If you’re an NHS midwife, chances are you’ve felt the overwhelming weight of overwork and exhaustion. With morale at an all-time low, many midwives are questioning how much longer they can sustain working in such demanding conditions. The emotional and physical toll of this work environment is driving a growing number of midwives to consider leaving the profession altogether.

Midwives often find themselves constantly on the clock, stretched beyond their limits. Handling multiple births during a single shift, managing mounting paperwork, and navigating endless staff shortages mean there is little to no time for recovery between shifts. This relentless pace puts midwives at high risk of burnout, fatigue, and compromised mental and physical health.

The Pressure on Newly Qualified Midwives

For newly qualified midwives, the reality is even harsher. Many are being given responsibilities well outside their comfort zones, often without adequate support. The stress and anxiety caused by this level of responsibility so early in their careers are pushing some to conclude that the profession is simply not worth continuing.

Even student midwives are feeling the pressure before they officially enter the workforce. They are being prepared for roles that focus on propping up a flagging NHS maternity service. Training rarely includes insights into alternative career paths, such as private practice, where midwives can offer families higher standards of care and the reassurance of a named midwife. Instead, the expectation is to integrate into an overstretched system, perpetuating the cycle of exhaustion and dissatisfaction.

Bullying in Midwifery: An Unspoken Reality

Bullying remains a pervasive issue in the midwifery profession, particularly for junior staff. A culture of intimidation and disrespect leaves many newly qualified midwives feeling unsupported and undervalued. This often drives talented and passionate individuals to leave the profession prematurely, feeling disillusioned and broken.

The ripple effects of this toxic culture are far-reaching. Not only does it exacerbate stress among midwives, but it also impacts the quality of care provided to women and their families. Continuity of care, which is crucial for building trust and ensuring better outcomes, is nearly impossible to achieve when midwives are demoralized and overwhelmed.

Systemic Failures Impacting Women and Midwives

The challenges facing NHS midwives don’t just affect those working within the system—they directly impact the women and families they care for. Many women report feeling rushed during appointments, unable to build relationships with midwives due to seeing someone different at every visit.

Continuity of care teams were once a beacon of hope in the NHS, offering consistent and personalized support. However, the inconsistent implementation and subsequent closure of many of these teams have left women without the reassurance of a familiar face during their pregnancy journey. For some, the only option to regain control and feel truly supported is to seek care outside the NHS.

The Consequences of Continuing in This Way

The outcomes of persisting in such a broken system are dire. Midwives face an increased likelihood of errors due to exhaustion, which puts both their professional reputation and the safety of their patients at risk. The reduced quality of care for women leads to dissatisfaction on both sides, creating a vicious cycle of stress, errors, and discontent.

Ultimately, this environment drives more midwives to leave the NHS. Many are seeking a better work-life balance, opportunities to provide individualized care, and a chance to rekindle the passion that brought them to midwifery in the first place.

A Better Way Forward

If you’ve been asking yourself whether there’s a better way to use your midwifery skills, you’re not alone. Increasingly, midwives are exploring opportunities to transition into independent practice. This shift allows them to provide personalized care that aligns with their values, work on their own terms, and avoid the constraints of a system that no longer serves them or their clients.

As an independent midwife, you can reclaim your ability to support women in the way you’ve always wanted to—building trust, offering continuity, and being truly present during one of the most significant moments in their lives. Imagine creating a career where you have the freedom to focus on what matters most: the families you care for and the passion that brought you to this profession.

Take the Next Step

If you’re feeling burnt out, depleted, and questioning your future in midwifery, it’s time to explore alternatives. Transitioning to independent midwifery is not just a career change – it’s an opportunity to find fulfilment, balance, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Book a discovery call with me today or take my quick quiz and let’s discuss how you can make the move to independent practice. Together, we can explore how to reignite your passion for midwifery and create a career that truly aligns with your values.

References

• The Lead, 2023, Exhaustion, sadness, and stress: Midwives leaving the job as burnout takes its toll.
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• British Journal of Midwifery, 2023 :  Dealing with burnout in midwifery: A call for cultural change.
• PMC PubMed Central, 2020). Systematic review of burnout risk profiles in midwives.