Senior Midwife: Pay, Salary, Progression & How to Become
A Senior Midwife is an advanced healthcare professional within the National Health Service (NHS) who holds a key role in maternity care. The Senior Midwife role covers the scope, responsibilities, and career progression within the NHS framework. Readers will find the different types of Senior Midwife positions, the salary bands associated with each, and the qualifications required to advance in the career path. The Senior Midwife role matters for those aspiring to enter or progress in the field of midwifery, as well as for stakeholders involved in healthcare workforce planning and policy development.
What Is a Senior Midwife?
A Senior Midwife is an advanced clinical and leadership role within maternity services, held by an experienced registered midwife. The Senior Midwife position is associated with Band 6, 7, or 8a on the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale, depending on the level of responsibility and demand involved. Senior Midwives possess expert clinical knowledge and are tasked with overseeing day-to-day midwifery care standards, leading multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to the strategic development of maternity services.
The scope of a Senior Midwife includes providing thorough care to women and their babies throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postnatal period. In addition to direct clinical care, Senior Midwives take on leadership responsibilities, such as teaching and supporting junior midwives, managing resources and equipment, and supporting effective learning environments. Senior Midwives drive innovation focused on delivering kind, safe, and personalized care.
Key characteristics of a Senior Midwife include strong communication skills, advanced clinical abilities like perineal suturing and I.V. management, and strong leadership capabilities. The Senior Midwife's commitment to evidence-based practice supports high standards of care and supports the professional development of colleagues. Senior Midwives support women and their partners to make informed health choices throughout their path to parenthood.
What Does a Senior Midwife Do?
A Senior Midwife provides expert clinical leadership and manages the delivery of midwifery services. The Senior Midwife role involves caring for women and their babies throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postnatal period, supporting high-quality, evidence-based care. Senior Midwives lead multidisciplinary team rounds and participate in strategic development for future maternity services. Senior Midwives manage resources and equipment, supporting a learning environment for junior midwives. The Senior Midwife's responsibilities include maintaining high standards of care through innovation and developing midwifery-led care initiatives. Senior Midwives demonstrate advanced clinical skills, such as perineal suturing and intravenous management, and use strong communication skills to support women and their partners in making informed health choices.
What Is the Difference Between a Senior Midwife and a Midwifery Team Leader?
A Senior Midwife and a Midwifery Team Leader differ in their focus and responsibilities within maternity services. A Senior Midwife operates at Band 6 or Band 7 and concentrates on delivering expert clinical care, mentoring junior staff, and maintaining high standards of practice within their defined clinical area. The Senior Midwife role centres on hands-on clinical leadership, direct patient care, and supporting the professional development of less experienced midwives.
In contrast, a Midwifery Team Leader holds a Band 7 or Band 8a position and carries broader managerial and strategic responsibilities. Team Leaders oversee day-to-day operational management, coordinate multidisciplinary team activities, lead strategic planning for service development, and manage resources and staffing. While the Midwifery Team Leader maintains clinical knowledge and may still provide care, the main function involves leading teams, driving service improvement initiatives, and confirming governance standards.
What Are the Different Types of Senior Midwife?
Senior midwives include several types that operate in specialized settings, each requiring distinct knowledge to meet the needs of women and families. The main types of Senior Midwife are Senior Labour Ward, Senior Community, Senior Antenatal Clinic, Senior Postnatal Ward, and Senior Birth Centre. The different types of Senior Midwife are listed below.
Senior Labour Ward Midwife
A Senior Labour Ward Midwife works in the delivery suite, providing expert clinical leadership during labor and birth. The Senior Labour Ward Midwife role involves managing complex deliveries and leading multidisciplinary team rounds to confirm safe, high-quality care during childbirth's most key phase.
A Senior Labour Ward Midwife is a highly skilled professional who provides leadership and clinical knowledge in the delivery suite. The Senior Labour Ward Midwife role involves managing the care of women during labor and birth, confirming safe and responsive care in high-acuity settings. Senior Labour Ward Midwives coordinate complex births, lead multidisciplinary team rounds, and oversee the implementation of clinical standards. Key skills for the Senior Labour Ward Midwife position include strong communication, perineal suturing, and intravenous management. Senior Labour Ward Midwives work in hospital environments, under demanding shift patterns, including nights and weekends, to maintain high standards of personalized care.
