Midwives and Midwifery Students (MaMs) is a continuity‑of‑care experience where a CDU midwifery student walks alongside you during pregnancy, birth and the early weeks with your baby. It is warm, relational, flexible and centred on your comfort and choices.
This shared journey is also a vital part of the student’s training to become a registered midwife. By following women over time, students learn how pregnancy unfolds, how decisions are made, and how midwives provide continuity, partnership and advocacy.
Charles Darwin University has midwifery students nationally, and supports students to learn in their own communities — including rural, remote, regional and metropolitan areas.
For questions, feedback, or to find a student in your area, email us at midwifery@cdu.edu.au
What is MaMs?
MaMs stands for Midwives and Midwifery Students — a model where you get to know a student who supports you over many months, not just during short clinical placements.
You’ll have:
- A familiar face at appointments
- Consistent support from someone who listens
- Extra time to talk through questions
- A student who works in partnership with your midwife
- A calm, connected presence during labour and birth (if you choose)
- Participation is voluntary, free and flexible
What your student can offer?
Your MaMs student will:
- Attend a minimum of four antenatal visits
- Be on call for your labour and birth
- Visit you at least twice postnatally
- Provide emotional support and continuity
- Help you understand decisions by discussing risks and benefits
- Work respectfully with your midwife and maternity care team
- Communicate clearly and professionally
- Follow your preferences at every step
You decide how involved your student is. You can withdraw at any time.
Why this shared journey matters to student midwives?
Following women through pregnancy, birth and early parenting is essential to becoming a registered midwife. These experiences help students learn:
- How pregnancy unfolds over time
- How women make decisions
- How culture, community and family shape maternity care
- How midwives build trust and partnership
- How continuity supports safer, more connected care
- How to communicate clearly and respectfully
- How to work as part of a maternity care team
These continuity experiences are in addition to clinical placement, forming a core part of CDU’s midwifery program.
What participation looks like?
A typical MaMs journey may include:
- A meet‑and‑greet
- A minimum of four antenatal appointments with your regular care provider
- Optional presence during labour and birth
- At least two postnatal visits
- Regular check‑ins
- Flexible communication based on your preferences
Consent Form
Women who wish to participate can complete the consent form and email it to:
[Download Consent Form – PDF]
Learning in your local community
Students must follow women in their local community because pregnancy unfolds over many months. This helps them:
- Build genuine relationships
- Attend appointments consistently
- Respond to labour calls
- Provide postnatal support
- Meet CDU program requirements
- Learn in the community where they will eventually practise
Students may need to negotiate access with local hospitals or clinics depending on local policies. Your student will discuss what is possible in your area.
Women’s voices
Women who have participated often describe the experience as supportive, reassuring and deeply meaningful.
“We were incredibly lucky to have our student by our side throughout the pregnancy journey.”
“She transitioned seamlessly from home to hospital, communicated beautifully, and helped us understand our decisions. She worked well with our midwife and remained professional throughout.”
“I am so incredibly grateful to have had her as our student midwife. She was professional, incredibly supportive and a great communicator.”
“I would like to thank her for being part of our journey and being present on the day our baby girl came into the world.”
Cultural Safety & Respect
MaMs is grounded in culturally safe, woman‑led continuity of care.
We honour your:
- Story
- Culture
- Community
- Choices
- Pace
- Comfort
Your autonomy guides the experience.
Safety, professional standards & clinical boundaries
To keep you safe and supported:
- Students are supervised by registered midwives at all times.
- Students must follow Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia professional standards, codes and guidelines.
- Participation does not replace your clinical care.
- Students cannot provide clinical advice independently.
- Your privacy and confidentiality are protected.
- Students may need to negotiate access with local hospitals or clinics.
- Continuity experiences are in addition to placement.
Your midwife remains your primary maternity care provider.
Frequently asked questions
Can I withdraw at any time?
Yes. Participation in MaMs is completely voluntary. You can change your mind or withdraw at any time, for any reason, and your care will not be affected. Just send us an email at midwifery@cdu.edu.au
Will my student be at my birth?
Only if you choose. Your student will be on call for your labour and birth, but you decide whether you want them present. Your comfort guides everything.
Does this replace my midwife?
No. Your midwife and maternity care team remain responsible for your clinical care. Your student provides continuity, support and connection, learning alongside your midwife — not instead of them.
Is there a cost for participating?
There is no cost to participate in the MaMs continuity‑of‑care experience.
Are students supervised?
Yes. Students are supervised by registered midwives at all times and must follow NMBA professional standards, codes and guidelines.
Can students give clinical advice?
No. Students cannot provide clinical advice independently. They can support you, listen, help you understand information, and talk through decisions — but all clinical advice must come from your midwife or maternity care team.
What if my hospital doesn’t allow student visits?
Most hospitals and clinics welcome student involvement, occasionally others have restrictions. Your student will talk with you about what is possible in your area and may need to negotiate access with local services. If access is limited, your student may still support you in other ways.
Are CDU students available in my community?
CDU has midwifery students nationally, learning in their own communities — including rural, remote, regional and metropolitan areas. Email midwifery@cdu.edu.au to find out if a student is available near you.