In a New South Wales hospital, a midwife reflects on her vital role in the labor process, sharing her experience of assisting a woman in transition. She highlights her extensive training that allows her to perform medical tasks autonomously and ensure the safety of both mother and baby. Despite the gravity of the situation and the underwhelming pay of $45 per hour, she feels a profound sense of fulfillment in witnessing new life. However, concerns about staffing and support from the government raise questions about the ongoing challenges in the healthcare profession.
For $45 per hour, I can put a cannula in so we can give life-saving medications. I can hang fluids, I can birth the placenta and reassure the woman as to what I need to do to stop the bleeding.
There is more blood than I'd like to see. But that's OK. If this was someone you loved, I'd know how to keep them safe.
Will there be enough colleagues available to answer my buzzer if the NSW government continues to make nurses and midwives the lowest paid of our profession in the country?
I don’t feel the NSW government appreciates the critical work midwives do, especially given my extensive experience and ability to save lives for only $45 per hour.
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