The aim of the present study was to find out what kind of significance familiarisation had for the professional growth of maternity ward midwives. In the study, information was sought on what kind of familiarisation maternity ward midwifes had received during their career and what king of familiarisation midwifes need. A qualitative research approach was utilised in the study. The data was gathered with the help of theme interviews during the spring 2008. Five maternity ward midwifes who had been working from two to 36 years were interviewed. The data was analysed by using an inductive contents analysis. The results indicated that familiarisation was considered an important factor increasing the professional growth of midwives. Familiarisation was also found important for becoming acquainted with the working unit and for the concrete working. In practice, familiarisation was regarded as insufficient mainly due to an unsystematic planning and a lack of resources. All the interviewees were of the opinion that familiarisation should be developed further.