Midwives are trained healthcare professionals who strive to support women in having healthy pregnancies and natural birth experiences. They are increasingly recognised in modern medicine – sometimes working alongside nurses and doctors – for their important role in helping women safely deliver their babies at home or in hospital. Midwives are trained to intervene minimally with a woman’s labour, and to recognise signs of complications, whereby appropriate emergency measures may be taken. Midwives may also assist women during pregnancy and with early postnatal care, including breastfeeding support.
There are two main paths to becoming a midwife in Australia: study a Bachelor of Midwifery or study a Bachelor of Nursing, followed by a Graduate Diploma or Master of Midwifery. Candidates for this field of study should be passionate about working with women, and being part of a community of care, whether in a hospital or home setting.