As the world moves to celebrate the midwifery profession on Saturday, Whanganui's midwives say they are up against the same problems facing the profession nationwide.
Midwives marched in Auckland and Wellington on Thursday in a push to improve pay conditions for the profession with some saying they were paid as low as $7 an hour.
Whanganui's midwives will celebrate their profession's international day with a party at the Cancer Society on Koromiko Rd on Saturday at midday.
Whanganui District Health Board charge midwife Lucy Pettit pointed out recruitment and retention as key challenges facing her profession.
"Whanganui midwives face similar issues or challenges to midwives elsewhere regarding sustainability of the midwifery profession."