I was prepared for the nausea, the food aversions, the cramps, even the wild pregnancy dreams. What I wasn’t prepared for was how difficult it would be to find a midwife.
We had heard about New Zealand’s midwife shortage. Headlines like “The midwife crisis is real” should have prepared me. I had read stories of women contacting dozens of midwives before finding one with availability. Still, I didn’t expect it to happen to us.
I Contacted Nearly 30 Midwives
I reached out by phone, email and text. I used the official “Find Your Midwife” directory. I contacted Birthcare. I posted in local Facebook groups. I asked friends. Friends of friends. Anyone.
Out of almost thirty enquiries, only one midwife had space to meet with us. Many didn’t respond at all. And honestly, I understand why. Midwives in New Zealand are stretched thin — overworked, under-resourced and supporting large caseloads.
But when you are newly pregnant and simply trying to secure maternity care, the silence feels frightening.
Our First Appointment Didn’t Feel Right
We were grateful that someone agreed to meet with us. However, the appointment left us unsettled.
The discussion focused heavily on what midwives cannot do — surgical births, assisted deliveries — and the benefits of private obstetric care. We completely understand that different models of care exist, and that informed choice is important. But we left feeling uncertain rather than supported.
We weren’t looking for perfection. We weren’t being fussy. We simply wanted to feel confident that we were in safe, capable hands.
The Reality of Finding a Lead Maternity Carer in NZ
At that point, we were genuinely considering private obstetric care simply because we needed continuity. Not because we preferred it, but because we were running out of options.
So I kept searching.
Back to directories. Back to community groups. Back to word-of-mouth referrals. Eventually, through a friend of a friend, we found someone.
From the moment we met her, I knew. Calm. Experienced. Warm. Confident without being dismissive. Exactly what we needed.
A Wider Issue in New Zealand Maternity Care
Our experience is not unique. Midwives across New Zealand have publicly spoken about workforce shortages and burnout. Pregnant women in some regions struggle to secure a Lead Maternity Carer, particularly in high-demand areas.
It’s an incredibly difficult time for both midwives and families. The system relies on dedicated professionals doing emotionally and physically demanding work. When capacity is stretched, everyone feels it.
No one enters midwifery lightly. And no family should feel anxious about accessing maternity care.
If You’re Struggling to Find a Midwife
If you’re early in pregnancy and searching for a midwife, start as soon as possible. Reach out widely. Use official directories. Ask your GP for recommendations. Speak to friends. Don’t be afraid to follow up.
It can feel exhausting. But finding someone who makes you feel safe and supported is worth the persistence.
I truly hope the situation improves — for midwives, and for every family navigating the early weeks of pregnancy wondering, “Who will care for us?”