About Midwife Salaries in New Zealand

Midwifery is an advanced health care field of study comprised of highly-trained professionals who provide health care for women in the areas of pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, breastfeeding, and basic gynecological care. Additionally, midwives are trained as primary health care providers. The midwifery approach to women's health is to assist the natural process of pregnancy, labor and delivery. Midwives provide an alternative to the conventional approach of obstetricians and gynecologists.

History

• Midwifery is amongst the earliest professions, as a field that provides assistance to women during childbirth. Early records from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, record midwifery as a recognized profession for women. Training and education were necessary in these societies, and midwives had various degrees based on their credentials.

  Midwifery was practiced in the homes of women, as it is still often done today. Midwives would come equipped with their tools and supplies to assist the mother through labor, delivery, postpartum care, and initial newborn care. They would also follow up with the new mother and baby about their health conditions. Their role was to aid the mother in having a healthy pregnancy, labor and delivery.

Identification

• In New Zealand, midwifery was separated from nursing, as its own field, by the Nurses' Amendment Act of 1990. Due to this recognition, midwives can choose to be nurse midwives or direct-entry midwives. The majority of the midwives in New Zealand are direct-entry midwives.

  To become a midwife in New Zealand, a candidate have to complete the three-year training to receive a Bachelor of Midwifery degree. Upon completion, new midwives have to apply for registration.

Benefits

• Expecting women are afforded the choice of choosing either a midwife, an Obstetrician, or a General Practitioner for their prenatal and postnatal care. Midwives are highly popular, as women often prefer the flexibility and closeness of their care. The before and after care of pregnancy is often offered in the women's homes, and the midwives extend the option of having the baby at home, in a birthing center, or in a conventional hospital.

  Beyond the basic care of a natural and healthy pregnancy, midwives work with obstetricians when serious health concerns arise. Patients are often referred to obstetricians when the scope their prenatal needs exceed the capabilities of a midwife. In some practices, midwives even form partnerships with obstetricians, to provide the patient with immediate options during their care.

Considerations

• There are two ways that midwives are employed in New Zealand. Some midwives are employed directly by the government, through the District Health Board. Experienced midwives earn about $70,000, while new midwives start at $40,000. Employment by the DHB commands a regular full-time work schedule and associated employment requirements.

  Midwives in New Zealand also opt to be self-employed. As a business, midwives must register with the Ministry of Health as a Lead Maternity Carer. The flexibility of self-employment allows midwives to work hours extended beyond the standard full-time schedule and to choose the amount of patients they can care for at one time. As such, self-employed midwives earn as much as $120,000 a year, and at least $70,000 a year.

Significance

• The field of midwifery has regained its popularity and recognition as its own field of practice. Women who seek the care of midwives prefer the alternative, hands-on approach to their prenatal care. Working in New Zealand as a midwife is a viable choice in a dynamic profession. New and experienced midwives will find opportunities to customize their methodology.