Senior Community Midwife
A Senior Community Midwife delivers care in community settings, providing antenatal and postnatal support in women's homes and local clinics. The Senior Community Midwife position centres on continuity of care throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period, focused on personalized, woman-centered service.
A Senior Community Midwife is a Band 6 or Band 7 registered midwife who provides thorough maternity care to women and families in community settings, outside of hospital environments. The Senior Community Midwife role involves delivering integrated, person-centred care throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postnatal period, with a focus on supporting women in their own homes, local clinics, and community health centers. Senior Community Midwives work autonomously while leading and mentoring junior staff, managing their own caseloads, and coordinating care across multiple community locations.
Unlike hospital-based colleagues, Senior Community Midwives build long-term relationships with families throughout their maternity pathway, providing continuity of care from early pregnancy through to postnatal discharge, a model shown to improve safety and experience according to NHS England's Better Births national maternity review (2016). Senior Community Midwives conduct antenatal assessments, provide health education, support home births when appropriate, and deliver postnatal care in familiar, comfortable environments for new mothers. The Senior Community Midwife role requires strong organizational and communication skills, as Senior Community Midwives must coordinate with multidisciplinary teams in an effective way, manage complex caseloads independently, and make clinical decisions without immediate senior support. The Senior Community Midwife position offers opportunities to develop specialist skills in community-based midwifery care while supporting women to make informed health choices for themselves and their babies within their own communities.
Senior Antenatal Clinic Midwife
A Senior Antenatal Clinic Midwife specializes in pregnancy care, monitoring maternal and fetal wellbeing. The Senior Antenatal Clinic Midwife role involves providing health information, screening services, and supporting women to make informed health choices throughout the antenatal period.
A Senior Antenatal Clinic Midwife is a specialized healthcare professional responsible for leading antenatal care services within clinic settings. The Senior Antenatal Clinic Midwife role requires expert clinical practice and leadership skills, focused on the thorough assessment and monitoring of pregnant women throughout their pregnancy.
Senior Antenatal Clinic Midwives coordinate multidisciplinary care pathways and manage clinic operations to confirm evidence-based screening and monitoring. Senior Antenatal Clinic Midwives take clinical responsibility for complex antenatal cases, including those with high-risk pregnancies or pre-existing medical conditions. Senior Antenatal Clinic Midwives supervise junior staff and run antenatal screening programmes, which NICE guideline NG201 sets out across infectious diseases, sickle cell and thalassaemia, and fetal anomaly screening, while maintaining clinical governance standards. The Senior Antenatal Clinic Midwife role demands strong organizational skills, strong communication abilities, and the capacity to provide compassionate, personalized care while supporting efficient patient flow.
Senior Postnatal Ward Midwife
A Senior Postnatal Ward Midwife focuses on post-birth care, supporting new mothers and babies during their hospital stay. The Senior Postnatal Ward Midwife role includes knowledge in infant feeding, newborn care, and maternal recovery, while identifying and managing postnatal complications.
A Senior Postnatal Ward Midwife is a specialized midwifery professional responsible for providing expert care and leadership on postnatal wards. The Senior Postnatal Ward Midwife role involves supporting the safe recovery of mothers and newborns following childbirth. Senior Postnatal Ward Midwives focus on several key areas, including postnatal assessment, infant feeding support, and monitoring for complications such as postpartum hemorrhage or sepsis.
Senior Postnatal Ward Midwives coordinate care for mothers recovering from both vaginal births and caesarean sections. Senior Postnatal Ward Midwives support families with infant feeding and early parenting skills, supporting a smooth transition to home care. Senior Postnatal Ward Midwives oversee the discharge process, confirming that both mother and baby are ready and that appropriate follow-up care is arranged. The Senior Postnatal Ward Midwife role matters in maintaining high standards of care and supporting junior staff in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Senior Birth Centre Midwife
A Senior Birth Centre Midwife works in midwifery-led units, supporting physiological birth in a low-intervention environment. The Senior Birth Centre Midwife role supports women who choose a more natural birthing experience and builds an effective learning environment for developing midwifery-led care practices.
