International Day of the Midwife

The International Day of the Midwife (IDM) is celebrated on May 5 each year to focus on the role of midwives and midwifery.

What is midwifery?

Midwifery is "skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate care for childbearing women, newborn infants and families across the continuum throughout pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, birth, postpartum and the early weeks of life. Core characteristics include optimizing normal biological psychological, social, and cultural processes of reproduction and early life; timely prevention and management of complications; consultation with and referral to other services; respect for women’s individual circumstances and views, and working in partnership with to strengthen women’s own capabilities to care for themselves and their families.” Lancet Series on midwifery (June 2014).

Who is a midwife?

A midwife is a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational programme, duly recognized in the country in which it is located, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practice midwifery. (ICM 2005)

Who is a skilled birth attendant

A skilled birth attendant is an accredited health professional — such as a midwife, doctor or nurse — who has been educated and trained to proficiency in the skills needed to manage normal (uncomplicated) pregnancies, childbirth and the immediate postnatal period, and in the identification, management and referral of complications in women and newborns. (WHO/ICM/FIGO 2004)

Theme for IDM 2023

This year, the theme for the IDM is Together again: from evidence to reality.

The State of the World’s Midwifery (SoWMy) Report 2021presents findings on the Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Adolescent Health (SRMNAH) workforce from 194 countries. The report, produced by UNFPA, the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), the World Health Organization (WHO) and Novametrics, shows the progress and trends since the inaugural 2011 edition and identifies the barriers and challenges to future advancement. The report establishes a global shortage of 1.1 million SRMNAH workers, the largest shortage (900,000) being midwives.

The single most important factor in stopping preventable maternal and newborn deaths: access to midwives. And yet the world is short of 900,000 of these essential service providers.

Addressing this deficit could prevent two-thirds of maternal and newborn deaths, saving more than 4.3 million lives a year by 2035. What’s necessary now is the political will to expand the ranks and reach of midwives around the world. 

As essential service providers, midwives should be fully integrated into health-care systems. Well-trained midwives provide crucial sexual and reproductive health care, protecting health and human dignity for women and their families. Midwife-led care models improve health outcomes, increase patient satisfaction and reduce costs. Through mobile clinics and telemedicine, midwifery services can reach marginalized and remote populations.

Yet these key providers – mostly women –  are often underpaid and undervalued. Strengthening the midwifery workforce calls for investment in education and training, fair wages and a safe, supportive and respectful work environment.

Investing in midwives leads to a world where every pregnancy is wanted and every childbirth is safe. 

Investing in professionally educated and regulated midwives

• promotes the health and well-being of women, adolescents and newborns
• puts safe and effective SRMNAH care within the reach of more people
• could save millions of lives each year (estimated 4.3 million annually by 2035)
• contributes to national and local economies
• contributes to women’s empowerment and gender equality IMPACT I 

The case for midwifery : the potential of midwives for improving quality of care

Midwives can provide about 90% of the sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health (SRMNAH) care needed, yet they account for less than 10% of the global SRMNAH workforce The world needs 900,000 more midwives, mostly in low-income countries and in Africa At current rates, there will still be a shortage of 750,000 midwives in 2030. Without additional investment the gap between rich and poor countries is projected to widen by 2030.

• 83% of all maternal deaths, stillbirths and newborn deaths could be averted with the full package of midwifery care (including family planning);
• 62% of effective practices within the scope of midwifery show the importance of optimising the normal processes of childbirth and early life, and empowering women to care for themselves and their families;
• 56 maternal and neonatal outcomes where found to be improved through midwifery practice and philosophy of care;
• 87% of service need can be delivered by midwives, when educated to international standards;
• 82% reduction in maternal mortality possible with universal midwifery coverage;
• Midwifery is associated with more efficient use of resources and improved outcomes when provided by midwives who are educated, trained, licenced and regulated in international standards. Midwifery is a ‘best buy’ investment;
• Midwifery is associated with reduced maternal and neonatal morbidity, reduced interventions in labour, improved psycho-social outcomes and increased birth spacing and contraceptive use;
• Community based midwives have been found to rank positively for economy, efficiency and effectiveness;
• Midwifery should be considered a core part of universal health coverage. Quality midwifery care is central to achieving national and global priorities and securing the rights of women and newborn infants;
• Quality relates to the right for women and newborns to the highest standard of health and is synonymous with women-centred care. Providing quality care is most efficient through midwifery care for all childbearing women;
• There were no adverse outcomes associated with midwife-led care but significant benefits, thus it is recommended that all women should be offered midwife-led continuity models of care;
• Case loading midwifery care is safe and cost effective;
• Midwives have the potential to provide excellent quality of care but socio-cultural, economic and professional barriers must be overcome to allow them to practice to their full potential

Source : UNFPA