Media release from the New Zealand College of Midwives

New data has confirmed that newly qualified midwives are providing care that compares very well with the care provided by more experienced midwives.

The Midwifery and Maternity Providers Organisation (MMPO) figures show that women who gave birth under the care of a newly qualified midwife in 2008, had vaginal birth, breastfeeding, caesarean and postpartum haemorrhage rates comparable with those under the care of more experienced midwives.

The graduate midwife data relates to 919 women, including some of whom had complex care requirements.

NZ College of Midwives CEO, Karen Guilliland says these latest results back the College's public support of the graduate midwives and theBachelor of Midwifery Degree training programme.

"New Zealand midwives receive intensive and extensive training and education. More than 4800 hours, the equivalent of a four year degree, provides graduates with the knowledge and experience they need to practice effectively and well.. Much of that time is dedicated to practical experience and training. We know our women and their babies are in good hands and these lateststatistics confirm that our gradate midwives are doing an excellent job," she says.

Student midwives are involved with more than 100 births as a minimum training
requirement and are required to undertake (manage) 40 births of which 10 can be for women having forceps, ventouse or caesarean births and are also required to provide care for 40 women who are experiencing complications during pregnancy, birth or during the postnatal period.

Other practical elements include working alongside midwives in the community, in small birthing units and with obstetricians and other midwifery and medical specialists in the larger urban secondary or tertiary hospitals.

Karen Guilliland says student midwives are involved with women in every aspect of pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period and as qualified midwives, they are specialists in normal pregnancy and childbirth.

"The New Zealand midwifery partnership model is respected around the world as a laudable example of how a maternity service can and does achieve the best possible
outcomes for a woman and her baby," says Karen Guilliland.

New Zealand midwifery experts currently provide advice on midwifery education to a number of international schools and governments keen to understand and replicate the New Zealand university level, apprentice based system.

"This is because New Zealand produces new graduate midwives who are capable of
providing such outstanding outcomes for women and their babies," says Karen
Guilliland.

Bachelor of Midwifery Degree - summary

The theoretical content of the degree includes applied anatomy and physiology,
chemistry, pharmacology, psychology, and behavioural sciences along with general systems and pathology. All relevant legislation, professional issues, health and the maternity system, social services and community support are included along with all processes around referral/consultation and professional frameworks of practice.  

The practical elements ensure that student midwives will be involved with more than 100 births as a minimum requirement. They are required to observe and be with (follow through) 25 women from pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period in their first year.

This is designed to help them understand the maternity service from the woman's and the family's perspectives. They are then required to undertake 40 births of which 10 can be for women having forceps, ventouse or caesarean births. They are also required to provide care for 40 women who are experiencing complications during pregnancy, birth or the postnatal period. The student midwives will be involved with women in every aspect of pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period so will meet many women, babies and families as part of their undergraduate experiences.

In summary, before they can be registered, midwifery students in NZ have to:

1. Successfully complete a Bachelor of Midwifery programme at one of the four
accredited Midwifery Schools (attached to tertiary institutions/universities);
2. Have the required amount of practical experience by observing 25 births,
undertaking 40 normal births on their own responsibility & being involved in a
further 40 complicated pregnancies or births. This compares to the current
obstetrician training requirement to attend 20 normal births.
3. Attain a pass mark of at least 70% for each theory and 100% for each clinical paper as part of the undergraduate degree
4. Pass the National Midwifery Examination set by the Midwifery Council; and
5. Satisfy the Midwifery Council that they are fit for registration as defined by the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.


More information can be found at the Midwifery Council website: