Midwives Under Pressure: "Good Maternity Care is No Longer a Given!"
When a child is born, every calm voice and every experienced hand counts. Yet, those who support families through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period are increasingly under pressure: low pay, bureaucracy, liability risks, and new cuts threaten their profession. This situation affects not only midwives but also the safety of mothers and babies, as a look behind the delivery room doors reveals.
The Invisible Fighters
"You can do it!" In the most intense and vulnerable moments of our lives, they are by our side, holding our hands and providing reassurance. Midwives are not just birth attendants; they are lifesavers. They accompany us through pregnancy, assist during childbirth, and support us in the postpartum period. However, while they support us in these critical moments, they are fighting for their own survival. Poorly paid, overwhelmed by bureaucracy, and burdened by high insurance costs, more and more midwives feel compelled to leave their profession. What does this mean for us and our children? The situation is alarming and requires urgent attention.
The Alarming Situation
Starting in November 2025, midwives will only receive 80 percent of their already low hourly wage. For the care of multiple birthing women simultaneously, there will be drastic cuts: from the second to the third birthing woman, they will receive only 30 percent, and from the fourth onward, nothing at all. These new regulations could force midwives to change their working methods or even abandon their profession. The financial incentives are so low that many midwives are questioning whether they can continue to bear this responsibility. These poor conditions are leading to an increasing number of midwives throwing in the towel. According to a study, 20 percent of mothers are already forgoing a midwife in the postpartum period because none are available in their immediate family circle. Finding a midwife can take months, and many pregnant women find themselves alone during childbirth. This is not only a challenge for midwives but also for expectant mothers who are in an emotionally and physically challenging state.
The emotional and physical burdens associated with childbirth are immense. When a woman is in labor, she often relies on the support of her midwife to navigate this painful and intense experience. Midwives provide not only medical support but also emotional stability and security. When this support is absent, it can lead to feelings of isolation and fear, significantly negatively impacting the birth experience. The loss of midwives means that fewer women receive the necessary support, and the overall quality of maternity care suffers.
A Call for Change
"Having a good birth should not be a luxury!" says midwife Sissi Rasche. She advocates for fair pay and better working conditions for midwives so that every family receives safe one-on-one care. Currently, around 27,000 midwives are working in Germany, but many report being overwhelmed and facing difficult working conditions. The consequences are alarming: one in three women today perceives her birth as traumatic. This can not only impair the mother-child bond but also have long-term effects on the mental health of women. Without dedicated midwives, this trend will only worsen.
The emotional support that midwives provide is invaluable to many women. They are not only professionals but also trusted individuals who stand by our side in one of life's most vulnerable moments. When this support is absent, it can lead to feelings of isolation and fear, significantly negatively impacting the birth experience. An example of this is the story of Anna, who had no midwife by her side during the birth of her first child. She felt overwhelmed and abandoned, leading to a traumatic experience that still haunts her today. Such stories are unfortunately not isolated cases and highlight the importance of midwife support.
The German Midwives Association Takes Action
The German Midwives Association (DHV) has launched the campaign "Women Pay the Price" to draw attention to the grievances. The demands are clear:
- One-on-one support during childbirth – for every woman.
- Comprehensive care – close to home, at any time.
- Fair compensation and better conditions – for midwives, mothers, and babies.
You can sign the petition until May 7 and make a statement. By raising your voice, you not only support midwives but also expectant mothers who rely on safe and supportive maternity care. "Maternity care is not a luxury. It is fundamental – for our society and our future," emphasizes midwife Isabelle Göpfert, who reaches around 380,000 people on Instagram. On May 5, International Midwives Day, she wants to thank her colleagues: "Without you – your strength, your commitment, your solidarity – this work would not be possible. In a time when good maternity care is no longer a given, we need our solidarity more than ever."
The situation is serious, and time is running out. If nothing changes, the quality of maternity care in Germany will continue to decline. This could affect not only midwives but also mothers and ultimately society as a whole. It is time for us to fight together for change to ensure that every woman receives the support she needs during childbirth. The challenges are great, but together we can make a difference.
Practical Steps for Expecting Parents
What can you do as an expectant mother or father to improve the situation? Here are some practical tips:
- Educate yourself: Familiarize yourself with the current conditions of maternity care and talk to other parents about their experiences. Learn about the various options for maternity care and which midwives are available in your area.
- Support the petition: Sign the petition of the German Midwives Association and share it with your friends and acquaintances. Every signature counts and can help draw attention to the issues.
- Get involved locally: Look for local initiatives or groups that are working to improve maternity care. There may already be actions in your area that you can participate in.
- Communicate openly about your needs: If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor or midwife about your wishes and concerns regarding childbirth. The more you communicate, the better your individual needs can be addressed.
- Share your experiences: Share your birth experiences on social media to raise awareness of the challenges. Your voice can help others who find themselves in similar situations.
Together, we can ensure that good maternity care does not become a luxury but is a given for every woman. Let us raise our voices and fight for the midwives who support us during the most important moments of our lives. The time for change is now, and each of us can make a contribution.