Child Development Students Welcome Professional Midwife ( Published: 31/03/2026)

Year 10 and 11 Child Development students received a special visit from a professional midwife, providing them with a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world medical practice.

The session was a core part of the OCR Cambridge National curriculum, giving students a firsthand look at the journey from conception to birth.

The Importance of Pre-conceptual Health

The visit began with a vital discussion on pre-conceptual health. Students explored how lifestyle choices made even before pregnancy can significantly impact a baby’s future development. Key topics included:

Nutrition and Supplements – the role of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects
Lifestyle Choices – the impact of smoking, alcohol, and diet on fertility and fetal health
Genetic Awareness – understanding how health history plays a role in planning a family

Mapping the Stages of Labour

Using professional diagrams and medical insights, the midwife guided the class through the three critical stages of labour. Students learned about the physiological changes the body undergoes, the role of hormones like oxytocin, and the different types of pain relief and support available to expectant parents.

Having a professional in the classroom brings the subject to life. It’s one thing to read about the stages of labour in a textbook, but hearing a midwife describe what actually happens in the delivery suite makes it so much clearer.
Year 10 student

Inspiring Future Careers

Beyond the clinical knowledge, the visit also served as a fantastic careers talk. Students were able to ask questions about the training required to become a midwife, the challenges of the role, and the immense reward of supporting families during such a monumental life event.

At The East Manchester Academy, we are committed to providing these enrichment opportunities to ensure our students are ‘career ready’ and inspired by the professionals in our community.