Midwifery

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About midwifery

A midwife works in partnership with pregnant women to give the support, care and advice they need during pregnancy, labour 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 practising midwives to gain real life midwifery experience.

Useful Links

Midwifery Council of New Zealand

New Zealand College of Midwives

Programmes

Master of Sustainable Practice Programme code: CH4067 Level: 9 Credits: 180 Starts: February, July Become a leader in sustainable practice. Find out more	level9	ProgrammeIsOfTypeMaster’sDegree	sortOrder1030	Agriculture,Architectural_studies,Business,Engineering_technology,Sport_and_outdoors,Travel_and_tourism,Nursing and Human Services,Food_and_hospitality
Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Supervision Programme code: CH4066 Level: 8 Credits: 60 Starts: March, August Gain the expertise needed to supervise others effectively in professional contexts. Find out more	level8	ProgrammeIsOfTypePostgraduateCertificate	sortOrder1030	Nursing and Human Services,Health
Bachelor of Midwifery Programme code: CH3991 Level: 7 Credits: 480 Starts: January Learn how to confidently nurture pregnant women through one of life's most meaningful events. Find out more	level7	ProgrammeIsOfTypeDegree	sortOrder1030	Health
New Zealand Diploma in Pregnancy, Childbirth and Early Parenting Education Programme code: NZ2887 Level: 5 Credits: 120 Starts: March Gain the knowledge to educate and guide people through the transition to parenting. Find out more	level5	ProgrammeIsOfTypeDiploma	sortOrder1040	Health
New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Pre Health Pathway) Programme code: NZ2860 Level: 4 Credits: 60 Starts: February, July Prepare for higher level study in health and science Find out more	level4	ProgrammeIsOfTypeCertificate	sortOrder1050	Health,Nursing and Human Services