Episode 217 - Surviving and Thriving in Midwifery

Midwifery faces a global professional crisis, with high attrition rates driven by workplace stress, moral injury, and systemic barriers to full-scope practice. Lynnelle Moran, a midwife and researcher, identifies "toxic tribalism"—both within the profession and between multidisciplinary teams—as a primary factor undermining career longevity and psychological safety. Her grounded theory research highlights that professional sustainability relies on "connection, relationships, and community." Rather than relying solely on individual resilience, the profession requires systemic shifts toward supportive leadership, clinical supervision, and the valuation of elder midwives' wisdom. Midwives can mitigate these challenges by actively building diverse professional networks and advocating for workplace cultures that prioritize belonging and growth over fear and blame. Strengthening these interpersonal connections is essential to retaining talent and ensuring the long-term viability of maternity care.