Paying tribute to our remarkable midwives

Today is the internationally recognised day to champion the tireless work of midwives.

International Midwives’ Day celebrations are taking place across New South Wales, from morning and afternoon tea parties, ‘walk with midwives’ marches, midwifery conferences, to making birth kits for women in developing countries.

Over the past decade, more than 90,000 babies have been delivered in NSW each year, keeping registered midwives busy around the clock in hospital labour wards, birth centres, delivery suites, homes and the occasional footpath or front seat.

Despite the physical and emotional strength required, all midwives agree their profession is the most rewarding in the world.

Jacquie, a Midwifery Parent Educator, transitioned into midwifery from cardiothoracic nursing and hasn’t looked back:

“It’s such a great job, midwifery ticks all the boxes. I’ve had the pleasure of delivering babies and sharing new life with the woman and her baby. You’re involved in their new family straight way, mothers remember who you are and the impact you had on their lives, it’s beautiful.”

Jan, a Midwifery Educator, said she couldn’t imagine doing anything else:

“Being a midwife, you’re involved in their care from antenatal right the way through to postnatal care. You’re giving these women the best possible start at motherhood and giving them the education to raise their precious baby. It’s about love and being involved with the mother and their family and extended family. The only job is to be a midwife.”

Loretta, a Midwifery Educator, said midwifery was the most rewarding profession:

“It’s a window of opportunity to make a significant impact on future generations.”

General Secretary of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association, Brett Holmes, said International Midwives’ Day was also an opportunity to highlight the increasing demand being placed on registered midwives, with ongoing workforce shortage issues occurring throughout the state.

“The NSW Government needs to deliver a sustainable midwifery workforce and ensure measures are in place to support our midwifery profession into the future,” Mr Holmes said.

“Midwifery isn’t a nine to five, Monday to Friday job, it demands highly skilled professionals to be responsive under a whole raft of evolving circumstances. Maternity wards must have the correct skill mix to ensure midwives are supported across every shift, of every day.”

Download this media release: Paying tribute to our remarkable midwives

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