Midwife

In short

What does a midwife do?

A midwife supports pregnant women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, providing medical and emotional care in a medical setting.

How much does a midwife earn?

As an indication, a midwife earns between €3,200 and €5,400 gross per month in the Netherlands: starters around €3,200, experienced staff towards €5,400.

What education do you need to become a midwife?

In the Netherlands you usually get there through a university of applied sciences (HBO).

Career description

A midwife guides pregnant women through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, offering medical and emotional support. Essential skills include medical knowledge, empathy, communication, and stress resistance, as the work involves irregular hours and acute situations in a medical environment.

Salary range

Salaried: €3,200 - €5,400 (Netherlands) gross per month (varies by industry, region, and experience).

Compare salaries across careers.

Education and preparation

Education level for Midwife: HBO.

Focus on practical experience, internships, and specializations that fit this field.

RIASEC profile for this career

Top profile: Social (90%), followed by Investigative (70%).

Scores: R 50 • I 70 • A 20 • S 90 • E 20 • C 20

About the Midwife career

A midwife plays a crucial role in supporting women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. This profession combines medical expertise with compassionate care, ensuring both the physical and emotional well-being of mothers and their babies during one of life's most significant events.

Midwifery suits individuals who are deeply interested in healthcare and enjoy working closely with people during vulnerable and transformative moments. If you are empathetic, resilient, and able to handle stressful situations calmly, this career could be a rewarding fit for you.

A working day as a Midwife

Your typical day as a midwife involves monitoring the health of pregnant women through regular check-ups, providing advice on prenatal care, and preparing expectant mothers for labor. You may also attend births, either in hospitals, birthing centers, or at home, offering hands-on assistance and emotional support throughout delivery.

You work closely with a range of healthcare professionals including obstetricians, pediatricians, nurses, and sometimes social workers to ensure comprehensive care for mother and child. Collaboration is key, as you coordinate care plans and respond to any complications that arise during pregnancy or childbirth.

Much of your work involves educating women and their families about what to expect during pregnancy and after birth, discussing nutrition, breastfeeding, and newborn care. You also provide postnatal support, helping mothers recover physically and emotionally while monitoring the baby's development.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Conduct prenatal assessments to monitor the health of mother and baby.
• Assist women during labor and delivery, providing medical and emotional support.
• Educate expectant mothers on pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care.
• Monitor postnatal recovery and address any complications.
• Collaborate with healthcare teams to develop and adjust care plans.
• Provide breastfeeding support and guidance.
• Maintain accurate medical records and documentation.

Skills and traits

Medical Knowledge

Understanding anatomy, physiology, and obstetrics is essential to provide safe and effective care during pregnancy and childbirth. This knowledge helps you recognize complications early and respond appropriately.

Empathy

Pregnancy and childbirth are deeply personal experiences that can be stressful and emotional. Being empathetic allows you to connect with women and offer the compassionate support they need.

Communication

Clear and sensitive communication is vital for educating mothers and collaborating with healthcare teams. It ensures that everyone involved understands care plans and feels supported.

Stress Resistance

Childbirth can involve sudden emergencies and long hours, requiring you to stay calm and focused under pressure. This resilience helps you provide steady care in challenging situations.

Problem-Solving

Each pregnancy and birth can present unique challenges, so you need to quickly assess situations and make informed decisions. Effective problem-solving ensures the best outcomes for mother and baby.

Physical Stamina

Midwifery often requires long shifts and physical activity, such as assisting during labor and moving equipment. Good stamina helps you maintain energy and focus throughout your workday.

Which personality fits?

The RIASEC profile for midwifery strongly emphasizes Social traits at 90%, highlighting a career centered on helping and caring for others. This aligns perfectly with the nurturing and supportive role midwives play in guiding women through pregnancy and childbirth.