A Senior Birth Centre Midwife is an experienced healthcare professional specializing in midwifery care within a birth centre setting. The Senior Birth Centre Midwife role supports women with low-risk pregnancies through labor, birth, and the early postnatal period. Senior Birth Centre Midwives work at an Agenda for Change Band 6 or Band 7 level, reflecting their leadership responsibilities and clinical knowledge.
In a birth centre, the environment is designed to be less clinical and more home-like, focused on physiological birth with minimal medical intervention. NICE guideline NG235 recommends midwife-led units as particularly suitable for low-risk women, since intervention rates are lower with no difference in outcomes for the baby compared with obstetric units. Senior Birth Centre Midwives provide skilled, woman-centered intrapartum care and are prepared to recognise and escalate care if complications arise. Senior Birth Centre Midwives coordinate the unit, support junior staff, and contribute to developing safe, evidence-based care pathways within the maternity service. The Senior Birth Centre Midwife role matters in supporting midwifery-led care models that centre on kind, safe, and personalized experiences for women choosing to give birth in a less medicalized environment.
How Much Does a Senior Midwife Earn?
A Senior Midwife's salary in the NHS is set by the Agenda for Change pay framework, which groups earnings into different bands based on role responsibilities and knowledge. Senior midwives fall within Bands 6, 7, or 8a, reflecting their level of clinical and leadership duties. In Band 6, salaries range from £35,392 to £42,618 annually, while Band 7 positions offer between £43,742 and £50,056 per year. Band 8a, which includes advanced leadership roles, offers salaries from £53,740 to £59,490. The figures represent base salaries; actual earnings can increase with extra payments for unsocial hours, overtime, and geographical allowances such as London weighting. Experience and progression through the pay bands impact earnings, as midwives advance through incremental points within their band annually until reaching the top of their pay scale.
How Much Does an NHS Senior Midwife Earn Per Hour?
An NHS Senior Midwife's hourly wage varies depending on their band level. At Band 6, the hourly pay ranges from approximately £19 to £22, based on an annual salary of £35,392 to £42,618. For Band 7, the hourly rate increases to around £24 to £26, reflecting annual earnings between £46,540 and £50,570. Band 8a Senior Midwives earn between £28 and £31 per hour, calculated from salaries ranging from £58,133 to £65,261 annually. The hourly figures are based on a standard 37.5-hour workweek and may rise with extra pay for unsocial hours, such as nights and weekends, or location-based allowances like London weighting.
Senior Midwife Band 6 Salary
A Senior Midwife at Band 6 in the NHS earns £38,682 to £46,580 per year, according to NHS Employers' "Pay scales for 2025/26". The salary range reflects the Agenda for Change pay structure, which rewards midwives who have advanced beyond entry-level practice. Band 6 positions are mid-level roles, requiring midwives to demonstrate improved clinical skills and extra responsibilities. The Band 6 responsibilities may include mentoring junior staff, taking part in service improvements, and participating in audits. Salaries within Band 6 can increase with experience and satisfactory performance, allowing midwives to progress from the lower to the upper end of the pay scale over time. Extra earnings can result from unsocial hours, overtime, or location-based additions.
Senior Midwife Band 7 Salary
The Senior Midwife Band 7 salary reflects the advanced clinical and leadership responsibilities held by professionals in the role. NHS Employers' 2025/26 pay scales set Band 7 Senior Midwives at £47,810 to £54,710 annually. The Band 7 salary range applies to basic pay, with potential for extra earnings through additions for unsocial hours or overtime. Band 7 positions require registered midwives with expert clinical and leadership experience. Band 7 roles involve overseeing day-to-day clinical leadership, maintaining high standards of midwifery services, and taking part in strategic development. In certain regions, especially London or specialized areas like maternal medicine, Band 7 salaries can reach higher levels, ranging from £49,387 to £65,261 per annum.
Senior Midwife Band 8a Salary
Senior Midwife positions at Band 8a represent advanced leadership and strategic roles within NHS maternity services. Band 8a midwives earn £57,696 to £65,095 per annum in 2025/26, as listed in NHS Employers' pay scales, with exact figures varying by incremental progression. The Band 8a roles cover strong managerial responsibilities, including oversight of multiple teams, strategic service development, and high-level clinical governance.
