International Day of the Midwife | Celebrations, Activities

 International Day of the Midwife

Midwife visiting the home of one of her patients. In this scene the midwife is using a circular pregnancy due date calendar to work out the estimated arrival of the mother's new baby.(Getty)

Every year, on May 5th, people worldwide celebrate the International Day of the Midwife to acknowledge and appreciate the significant role midwives play in providing healthcare services to mothers and newborns.

The 2023 theme for the International Day of the Midwife is "Midwives Transforming Maternity Care: The Power of Partnership." This theme highlights the crucial role midwives play in ensuring quality care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between midwives, other healthcare providers, and women themselves.

Since its inception in 1991, the International Day of the Midwife has become a significant event in raising awareness about the importance of midwifery and the challenges faced by midwives in providing care in various parts of the world. The day offers an opportunity to advocate for increased investment and support for midwifery education and services and recognize the significant contributions that midwives make to improve the health and well-being of women, children, and families.

Why International Day of the Midwife is celebrated?

The International Day of the Midwife is observed to acknowledge and appreciate the essential role midwives play in providing healthcare services to women and newborns. This day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the significant contribution midwives make to improving maternal and newborn health and well-being.

Pregnant patient consulting with doctor or midwife at home(Getty)

In addition, the day aims to advocate for increased support and investment in midwifery education and services. It highlights the importance of addressing the challenges midwives face while providing care in various parts of the world and the need for partnerships between midwives, other healthcare providers, and women themselves.

Established in 1991 by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), the International Day of the Midwife is celebrated globally every year on May 5th. The day recognizes the invaluable work of midwives and promotes the importance of the profession in enhancing maternal and newborn health outcomes.

How do you celebrate Midwifery day?

The celebration of the International Day of the Midwife offers a chance to honor and celebrate midwives' important role in providing healthcare services to women and newborns, although the celebrations may differ depending on the location. Below are some of the ways to celebrate and recognize the day:

A nurse midwife, wearing her medical scrubs, stands confidently facing the camera. Hands folded in front of her.(Getty)

Organizing events: 

Midwifery associations, organizations, and communities can plan events such as seminars, workshops, webinars, and conferences to raise awareness about midwifery's significance. Such occasions also provide a platform to discuss challenges, share best practices, and promote the profession.

Publicizing Midwifery:

 Midwives and their supporters can use social media platforms on Midwifery Day to share experiences, stories, and achievements. They can also create awareness about the profession and its importance in improving maternal and newborn health.

Appreciating Midwives: 

Midwives can be celebrated and appreciated by organizing award ceremonies, personalized thank-you messages, and other forms of recognition for their contributions.

Midwife showing pregnant woman ultrasound images(Getty)

Community Outreach: 

Midwives can engage in community outreach programs that help to create awareness about maternal and newborn health. They can also offer education and support services to women and families in need.

Advocating for Midwifery: 

On Midwifery Day, midwives and their supporters can lobby for policy changes that improve midwifery practice and address the challenges faced by midwives. They can also advocate for increased support and investment in midwifery education and services.

Overall, the International Day of the Midwife serves as an opportunity to honor and recognize midwives' vital contributions to improving maternal and newborn health.

What is the activity of midwifery?

The activity of midwifery involves providing healthcare services and support to women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Some of the key activities of midwives include:

Providing prenatal care: 

Midwives provide comprehensive prenatal care to pregnant women, including monitoring the health of the mother and fetus, conducting routine tests, and providing education on healthy pregnancy and childbirth.

Supporting women during childbirth: 

Midwives provide emotional, physical, and psychological support to women during labor and delivery, and monitor the health of the mother and baby throughout the process. They may also provide pain management and other medical interventions as needed.

Providing postpartum care: 

Midwives provide postpartum care to women and their newborns, including monitoring recovery, providing education on newborn care, and supporting breastfeeding.

Providing family planning services:

 Midwives may also provide family planning services, including counseling on contraceptive options and prescribing and administering birth control.

