From times immemorial, even prior to the era of organised
medical services, Midwives have been rendering a yeoman’s
job in maintenance of health among rural populations.
In countryside where hospitals are either non-existent
or unapproachable, most deliveries continue to be effected
through midwives besides their valuable role in pregnancy
and post-natal period, both for the well being of the
new born as well as mothers. In recognition of the contribution
made by midwives, the World Health Organisation (WHO)
recognises midwives as the health professionals best
able to deliver safe, cost-effective maternity services
to the majority of families, and in pursuance of same,
has decided to celebrate 5 May as the International
Midwives Day (IMD).
This
year the theme for IMD is Aboriginal Midwives for Aboriginal
Women. (The Australian College of Midwives
has developed a scholarship trust fund for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander women to study to become
midwives. All proceeds from merchandise sold on International
Midwives Day will be donated to the trust fund to support
these women to reduce the costs of undertaking their
studies).
Ways
to Celebrate: IMD seeks to bring awareness
about the importance of midwives’ work among people.
This is being done in different ways in various countries,
like:
 Organising
a street parade and rally in a public place; Setting
up stalls for providing information and advice and also
publicising information about midwifery services in
public places;
Holding
a meeting, workshop or conference to exchange thoughts
and be apprised about new developments in midwifery
in the region; Conducting a religious service (often
multi-denominational) to celebrate midwifery and safe
childbirth;
Awarding
and honouring the individuals or groups of midwives
in recognition of special contribution made by them;
Giving cards
or small gifts to the mothers of babies born around
IMD to remind them of the positive impact a midwife
can make;
Decorating
workplace with balloons and posters with messages like
- Be proud to be a midwife; Letting women in your care
know it is International Midwives Day;
Raising
money to help midwives overseas where extra resources
are greatly needed from regions where midwifery is well
established.
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