International Midwives Day

International Midwives Day is meant to remind us that a woman's body is perfectly capable of giving birth and carrying a full-term pregnancy without resorting to some of the invasive methods that obstetricians and other doctors use.

Since 1992, International Midwives Day has been observed on May 5th. This day is considered to honor the work of midwives and raise awareness of their importance in providing critical care services for mothers and their infants. Also, this is an opportunity for us to recognize their efforts in making the world a better place.

History of International Midwives Day

Midwifery is defined as skilled, competent and loving care for pregnant women, their infants and their families throughout pregnancy, birth, postpartum and the first weeks of a child's life.

Optimization of biological, psychological and sociocultural fundamental biological processes; Rapid mitigation and management of risks and interventions through referral of patients to other services are some of the core characteristics. Other characteristics include respecting the ward's unique views and circumstances and encouraging them to take proper care of themselves and their families.

Midwives, student midwives and maternity support workers have faced adversity and risked their lives to provide excellent care to families and communities over the years. This celebration was created to honor them for their contributions to our community and rally their support in calling for government investment in maternity care.

The concept of a day to remember and recognize midwives arose from a conference organized by the International Federation of Midwives in the Netherlands in 1987. The day has been observed in Iran and New Zealand, along with other countries, in 2014.

The release of the State of the World Midwifery Report (SoWMy) coincides with the celebration of International Day of Midwives on 5 May 2021. The report brings together information from 194 countries on the workforce in different sectors. Areas of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal and Adolescent Health (SRMNAH).

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the International Federation of Midwives (ICM), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Novametrics have collaborated on the report, which shows growth since the first time published in 2011 and outlines the obstacles and challenges to future progress. According to research, there is a global shortfall of about 1.1 million S.R.M.N.A.H. workers, with midwives accounting for more than 900,000.

On International Day of Midwives, we celebrate the exceptional contributions of midwives to humanity while highlighting the cumulative statistics and evidence that midwives are an important component of healthcare.

Some truths about Midwives

• There is no relation with Superman

According to the most recent edition of the World's State of Midwifery report, increasing the number of midwives and improving the quality of care they provide could save 4.3 million lives annually by 2035.

• Better odds

According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives, women who use the services of a nurse-midwife are less likely to undergo interventions such as cesarean delivery, labor, and anesthesia.

• A Mother's Choice

According to a report by the American College of Nurse-midwives published Midwifery: Evidence-Based Practice, the frequency of births involving midwives in the United States has increased massively since 1991.

• Same difference

According to the Cochrane Library, healthy women with normal pregnancies are likely to have similar outcomes as their female equivalents who consult an obstetrician.

• Certified Practitioner

While not all midwives are certified, a practicing midwife can choose from various certificate and degree programs.

Some reasons for International Midwives Day being important

• Midwives are real-life heroes

Midwives not only save lives, but also provide many other important medical services. It is also contributed of cervical and breast cancer screenings, as well as counseling.

• Midwives are the defenders of women's rights

Midwives play an important role in protecting women's rights. They can help victims of abuse and assist in preventing female from being genital mutilation. The importance of their efforts should not be overlooked.

• It's an important wellness reminder

International Midwives Day attempts to re-emphasize the importance of health systems around the world. It also serves as a reminder to all stakeholders to pay attention and take action.

How to celebrate International Midwives Day

• Learn more about midwifery

Learning about midwives and the role it plays in home births is one of the best ways to celebrate International Day of Midwives. Recognizing their contribution to safe delivery is the first step in appreciating what they do.

• Say Thank you

If you know a midwife or someone who has assisted you in giving birth, send a thank you gift or contact them to express your gratitude. A small thank you gesture can go a long way.

• Help raise awareness

Why not test alternative methods to let the public know about midwives? A marathon, a public performance, a march, or perhaps demonstrations are all examples of how this can be done. Do not forget to create a campaign through social media as a great alternative.