Midwives will march through Wellington on Thursday to deliver a 12,000 signature petition to Parliament.
It calls for Minister of Health David Clark to support urgent sustainable funding for midwifery, with the profession struggling to meet demand as many leave their jobs to find better pay elsewhere.
College of Midwives spokeswoman Andrea Sarty says the framework is already there for a funding boost.
"There's a sustainable finding model sitting there ready to go," Ms Sarty told Newshub.
"All the Government needs to do is commit to it. That will stop midwives from leaving the profession which they're doing in droves at the moment."
Ms Sarty says some regions are barely able to support expectant mothers.
"For example, in the Waikato they've lost about 30 or more midwives in the last six months.
"It's really hard for women to actually find someone to care for them. Having that continuity of care… it makes a huge difference."
Ms Sarty says the average take home hourly income for rural midwives is just $7.23 for rural midwives and $12.80 for urban midwives.
After gathering at Civic Square at 11am on Thursday, supporters dressed in costumes will march down Lambton Quay to Parliament to deliver the petition to Minister for Health David Clark.
Thursday is International Midwives' Day.
Newshub.
