Honours midwifery student Alix Dornbusch is on a mission to understand and improve the workplace culture for midwives in ACT hospitals. Inspired by her own journey into midwifery during the 2020 lockdowns, Alix’s research explores how demographic factors influence midwifery experiences and why many practitioners are leaving the field. From burnout and limited career progression to understaffing and lack of flexibility, her findings highlight systemic challenges, but also point to solutions like continuity models of care and the UK’s innovative “retention midwife” role. Despite the pressures, Alix remains passionate about the profession, describing midwifery as a deeply rewarding calling. Her hope is that her research will help shape a more supportive and sustainable future for midwives in Australia.
Alix joined Ben on The Wrap Up to discuss her research. Listen to the full interview below:
