Midwifery is a skilled health profession centred on the care of women during pregnancy, labour, and the weeks after birth. Midwives are registered health workers who combine clinical skill with compassionate, woman-centred care. They work across hospitals, birthing centres, and community health settings throughout Australia.
The role needs a strong base in obstetric and neonatal care. Midwives check maternal and fetal wellbeing, manage labour, assist with birth, and provide postnatal care backed by evidence. They detect risk factors early and escalate care when needed, working with obstetricians and other specialists.
Midwives also run sessions on prenatal health, infant feeding, and newborn care. They build care plans that respect each woman’s choices and cultural background. This person-centred approach is at the heart of midwifery practice in Australia.
Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) is required by law. Entry needs an accredited Bachelor of Midwifery or an equal graduate pathway. Median full-time weekly pay is $2,114 (ABS, May 2025), with strong future demand rated by yourcareer.gov.au.
Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.