A midwife works in partnership with pregnant women to give the support, care and advice they need during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period in order to facilitate birth and to provide care for the new-born.
A midwife promotes and supports the normal childbirth process, identifies complications in mother and baby, accesses appropriate medical assistance and implements emergency measures as necessary.
Midwifery practice involves informing and preparing the woman and her family for pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenthood and extends into certain areas of women’s health, family planning and infant wellbeing. Midwives have an important role in health and wellness promotion and education for the expectant mother, her family and the community.
The midwife may practice in any setting including the home, the community, hospitals, clinics, health units, or any other maternity service.Studying midwifery
The Bachelor of Midwifery covers a wide range of topics in order to create midwifery graduates with a broad understanding of the field.
Studies cover everything from midwifery practice skills to nutrition, lactation and bioscience foundations. You will also touch on areas such as Māori health, integrated midwifery practice and rural midwifery practice, to allow you to adapt to the wide range of needs and circumstances encountered in midwifery. Students will be matched with expectant mothers and practicing midwives to gain real life midwifery experience.
Programmes
- Master of Sustainable Practice
- Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Supervision
- Bachelor of Midwifery
- Preceptor Development for Registered Midwives
- Integrated Short Course Physiological Childbirth
- New Zealand Diploma in Pregnancy, Childbirth and Early Parenting Education
- Study and Career Preparation – Pre-Health Pathway, Level 4