Midwife means ‘with woman’. This meaning shapes midwifery’s philosophy, work and relationships.
Midwifery is founded on respect for women and on a strong belief in the value of women’s work of bearing and rearing each generation.
Midwifery considers women in pregnancy, during childbirth and early parenting to be undertaking healthy processes that are profound and precious events in each woman’s life. These events are also seen as inherently important to society as a whole.
Midwifery is emancipatory because it protects and enhances the health and social status of women, which in turn protects and enhances the health and wellbeing of society.
Midwifery is a woman centred, political, primary health care discipline founded on the relationships between women and their midwives.
Midwifery is an interesting, challenging and varied profession, with excellent employment prospects across the world and throughout a person’s life.
Midwifery services include...
- Assessments and care throughout pregnancy. This includes arranging any necessary blood tests or investigations.
- Information and education either individually or in groups.
- Support and professional care throughout labour and birth, in a place the woman chooses
- Support advice, and professional care for the newborn and infant
- Support, advice and assistance with breastfeeding and the transition to parenting
- Consultation with an obstetrician or other health professional if complications arise at any time during pregnancy, labour, birth or the weeks following
Midwives…
- Focus on women’s health needs, expectations and aspirations
- Recognise each woman’s social, emotional, physical, spiritual and cultural needs.
- Encourage every woman, with information and support, to take responsibility and make informed decisions for herself, her baby and her family
Source: Australian College of Midwives
For more inforamtion please visit the Australian College of Midwives and Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council websites.
In Western Australia there are two ways to study midwifery:
- Enrol for the Bachelor of Midwifery (BMID). This is a three year, full-time undergraduate course
- Enrol for a degree in nursing and a postgraduate qualification in midwifery. A nursing degree usually takes three years to complete plus one year, full-time for the Graduate Diploma in Midwifery.
For more information on how to become a midwife, please visit the Professional Practice and Education section of this website.
