Milton Keynes University Hospital, said:

“I was inspired to become a midwife by my mother’s incredible passion for the job. As a nine-year-old I witnessed a homebirth with her. Seeing the strength of the new mother, the calm confidence of my own mother, and the miracle of new life sparked something in me that has stayed with me ever since.” Rahmat also emphasised that while midwifery is challenging, ‘every challenge comes with the chance to make a real difference in someone’s life.’

Digital midwife Clara qualified as a midwife in the summer of 2020, and five years later, joined Bedfordshire Hospitals. She said:

“When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a midwife, but I didn’t have the necessary qualifications to pursue that path. Throughout my pregnancy with my eldest son, I encountered both positive and negative experiences with the care I received. These experiences deeply impacted me and reignited my passion for midwifery. I promised myself that I would dedicate my career to ensuring that every person in my care would be in safe hands and receive compassionate care at all times.

“Since qualifying, I have had the privilege of working in all areas of maternity, sharing in countless precious moments that I will keep close to my heart for the rest of my life. Recently, my career has taken a turn towards a more non-clinical role. Despite this shift, I have never felt more empowered as a midwife than I do now.”

Nina, a midwife at MKUH, said:

“My favourite part of the job is supporting families during the journey of adding a new baby to their family. I know many think labour and birth are the most exciting parts of being a midwife but, for me, it’s all the other things – supporting families during the whole pregnancy and then seeing them at home with their baby.”

Inspiring future generations through CTOP

The Collaborative Targeted Outreach Programme (CTOP) is an innovative outreach project co-designed with local communities. Developed from community-led research, CTOP aims to inspire young people, career-switchers, and under-represented groups to consider careers in health and social care. Through community events, school programmes, and the impactful CTOP play – created in partnership with the Komola Collective – CTOP is breaking down barriers and empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Professor Nasreen Ali, professor of public health equality at the University of Bedfordshire, said:

“CTOP has proven that community-driven outreach, combined with creative approaches like theatre, can truly shift perceptions and inspire people from all walks of life to consider careers in health and social care. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity and strength of our communities.”

As phase two of CTOP launches at the end of 2025, live performances of the CTOP play will continue to engage and inspire even more future healthcare workers.

Simulation suites

The Integrated Care Board works closely with the University of Bedfordshire to create pathways for those who have never considered a career in health and care. The state-of-the-art simulation suites at the university’s Luton and Bedford campuses provide a real-world learning environment. SIM Street at Luton – named Brewster Square in honour of Annie Brewster, one of Britain’s first Afro-Caribbean nurses – features immersive spaces like a hospital ward, operating theatre, police custody suite, and an adaptable room that can transform into various environments such as nightclubs. At the Bedford campus, students train in unique simulation spaces like an assisted living area, a hoarder’s room, and even a nightclub setting. These facilities allow students to practice and build resilience in a safe, controlled setting.

Felitta Burney-Nicol, chief midwife for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“We are committed to nurturing talent, empowering aspiring midwives to become skilled, compassionate professionals. Our collaboration with the University of Bedfordshire and hands-on learning opportunities ensure that students are prepared to deliver high-quality, person-centred care from day one. Midwifery is more than just a career, it’s a calling, and we are proud to support the next generation in answering that call.”

If you are interested in exploring a career in midwifery or other health and social care professions, please visit our webpage.