Band 8a Senior Midwives hold positions such as Maternity Services Manager, Head of Midwifery for defined departments, or Specialist Midwifery Consultants with wide scope of practice. At the level, professionals are expected to demonstrate expert clinical knowledge combined with proven leadership capabilities, requiring extra qualifications such as a Master's degree and specialized leadership certifications. The salary reflects the strong experience, advanced competencies, and strategic decision-making responsibilities tied to the senior positions.
What Is the Senior Midwife Pay Scale for 2026/27?
The Senior Midwife pay scale for 2026/27 is structured within the NHS Agenda for Change banding system, covering Bands 6, 7, and 8a. Band 6 senior midwives earn between £39,959 and £48,117 annually, reflecting roles with increased clinical responsibilities and some supervisory duties. Band 7 positions, which involve more strong leadership and specialist responsibilities, offer salaries ranging from £46,148 to £52,809 per annum. At the top of the scale, Band 8a roles, involving advanced leadership or consultant-level duties, command salaries between £58,133 and £65,261 annually.
The pay structure is designed to reward the progression of experience, clinical knowledge, and leadership responsibilities within senior midwifery roles. Senior midwives in London and surrounding areas may receive extra compensation through High Cost Area Supplements, improving their total compensation package. The pay scale includes incremental progression points within each band, allowing for annual salary increases based on satisfactory performance, up to the maximum point of the band.
How Is Senior Midwife Pay Determined by Agenda for Change?
Senior Midwife pay is set by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system, which standardizes salaries across the NHS for non-medical staff. Under the AfC system, roles are grouped into bands based on responsibility, knowledge, and leadership. Senior Midwives fall into Band 6, Band 7, or Band 8a, each with a defined pay scale and multiple pay points. The bands allow for incremental progression based on experience and performance. The AfC framework supports fair compensation by evaluating roles through a job evaluation scheme, assessing factors like knowledge, skills, and working conditions. Annual pay reviews adjust bands for inflation and cost of living, maintaining competitive salaries for Senior Midwives.
How Much Did Senior Midwife Pay Rise in 2026?
Senior midwife pay experienced a clear increase in 2026, reflecting adjustments to the NHS Agenda for Change pay scales. Senior midwives in Band 7 saw their pay scale rise from £47,810–£54,710 to £49,387–£56,515, marking an increase of £1,577 to £1,805 depending on the pay point. The adjustment represents a 3.3% uplift, aligning the compensation with inflation and cost of living considerations. Band 6 midwives benefited too, with their pay scale moving from £38,682–£46,580 to £39,959–£48,117. For those in Band 8a, the scale increased from £55,690–£62,682 to £57,528–£64,750, reflecting the broader efforts to maintain competitive and fair salaries within the NHS framework.
How Does Senior Midwife Pay Progression Work?
Senior midwife pay progression operates within the NHS Agenda for Change framework, which structures salary advancement through defined pay bands and incremental points. Each pay band contains multiple steps, allowing senior midwives to progress annually based on satisfactory performance and continuous service. For instance, a senior midwife in Band 6 progresses through several pay points, with each step representing a salary increase until the top of that band's scale is reached.
Progression within a band is automatic, occurring on the anniversary of the midwife's appointment or promotion, provided performance standards are met. However, advancing to a higher band, such as from Band 6 to Band 7, requires applying for and securing a higher banded position. The promotional transition involves demonstrating improved skills, leadership capabilities, and taking on greater responsibilities. The structured nature of the AfC system confirms transparency and fairness in pay advancement, recognizing both length of service and career development through promotional opportunities.
How Do Midwives Move From Band 5 to Band 6?
Midwives progress from Band 5 to Band 6 by demonstrating improved clinical skills and leadership capabilities. The Band 5 to Band 6 transition requires 12-24 months of post-registration experience, during which midwives develop knowledge in areas such as antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care. To qualify for Band 6 roles, midwives must build a professional portfolio showcasing their ongoing development and competencies. Key skills include perineal suturing and intravenous management, as well as the ability to mentor junior staff. The progression involves applying for Band 6 positions, which are advertised as senior roles requiring evidence of experience and readiness for increased responsibility.
How Do Senior Midwives Move From Band 6 to Band 7?
