Midwifery understaffing is a global issue, exacerbated by increasing complexity in care and rising workloads. This chapter explores how low staffing forces midwives to prioritise safety over key aspects of care, including communication and teamwork, often leading to self-protective behaviours and weakened team cohesion. A pressurised work environment, described as a ‘pressure cooker’ exacerbates disrespectful behaviours and a blame culture. Professional behaviour must be upheld despite these pressures, with concerns escalated appropriately; to achieve this, a psychologically safe culture, compassionate leadership, and system-level responsibility for well-being are essential. Supportive learning environments are crucial for sustaining an effective workforce and ensuring the midwifery workforce of the future. Understaffing must not be normalised, as it poses risks to families, maternity and neonatal staff and, most crucially, students and newly qualified midwives. Ultimately, achieving a safe, well-supported environment enables both staff and women and birthing people to thrive in maternity and neonatal services.