Enterprising (60%) and Investigative (50%) traits also feature prominently, indicating that midwives combine leadership and decision-making with a strong interest in medical science and problem-solving. Artistic (40%), Realistic (30%), and Conventional (30%) traits suggest creativity in patient care, practical hands-on skills, and an ability to work within organized healthcare systems.

Education and route

To become a midwife, you typically pursue higher education at the applied bachelor's (HBO) or university (WO) level in healthcare-related fields. Programs usually focus on midwifery, nursing with a midwifery specialization, or obstetrics, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical training.

During your studies, internships or clinical placements are essential, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in hospitals, birthing centers, or community health settings. These placements help you develop your skills under the supervision of experienced professionals.

While there are no specific named programs in our data, general healthcare degrees that include obstetrics or maternal health components are common routes. Continuous professional development after graduation is important to stay updated with medical advances and best practices.

Pay and career progression

Your pay as a midwife depends on factors such as your level of experience, the healthcare sector you work in, and the region or country where you practice. Working in hospitals, private clinics, or community health centers can influence salary, as can public versus private sector employment.

Career progression may involve moving from junior to senior midwife roles, specializing in areas like prenatal diagnostics or lactation consulting, or transitioning into teaching, research, or management positions within healthcare organizations. Some midwives also choose to run independent practices or offer home birth services.

Where do you work?

Hospitals

Large medical centers where midwives assist with a wide range of births and collaborate with obstetricians and other specialists.

Birthing Centers

Facilities focused on natural childbirth offering a more homely environment with midwife-led care.

Community Health Clinics

Settings that provide prenatal and postnatal care, often serving diverse populations in outpatient environments.

Private Practices

Midwives working independently or in small groups offering personalized care and home birth services.

Educational Institutions

Universities or training centers where experienced midwives teach and mentor future professionals.

Pros and cons

Pros

• You have the opportunity to support women during one of the most important times in their lives.
• The work is varied, combining medical care with emotional support and education.
• You develop strong relationships with patients and their families.
• There is a clear sense of purpose and fulfillment in helping bring new life into the world.

Cons

• Shifts can be long and irregular, including nights and weekends.
• The job can be physically demanding and emotionally intense.
• You may face stressful emergencies requiring quick decisions.
• Work environments can sometimes be high-pressure and fast-paced.

The future of this career

Advances in medical technology and prenatal diagnostics are changing how midwives monitor pregnancies and manage births, enabling more precise and safer care. Digital tools and telehealth are also becoming part of prenatal and postnatal support, expanding access for women in remote areas.

Societal changes, including increased awareness of mental health and personalized care, are influencing midwifery practices. There is growing emphasis on holistic approaches that integrate emotional wellbeing with physical health, requiring midwives to adapt and expand their skills continuously.

Does Midwife suit you?

• Do you enjoy supporting and caring for others during important life events?
• Are you comfortable working in medical environments with irregular hours?
• Can you stay calm and make decisions under pressure?
• Do you have strong communication skills and empathy?
• Are you interested in healthcare and continuous learning?

Frequently asked questions about Midwife

What education do I need to become a midwife?

Typically, you pursue an applied bachelor's or university degree in healthcare with a focus on midwifery or obstetrics. Practical internships are essential to gain hands-on experience during your studies.

Is midwifery a well-paid profession?

Midwife salaries vary depending on experience, sector, and location. Generally, pay reflects your qualifications and the healthcare setting where you work.

What are the typical work hours for a midwife?

Midwives often work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and on-call shifts, because childbirth can happen at any time. Flexibility is important in this career.

Can I change careers and become a midwife later in life?

Yes, many people enter midwifery as a second career. You would need to complete the required education and clinical training regardless of previous work experience.

Do midwives only work in hospitals?

No, midwives work in various settings including birthing centers, community clinics, private practices, and educational institutions. The workplace depends on your specialization and preferences.

How stressful is the work of a midwife?

Midwifery can be emotionally and physically demanding, especially during emergencies or complicated births. However, many find the work deeply rewarding despite the challenges.

Next step

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