Midwife
SOC 29-1161.00 · ESCO 2222 · OSCA 265131
Role snapshot
Overview
Provides comprehensive care to women throughout pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postnatal period. This includes monitoring maternal and baby health, offering essential education and emotional support, and expertly managing normal physiological births while promptly identifying and addressing potential complications. Midwives work to empower women in their birthing choices and ensure safe outcomes.
Significantly impacts maternal and infant health by providing holistic, evidence-based care, promoting positive birth experiences, reducing interventions, and supporting families through a crucial life transition.
On the job
- Conduct antenatal appointments, assessing maternal and fetal health and providing health education
- Provide continuous support and monitoring during labour and birth, managing normal deliveries
- Perform postnatal checks for mother and baby, offering breastfeeding support and newborn care guidance
- Develop individualised care plans and refer to specialists when complications arise
- Maintain accurate and thorough medical records and documentation
Tools & technology
Average salary
Job outlook
GrowingJob growth is expected to be above average over the next five years.
Education & training
Midwives typically require specific education and clinical training, often at a bachelor's or master's level, followed by certification.
Career pathways
WHERE YOU COULD GO
CURRENT ROLE
Midwife
Nursing & Midwifery
ADJACENT MOVES
STARTING POINTS
Who thrives here
Interest profile
social · SIC
People who are deeply committed to caring for others, enjoy investigating complex health situations, and value precision in following protocols and documentation often thrive as midwives.
Personality characteristics
Conscientious
Exhibits meticulous attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols, critical for maternal and infant well-being.
Compassionate
Demonstrates deep empathy and a nurturing approach, providing emotional support to expectant and new parents.
Communicative
Engages effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams, explaining complex information clearly and building trust.
Inquisitive
Driven to continuously learn, assess, and critically evaluate patient conditions to ensure optimal care.
Resilient
Manages high-stress situations, long hours, and emotionally challenging moments with composure and professionalism.
Best for
- Individuals passionate about women's health and empowering birthing people
- Those who thrive in dynamic clinical environments and can make critical decisions under pressure
- Professionals who enjoy a blend of direct patient interaction, medical assessment, and education
Watch out for
- The role often requires irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and being on-call
- It can be physically and emotionally demanding, requiring resilience in high-pressure situations
- While intellectually stimulating, the work is highly structured by medical protocols and regulations
A week in the life
A representative working week for a Midwife — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.
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