Midwives upset over lack of recognition

April 6, 2018

Midwives upset over lack of recognition

One of Tilly's water births. Photo: Supplied.

Midwives are urging the government to make changes to the 2018 May budget.

Midwife Charlie Ferris started a Facebook group named “Dear David, Aotearoa needs Midwives” and has gained over 8000 likes, within the first week.

The purpose of the group is to try to encourage the Health Minister, David Clark, to make a change to the May 2018 budget.

Midwives are tired of being underpaid and working in poor conditions have also participated in the Facebook group.

Ms Ferris said, “I only get paid $7.40 an hour and work 40 to 70-hour weeks and drive 45,000km in a year.”

“I was urged to try to do something about it and decided to create the Facebook group and send David Clark screenshots of my bank account,” said Ms Ferris.

Midwife Tilly Porter said “being a midwife is not an easy job since it requires an extensive amount of work and long hours.”

Ms Porter has delivered over 750 independent births and 300 hospital births.

Ms Porter said, “there is a lack of education about what a midwife is and the amount of work that they endure and little money they receive from it.”

“I can’t have my life after 14 years dictated anymore, by irregular hours, irregular eating, and sleeping, from being on call 24/7.”

“It is a rewarding job, but the pay is so little,” said Ms Porter.

Ms Porter will be finishing midwifery in October for these reasons.

Kirsty Prescott, a mother of two, said, “My experiences with two midwives were exceptional.”

Ms Prescott was shocked when she discovered how much money they earn, considering the amount of work they do, and how many women they have under their care at a time.

“If I was to have a third baby, I don’t know how I would cope if that amazing service wasn’t available,” said Ms Prescott.

Ms Porter said, “Even though I have a fully qualified, four-year clinical degree, and have sat complex exams, my job is not adequately recognised for its worth.”

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