Today is International Day of the Midwife, an annual holiday dedicated to celebrating and advocating for midwives all over the world.
On International Day of the Midwife, the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s European office reiterates that “planned investments in the midwifery workforce are essential to ensure better health for all.”
WHO says: “Investing in midwives could avert two-thirds of maternal and newborn deaths by 2035, as well as help to strengthen primary health care systems and provide a pathway to universal health coverage.”
It added: “Let us join forces on this occasion to recognize and show appreciation for their work and to advocate for strengthening the role of the midwife.”
What is International Day of the Midwife?
International Day of the Midwife was established by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) in 1992, and it is celebrated annually on May 5.
The ICM coordinates the day in partnership with member organisations, and it is observed by more than 50 nations.
In 2023, the theme is “together again: from evidence to reality”.
The Royal College of Midwives said in a statement: “This time of celebration honours the efforts of midwives and their associations to action critical evidence like the State of the World’s Midwifery (SoWMy) towards meaningful change for our profession and the women and families we care for. We hope that midwives, maternity support workers and student midwives across the globe celebrate in unison.”
International Day of the Midwife is a chance to celebrate the work that midwives around the world do, and to advocate for midwifery.
International Day of the Midwife messages
Health professionals and health services have been sharing messages of support for midwives on social media to celebrate the annual day.
Dr Amir Khan said in 2022: “It’s #InternationalDayoftheMidwife. A huge THANK YOU to all the incredible midwives out there who are working so hard for mothers, babies and families
“You are there through the good times and bad, and are truly wonderful.”
It’s #InternationalDayoftheMidwife
— Dr Amir Khan GP (@DrAmirKhanGP) May 5, 2022
A huge THANK YOU to all the incredible midwives out there who are working so hard for mothers, babies and families
You are there through the good times and bad, and are truly wonderful ❤️
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “Our midwives are a fantastic, versatile and dedicated team.
“We are grateful for all that they have done to support families and their babies, especially over the past couple of years.”
Our midwives are a fantastic, versatile and dedicated team. We are grateful for all that they have done to support families and their babies, especially over the past couple of years. #IDM2022 #InternationalDayoftheMidwife pic.twitter.com/pD4xtMByPW
— UCLH (@uclh) May 5, 2022
Barts Health said: “Happy #InternationalDayoftheMidwife! A big thank you to our amazing midwives for their hard work in providing high-quality care to women, birthing people and their families.”
They shared a video of midwives Ariya, Lucy, Jenise and Juan speaking about what being a midwife means to them.
Happy #InternationalDayoftheMidwife! A big thank you to our amazing midwives for their hard work in providing high-quality care to women, birthing people and their families💜
— Barts Health (@NHSBartsHealth) May 5, 2022
Listen to our midwives Ariya, Lucy, Jenise and Juan speak on what being a midwife means to them 👇 pic.twitter.com/Lc9dG1WOEn
The London Ambulance Service said: “On #InternationalDayOfTheMidwife we’d like to celebrate our three dedicated midwives Stacey, Camella and Aimee who support and train #TeamLAS colleagues on responding to and taking maternity calls.
“We received 11,000 pregnancy-related emergency calls in 2021. #100YearsOfProgress.”
On #InternationalDayOfTheMidwife we’d like to celebrate our three dedicated midwives Stacey, Camella and Aimee who support and train #TeamLAS colleagues on responding to and taking maternity calls.
— London Ambulance Service 💙 (@Ldn_Ambulance) May 5, 2022
We received 11,000 pregnancy-related emergency calls in 2021. #100YearsOfProgress pic.twitter.com/SSB5nyKedG
How to celebrate International Day of the Midwife
The ICM is encouraging people to share their messages of support on social media. The organisation has prepared 14 messages complete with graphics that midwives and their supporters are encouraged to share on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
For example, one message people can share is “#ImagineIfMidwives were recognised as autonomous healthcare professionals, no longer conflated with nurses and obstetricians. More women would receive high-quality #SRHR by the care provider most qualified to deliver these services: a #midwife. #ICM100.”
For other messages, and to find out how to share them, head to the official website for IDM2022.com.
