The Midwifery Crisis in Australia: A Call for Urgent Action

Australia’s midwifery workforce is facing a significant crisis, as highlighted by a recent report that reveals alarming staffing shortages and a lack of new midwives entering the profession. This situation poses a serious risk not only to the midwives themselves but also to the women and babies who depend on their care.

The Midwifery Futures Report

Commissioned by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), the ‘Midwifery Futures’ report, led by the Burnet Institute, offers a comprehensive analysis of the current state of midwifery in Australia. The report outlines over 30 recommendations aimed at addressing the ongoing crisis. The NMBA, in collaboration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), plays a crucial role in regulating the profession to ensure public safety and quality care.

Staffing Shortfalls and Their Implications

One of the most pressing issues identified in the report is the local staffing shortfalls, particularly in non-metropolitan areas. Ahpra has warned that if the already high rates of workforce attrition continue to rise, the impact could be catastrophic. The report draws on the experiences and insights of over 3,000 midwives, 300 students, and 70 educators, making it one of the largest studies of its kind in Australia.

Voices from the Field

The voices of midwives are critical in understanding the challenges they face. NMBA Chair Adjunct Professor Veronica Casey AM emphasized the vital role midwives play in maternity care, especially during such a crucial time in a family’s life. She stated that urgent support is needed to ensure midwives can be present where they are most needed. This support includes not only increasing the number of midwives but also ensuring they have the right skills and capabilities to meet the growing demand.

The Need for Change

The Midwifery Futures project has made it clear that the current trajectory is unsustainable. Professor Caroline Homer AO, the lead author of the study, pointed out that the existing workforce is insufficient to meet future needs. She stressed the importance of supporting midwives to remain in the profession, as a third of survey respondents indicated they were considering leaving, often well before retirement age.

Addressing Underrepresentation

Another critical finding of the report is the underrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the midwifery profession. The ongoing impact of racism, intergenerational trauma, and colonization presents significant challenges that must be addressed to create a more inclusive workforce. The report recommends implementing quarantined places for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander midwifery students to help bridge this gap.

Key Recommendations for Improvement

The report outlines 32 recommendations aimed at revitalizing the midwifery workforce and improving care models. Some of the key recommendations include:

• Increasing Midwifery Students: Universities, health services, and policymakers should aim to increase the number of midwifery students by at least 20%, which could lead to approximately 1,560 new graduates in the next 2-4 years.

• Leadership by Midwives: It is essential that midwives take on leadership roles in maternity services at all levels, including government and clinical settings.

• Continuity of Care Models: The Australian Government should develop and implement midwifery continuity of care models as a defined care pathway, ensuring midwives can work to their full scope.

• Workplace Flexibility: There is a pressing need for government, health services, and professional bodies to enhance workplace flexibility, improve working conditions, and provide diverse career pathways, including part-time and job-share options.

The Path Forward

The findings and recommendations from the Midwifery Futures report serve as a crucial call to action for all stakeholders involved in maternity care in Australia. With sustained commitment and collaboration among governments, employers, and educational institutions, there is potential to grow the midwifery workforce and ensure that quality care is available to all women and families across the country.

The time for change is now, and the future of midwifery in Australia depends on the collective efforts to address these pressing challenges.