Advocating for women's health: 

Midwives play a crucial role in advocating for women's health and rights, and promoting access to healthcare services and education.

Collaborating with other healthcare providers: 

Midwives often work in collaboration with other healthcare providers, including obstetricians, pediatricians, and nurses, to provide comprehensive care to women and their families.

Overall, the activity of midwifery is focused on promoting and supporting healthy pregnancies, safe childbirth, and positive outcomes for women and their families.

What is the most common type of midwife?

There are two primary types of midwives: Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Midwives (CMs).

Doula educator Atoosa Benji, registered nurse and midwife Eyelle Sacher, CNM, holistic maternity health coach, author and speaker Birgitta Lauren(Getty)

The most prevalent type of midwife is the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), which is a registered nurse who has completed a graduate-level program in midwifery and passed a certification exam. They can practice in all 50 US states and provide a wide range of healthcare services, including prenatal care, labor and delivery support, postpartum care, and family planning services, to women and their families.

Certified Midwives (CMs) are a less common type of midwife who have also completed a graduate-level program in midwifery and passed a certification exam, but they do not have a nursing background. They are licensed to practice in a few US states and provide similar healthcare services as CNMs.

It is essential to note that midwifery practices and regulations can vary widely across different countries and regions, so the most prevalent type of midwife may differ depending on the location.

What are the weaknesses of a midwife?

Like any healthcare provider, midwives may have certain weaknesses or areas for improvement in their practice. Some potential weaknesses of midwives may include:

Lack of experience: 

Midwives who are new to the profession or have limited experience may lack the knowledge and confidence needed to provide effective care to women and their families.

Limited medical intervention: 

Midwives typically follow a natural approach to childbirth, with minimal medical intervention. While this can be beneficial for many women, it may not be suitable for those with high-risk pregnancies or complicated medical histories.

Limited availability: 

In some areas, midwives may be in short supply, making it difficult for women to access the care they need.

Limited scope of practice: 

In some countries, midwives may have limited legal authority to perform certain medical procedures or provide certain types of care, which can limit their effectiveness and impact.

Communication barriers: 

Midwives who work in multicultural or multilingual settings may face communication barriers that can affect their ability to provide effective care and support to women and families.

It is important to note that these weaknesses are not unique to midwives and can apply to any healthcare provider. It is the responsibility of midwives to continually improve their skills and knowledge and work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for women and their families.

Who started midwives?

Midwifery, the practice of assisting women during childbirth, has been around for thousands of years. The exact origins of midwifery are unknown, as it predates written records. However, midwifery has been documented in ancient cultures such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

Throughout history, midwifery was traditionally practiced by women in the community, often with knowledge passed down from generation to generation. The first recorded midwifery school was established in 1745 in Paris, France.

Today, midwifery is a regulated profession in many countries, with formal education and certification programs. The modern midwifery movement is often attributed to the work of British nurse and midwife Florence Nightingale, who helped to establish midwifery education programs in the late 19th century.

Is midwife pregnancy safe?

Midwifery care during pregnancy can be safe when provided by a qualified and trained midwife. Midwives are trained to provide care that promotes and supports a healthy pregnancy, and they work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to manage any complications or risks that may arise. Midwives follow evidence-based practices and guidelines to ensure the safety of both the mother and baby throughout the pregnancy, labor, and delivery. However, it is important for pregnant women to choose a qualified and licensed midwife, and to discuss any concerns or risks with their healthcare provider.

Is midwife male or female?

Midwives can be male or female. While historically midwives were predominantly female, in modern times, there are many male midwives who have entered the profession. Midwifery is a gender-neutral profession, and both male and female midwives can provide the same level of care to women and their families.

How old are most midwives?

The age of most midwives can vary widely. Some midwives may enter the profession after completing their education in their early 20s, while others may become midwives later in life after pursuing other careers. In some countries, midwifery may be a second career for individuals who have already worked in healthcare or related fields. Additionally, midwives may continue to practice well into their 60s or 70s, depending on their physical and mental health. Therefore, there is no one specific age range for most midwives.