Senior midwives transition from Band 6 to Band 7 by assuming roles with improved leadership and clinical responsibilities. The Band 6 to Band 7 advancement requires demonstrating advanced clinical skills and knowledge in midwifery practice. Midwives must apply for Band 7 positions, which demand evidence of strategic leadership and the ability to manage clinical areas or lead specialized services. Key qualifications include maintaining registration as a midwife and possessing a degree in Midwifery, with extra credentials like leadership certifications or a Master's degree improving candidacy. Successful candidates exhibit strong communication skills, a commitment to innovation, and the ability to support midwifery-led care initiatives.
How Much Do Senior Midwives Earn for Unsocial Hours?
Senior midwives earn extra pay for unsocial hours under the NHS Agenda for Change. Unsocial hours refer to work done during evenings, nights, weekends, and public holidays. The shifts attract improved pay rates that increase a midwife's earnings.
NHS Employers' "Unsocial hours payments" guidance sets a 30% enhancement for Saturdays and weekday nights and a 60% enhancement for Sundays and public holidays under Section 2 of the NHS Terms and Conditions.
The additions raise the take-home pay of senior midwives, adding 20-40% to their basic salary annually, depending on their work patterns.
How Much Overtime Does a Senior Midwife Earn?
Senior midwives earn overtime based on NHS Agenda for Change guidelines, which provide improved pay rates for hours worked beyond contracted time. Overtime during weekdays is compensated at time-and-a-half, equating to 150% of the standard hourly rate. For example, if a Band 6 senior midwife earns a base hourly rate of £21, overtime would be approximately £31.50 per hour. On public holidays, the overtime rate increases to double time, or 200%, resulting in around £42 per hour for the same Band 6 midwife.
The exact overtime earnings can vary depending on the NHS Trust's policies and the nature of the shift. Overtime can occur as planned extra hours, bank work, or unsocial hours, each affecting the rate. For instance, unsocial hours include evenings, nights, weekends, and bank holidays, which offer higher pay rates. Some Trusts may offer Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) as an alternative to paid overtime, allowing midwives to take equivalent time off instead of receiving extra payment. The choice between paid overtime and TOIL depends on Trust policy, departmental budgets, and personal preferences.
How to Calculate Senior Midwife Take-Home Pay
Calculating the take-home pay for a Senior Midwife involves a series of steps that start with the gross salary and account for several deductions. The process is outlined below — or use our NHS pay calculator for an instant estimate.
Determine Gross Annual Salary
Begin with identifying the gross annual salary based on the NHS band and pay point. For instance, a Band 6 Senior Midwife earns between £35,392 and £42,618 annually, while a Band 7 salary ranges from £46,148 to £52,809.
Add Extra Earnings
Include any extra earnings such as pay for unsocial hours or overtime. NHS midwives receive extra compensation for working nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
Deduct Pension Contributions
Subtract contributions to the NHS Pension Scheme, which is a major deduction. Contribution rates range from 5.2% to 12.5% of pensionable pay across six tiers, as set out in the NHS Business Services Authority's 2025/26 contribution rates.
Calculate Income Tax and National Insurance
Deduct income tax and National Insurance contributions. Tax is calculated based on HMRC tax bands, while National Insurance is deducted at 8% on earnings between £12,570 and £50,270 and 2% above that, according to HM Revenue & Customs.
Subtract Other Deductions
Account for other deductions such as union fees, student loan repayments, or childcare salary sacrifice schemes.
Calculate Net Pay
Convert the net annual pay into monthly or weekly figures by dividing by 12 or 52, respectively. The result gives a realistic estimate of the take-home pay received each pay period.
What Deductions Come Off a Senior Midwife Payslip?
A senior midwife payslip includes several standard deductions that reduce gross salary to take-home pay. The main deductions include income tax, calculated through PAYE based on tax code and earnings. National Insurance contributions are mandatory social security payments deducted from the salary. Pension contributions to the NHS Pension Scheme range from 5% to 14.5% of pensionable pay, depending on earnings. Extra deductions may involve student loan repayments if applicable and salary sacrifice schemes such as childcare vouchers or cycle-to-work programs. Professional subscriptions like Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) annual registration fees might be deducted at source.
How Does Senior Midwife Maternity Pay Work?
