Every May 5th, we celebrate International Midwives Day, an annual occasion established by the International Confederation of Midwives in 1992 to bring attention to the midwifery profession and recognize the contributions of midwives.

This day emphasizes the crucial role midwives play in the health of mothers, children, and their families, particularly during pregnancy and labor. While midwives in ancient times leaned on experience and superstition, today's midwives are equally capable and proficient as OB/GYNs and obstetricians.

History:

• Inception: The idea for International Midwives Day was proposed at the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) conference in the Netherlands in 1987.
• First Observance: The first International Midwives Day was celebrated on May 5, 1991.

Key Objectives:

1. Honor Midwives: Recognize and celebrate the dedication, skills, and impact of midwives in providing maternal and neonatal care.
2. Raise Awareness: Increase public awareness about the importance of midwives in improving maternal and child health outcomes.
3. Advocate for Resources: Advocate for better training, support, and resources for midwives to ensure they can provide high-quality care.
4. Promote Midwifery Education: Highlight the importance of midwifery education and continuous professional development.
5. Support Maternal and Child Health: Emphasize the role of midwives in achieving global health goals related to maternal and child health.

Significance:

• Maternal and Neonatal Health: Midwives play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of mothers and newborns during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
• Access to Care: Midwives often provide essential healthcare services, particularly in underserved and remote communities where access to medical facilities is limited.
• Global Health Goals: Midwifery is key to achieving global health targets, including reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates.

Activities and Celebrations:

• Public Events and Ceremonies: Communities and organizations hold events, such as awards ceremonies, to honor and celebrate midwives.
• Educational Campaigns: Awareness campaigns educate the public about the role of midwives and the importance of maternal and neonatal health.
• Workshops and Conferences: Professional development workshops and conferences for midwives to share knowledge, skills, and best practices.
• Community Outreach: Midwives and healthcare organizations engage in community outreach activities, providing information on maternal and child health services.
• Social Media Campaigns: Use of hashtags like #InternationalMidwivesDay and #MidwivesMatter to promote the day and share stories of midwives' contributions.

Impact:

• Increased Recognition: International Midwives Day has helped increase recognition and appreciation for the work of midwives globally.
• Policy Advocacy: The day has supported advocacy efforts for better policies, funding, and resources for midwifery services.
• Improved Training and Support: Emphasis on midwifery education and professional development has led to improved training programs and support for midwives.
• Awareness and Education: The day has raised awareness about the critical role of midwives and the importance of maternal and neonatal health.

How to Get Involved:

1. Attend or Organize Events: Participate in or organize local events, such as seminars, workshops, or appreciation ceremonies for midwives.
2. Promote Awareness: Use social media and other platforms to share information about the role of midwives and the importance of maternal and neonatal health.
3. Support Midwifery Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that support midwives and advocate for maternal and child health.
4. Advocate for Better Policies: Engage in advocacy efforts to promote policies that provide better support and resources for midwives.
5. Celebrate Midwives: Show appreciation for midwives in your community by sending thank-you notes or organizing recognition events.

Organizations Involved:

• International Confederation of Midwives (ICM): The ICM is a key organization in promoting International Midwives Day, advocating for midwifery globally, and supporting midwives through education and policy initiatives.
• World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO supports initiatives to improve maternal and child health and recognizes the vital role of midwives.
• National Midwifery Associations: Various national midwifery associations organize events and activities to celebrate the day and support midwives in their countries.
• Healthcare Organizations: Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations participate by organizing events and highlighting the contributions of midwives.

Themes: Each year, International Midwives Day is celebrated with a specific theme to focus on different aspects of midwifery and maternal health. Themes are chosen to highlight current issues, achievements, and areas needing attention in the field of midwifery.

By celebrating International Midwives Day, we acknowledge the essential contributions of midwives to maternal and neonatal health, promote the importance of their work, and advocate for better support and resources to enhance their ability to provide high-quality care.