International Day of The Midwives

It’s International Day of The Midwive today (5 May) and as anyone who’s been supporting through childbirth by a midwife will know, these women (and men) do an amazing job of looking after women and their partners and delivering our babies.

idsMED wanted to take part on this day to widen the knowledge and respect of what midwives do for the world. 

They simply understand that by working in partnership with women and their families, they can support them to make better decisions about what they need to have a safe and fulfilling birth.

What are their jobs like really? What are their stories?

"Compassion and emphaty are two of the most important characteristics of being a midwife" it reminds of Olga Richardson, one of senior midwives. Seeing each situation during woman pregnancy and labor including asses, monitor, anticipate and plan of what they need are those which midwives do.  She told this story ..

In East Africa, I came across Jane.* She was the only midwife at her rural health center, and was on call 24/7. On this particular morning, her shift had started at 3:00 AM. Five hours later, she had already assisted two normal deliveries, was preparing to transfer a woman to the hospital due to complications, had two additional women in labor, and was preparing to provide antenatal care. In between, she had decontaminated and sterilized the few delivery instruments she had and cleaned the delivery room. Jane exuded so much confidence and professionalism and had an infectious smile despite what must have been great fatigue. Imagine being the only midwife or person with midwifery skills in such a setting.

There are many Janes all over the world. They are unsung heroes who should be celebrated every day. I often ask myself whether Jane even knows that May 5 is International Day of the Midwife. And if she does, what difference does it make to her world?

The world needs more midwives to achieve the World Health Organization’s vision of a world where every pregnant woman and newborn receives high-quality care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. Midwives can also help us achieve the goals of the Global Strategy for Women and Children.

Sending our respect to all the Midwives around the world.

Image Source : www.midwifery.org.uk

©idsMED 2017