Senior midwife maternity pay under the NHS is structured according to the Agenda for Change terms. Eligible senior midwives receive full pay for the first 8 weeks of maternity leave. The full-pay period is followed by half pay plus statutory maternity pay for the next 18 weeks. The final 13 weeks are compensated at the statutory maternity pay rate, provided the midwife meets the eligibility criteria. The NHS terms and conditions of service require at least 12 months of continuous NHS service by the 11th week before the expected week of childbirth to qualify for occupational maternity pay.
How Does Senior Midwife Sick Pay Work?
Senior midwife sick pay within the NHS operates under the Agenda for Change terms, providing a generous occupational sick pay scheme. Entitlement to sick pay is set by the length of NHS service. New starters receive one month's full pay and two months' half pay. The entitlement increases to six months' full pay and six months' half pay after five years of service. During sick leave, senior midwives continue to receive their basic salary, though additions for unsocial hours may be affected. All payments are subject to tax and National Insurance deductions, and adherence to the trust's sickness reporting procedures is required to confirm proper payment.
How to Become a Senior Midwife
Becoming a senior midwife involves a structured career path, focused on clinical experience, professional development, and leadership skills. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the role:
Complete Initial Midwifery Training
Begin with a degree in Midwifery from an accredited university program. The training combines academic coursework with clinical placements under experienced mentors, providing thorough exposure to several aspects of midwifery care.
Register and Gain Band 5 Experience
After earning your degree, register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to become a licensed practitioner. Work as a Band 5 midwife, for 2-3 years, to gain experience in antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care settings.
Develop Specialist Skills and Build a Portfolio
Build your knowledge by acquiring extra skills, such as perineal suturing and intravenous management. Develop a professional portfolio that highlights your ongoing education and evidence-based practice, which matters for career progression.
Progress to Band 6
Apply for Band 6 positions that require advanced clinical skills, leadership potential, and the ability to mentor junior staff. Demonstrating competence in autonomous practice and contributing to service improvements matter for moving up.
Pursue Leadership Qualifications
Consider obtaining leadership certifications or a Master's degree, which are desirable for higher-level roles. Develop skills in managing resources, leading teams, and taking part in strategic service development.
Advance to Senior Midwife (Band 7)
Apply for Band 7 senior midwife roles, which demand expert clinical knowledge and leadership experience. Band 7 positions involve overseeing day-to-day clinical standards and contributing to the strategic development of maternity services, focused on innovation and personalized care.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Senior Midwife?
To become a Senior Midwife, defined qualifications are required. A Registered Midwife must hold a degree in Midwifery or an equivalent qualification, alongside current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). A professional portfolio demonstrating ongoing professional development is required. Desirable qualifications include leadership certifications and a Master's degree, which build a midwife's capability to manage complex maternity cases and lead in an effective way.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Senior Midwife?
Becoming a senior midwife requires a combination of formal education and practical experience. To begin, aspiring midwives complete a three-year degree in midwifery. After qualification, they usually start working as a Band 5 midwife. Progression to a senior midwife position, at Band 7, involves gaining 2-4 years of post-qualification experience. The post-qualification period allows midwives to develop the necessary clinical and leadership skills. In summary, the path to becoming a senior midwife takes approximately 5-7 years, depending on individual career progression and the availability of senior roles.
What Band Is a Senior Midwife?
A Senior Midwife operates within Band 7 of the NHS Agenda for Change pay structure. Band 7 roles involve advanced clinical responsibilities and leadership duties, reflecting the knowledge required in senior midwifery positions. In some circumstances, a Senior Midwife may work at Band 6 or even Band 8a, depending on the defined responsibilities and the healthcare trust's requirements. Band 6 is an entry point for senior roles, while Band 8a may be applicable for those in strategic leadership or specialist positions.
Do Senior Midwives Prescribe?
No, senior midwives do not as a rule have independent prescribing rights.
Do Senior Midwives Get London Weighting?
Yes, senior midwives working in London receive London Weighting allowances as part of their NHS pay package.
Can Senior Midwives Become Consultant Midwives?
Yes, senior midwives can become consultant midwives. The career progression involves advancing to roles that require wide clinical knowledge, leadership experience, and extra qualifications such as a master's degree or doctoral-level study.