What Does a Student Midwife Do?
October 29, 2025
Pregnancy is one of the most personal journeys you’ll ever go through and for many women in Australia, a student midwife can become an important part of that experience.
You may have come across the term before, especially if your hospital, GP, or antenatal clinic mentioned the Continuity of Care Experience (CoCE). But what exactly does a student midwife do, and how are they involved in your care?
Let’s break it down simply.
Who is a Student Midwife?
A student midwife is someone studying to become a fully qualified midwife. They’re enrolled in an accredited midwifery program at an Australian university, and as part of their studies, they must complete a number of Continuity of Care Experiences (CoCEs), which are real-world experiences where they follow and support a pregnant woman through her pregnancy, birth, and early postnatal period.
It’s hands-on learning, guided by supervision from registered midwives and academic mentors. But at its heart, it’s also about building genuine, trusting relationships, and is something that benefits both you and the student.
What Does a Student Midwife Actually Do?
Student midwives don’t replace your regular care providers. Instead, they walk alongside you, offering support, learning from your experience, and being a friendly, consistent presence during your journey.
Here’s what that often includes:
- Antenatal (Before Birth)
Student midwives can attend several of your antenatal appointments (usually at least four). They observe, take notes for you, answer questions, decipher hospital or Dr jargon, help with routine checks under supervision, and get to know you and your birth preferences. - Labour and Birth
If you feel comfortable, your student midwife can be present during labour and birth. Where they can provide emotional support, physical support, stay by your side, deliver the magical ice chips, and assist the care team where appropriate, always under the guidance of registered midwives. - Postnatal (After Birth)
After your baby arrives, your student midwife may visit you at your postnatal appointments and in hospital for follow-up care, checking in on feeding, recovery, and how you’re feeling. They’re there to listen, learn, and help wherever they can.
Each student’s involvement will depend on your comfort level and their university’s guidelines, but the key idea is continuity – having the same supportive person follow your journey from early pregnancy to beyond birth.
“Pregnancy is the only time in life when you’ll fall in love with someone you haven’t met.”
Kristen Proby
Why Continuity of Care Matters
Research consistently shows that women who experience continuity of care, being supported by the same familiar support provider throughout their pregnancy, have better outcomes and higher satisfaction.
It’s about more than medical care. It’s about feeling known, heard, and supported.
Unfortunately, only about 10% of Australian women currently have access to continuity of care models. For many, that means repeating their story to new people, missing out on emotional support, and feeling disconnected from their maternity experience.
That’s where student midwives make a real difference and where digital platforms like MidwithMe help bridge that gap.
How It Works: The Continuity of Care Experience (CoCE)
The CoCE program is an essential part of every midwifery degree. Students are required to follow a certain number of women (often 10–15) through pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.
A typical CoCE involves:
- At least 4 antenatal visits
- Being present during labour and birth (if comfortable for both)
- At least 2 postnatal visits
Once the student has completed these visits, their professional relationship with the mum concludes, though many stay in touch long after.
What’s in It for You?
Having a student midwife by your side can offer:
- An extra layer of emotional and practical support
- Someone who has the time to listen, explain, and reassure
- A consistent presence who knows your preferences
- The satisfaction of helping train the next generation of midwives
It’s a two-way relationship built on empathy, respect, and care.
How to Connect with a Student Midwife
If you’d like to experience continuity of care yourself, you can explore student midwife profiles and connect safely through MidwithMe for free.
You’ll be able to:
- Search for students near your hospital or suburb
- Read about their background and interests
- Chat before deciding to pair
- Build your Continuity of Care journey together
- + Plus more
It’s completely free to use and a meaningful way to support both your pregnancy and a student’s learning.
In Summary
A student midwife is more than just a learner, they are a compassionate companion during one of the most important times of your life.
They’re there to listen, support, and grow alongside you.
By welcoming a student midwife into your pregnancy journey, not only are you adding an incredible caring and supportive person to your birth team, you’re shaping their education, and the future of care for Australian women.
Explore MidwithMe: midwithme.com.au
Join as a Mum-to-Be: app.midwithme.com.au/register
Learn more: midwithme.com.au/faqs
Join as a Mum-to-Be: app.midwithme.com.au/register
Learn more: midwithme.com.au/faqs
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