Author Identifier (ORCID)
Christine Atkinson: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4340-1620
Dianne Bloxsome: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0419-1249
Kate Buchanan: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8552-7412
Sarah Dawson: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3420-6749
Sara Bayes: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7121-9593
Abstract
Problem Midwifery workforce sustainability remains a critical concern for maternity services. Existing literature predominantly focuses on burnout and attrition, offering limited insight into what influences midwives’ decisions to remain within specific workplaces. Background Midwives consistently report strong professional commitment alongside growing workforce instability. National data indicate that uncertainty about current roles does not necessarily reflect disengagement from the profession. Understanding workplace-level influences on retention is therefore essential for targeted workforce strategy. Aim To examine how workplace stress and satisfaction with the practice environment are associated with Western Australian midwives’ intention to stay in their current job and in the profession. Methods A cross-sectional survey of midwives employed in Western Australian maternity services was conducted. Validated instruments assessed satisfaction with the practice environment, workplace stress, and intention to stay. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, and open-ended responses were examined using categorical content analysis. Findings Midwives demonstrated strong commitment to the profession, with greater uncertainty about remaining in their current workplace. Positive perceptions of local leadership and collegial relationships contrasted with dissatisfaction at organisational level, particularly regarding governance participation and resource adequacy. Decisions to stay were shaped by whether practice environments enabled alignment with professional values. Conclusion Retention is primarily influenced by site-level organisational conditions rather than professional disengagement, highlighting modifiable levers for strengthening workforce stability in maternity services.
Keywords
intentions to stay, job motivation, midwifery workforce, occupational engagement, practice environment, workplace stress
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
6-1-2026
Volume
39
Issue
3
PubMed ID
42127593
Publication Title
Women and Birth
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Funding Information
This research was funded by the Rosemary Bryant Foundation, by an Edith Cowan University Professorial Research Fellowship, and by an NHMRC Early Leadership Fellowship.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Atkinson, C., Bloxsome, D., Bradfield, Z., Buchanan, K., Dawson, S., Finch, F., Geraghty, S., & Bayes, S. (2026). Factors impacting Western Australian midwives’ intention to stay: A mixed methods study. Women and Birth, 39(3), 102212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2026.102212