Midwives have been protesting over the “recruitment crisis” which they say has left maternity services on the brink of collapse.

Hundreds of midwives, doulas and new mums turned out to raise awareness of a lack of staff and funding which they say has left them fearing for their mental health.

The March with Midwives event saw the group demonstrating about poor staffing levels, with protesters calling on the government to do more for the profession.

Laura McLaren, a midwife who helped organise the protest, said: “I have been a midwife for six years and the situation is getting worse and worse.

“Midwives are getting burnt out and they need to take the recruitment crisis seriously.

The Argus: Laura Mclaren who helped to organise the eventLaura Mclaren who helped to organise the event (Image: NQ Staff)

“I was looked after by amazing midwives and that was life-changing but people will lose their lives because of cuts to services.”

The March with Midwives event took place in The Level in Brighton on Sunday, November 20.

Midwives demonstrated by marching around the area to raise awareness of the number of people leaving the profession.

The Argus: Rachel Howley, James Howley and Carla MastroianniRachel Howley, James Howley and Carla Mastroianni (Image: NQ Staff)

Out of every 30 midwives completing their training, March with Midwives says that 29 are either not starting or leaving the job.

Some of the midwives at the event cried as they showed their support for the protest and had to be consoled by other attendees.

The Argus: Student midwives at the protestStudent midwives at the protest (Image: NQ Staff)

Rachel Howley, a new mum who attended the protest with her husband James, said: “We had Tess 12 weeks ago and we had amazing support from our midwives. As first-time parents we wouldn’t have had a clue without them.

“The support from them has been so important and we wanted to show them our support.”

Student midwives Poppy, Leah and Gabby also attended the protest. Leah added: “We are paying to be unpaid labour. We want to be able to provide safe care.”

Gabby added: “We are having midwives crying on our shoulders. We shouldn’t have to be unsupervised.”

The March for Midwives event is the second such event after it was previously held in 2021. The event is part of a national day of action.