Midwifery is important for all childbearing women, their babies, and their families, no matter where they live in the world or what their circumstances are. Evidence shows that skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate midwifery care reduces maternal and newborn mortality and stillbirths, keeps mothers and babies safe, and promotes health and well-being for both mothers and their children. Midwifery has a positive impact on the broader health-care system as well as the economic sustainability of communities and countries as a result of its work.
Midwifery makes a difference by providing care for both women and babies. When it comes to midwifery care, women and their families benefit from a combination of prevention and support, early identification and prompt treatment or referral of complications, as well as respectful and compassionate care during a crucial time in their lives. During pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, midwives work to enhance women’s own abilities as well as the normal processes of pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.
When it comes to any health system, midwifery is a critical component, and the implementation of high-quality midwifery services will help to strengthen efforts to reform health systems. Midwives play an important role in ensuring that the woman, her baby, and her family receive the appropriate care at the appropriate time. Women and babies require midwifery care in all settings, including those where there are no midwives or where midwives’ scope of practice is restricted. The care of women in these situations should be provided by other health-care professionals, such as doctors and nurses, community health workers, and others who have received specialized training in midwifery skills. In such circumstances, it is likely that healthcare professionals will need to collaborate in order to ensure that women and babies receive the comprehensive care that they require.
HACEY is joining the celebrations with the Midwives’ Society and other midwives around the world as the world marked International Midwives Day.
For more information on our maternal health project, please visit hacey.org.
Written By:
Michael Adegboye
