International Midwives' Day

Held on : 5th May

According to WHO - Every day 1500 women die due to complications in pregnancy or childbirth. 10,000 babies per day die within the first month of life and an equal number of babies are born dead. Skilled care around the time of birth would greatly reduce the number of these needless deaths. Midwives are health care professionals specializing in pregnancy and childbirth. Midwives not only deliver babies they also help women and their families understand the importance of prenatal care. They are active in promoting understanding of the normalcy of the birth process, thereby reducing the need for drugs and unnecessary costly interventions. They play an important role in creating awareness related birth and it's related aspects which benefits women in understanding the importance of breastfeeding and prevention of illness among babies. They also advocate safe and low cost care to the women of the community. All in all, they provide comprehensive prenatal care and education, guide labour and birth, address complications, and care for newborns. International Midwives' Day is observed to highlight the importance of Midwives to the whole world.

History

The ICM established the idea of the 'International Day of the Midwife' following suggestions and discussion among member associations in the1987 on the eve of International Confederation of Midwives conference in the Netherlands. International Midwives' Day was first celebrated May 5, 1991, and has been observed in over 50 nations around the world. The aim of the day is to celebrate midwifery and to bring awareness of the importance of midwives' work to as many people as possible. Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) is another association which is actively involved for the benefit of Midwives and celebrating the day. WHO is working together with the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) to promote midwives as the prototype for the skilled birth attendant.

Events

• On this day, People wear lapel ribbons signifying the day (in Michigan, they wear blue and pink ribbons). Some ribbons are also distribute by the concerned authorities.

• A church service is organised in praise of the Midwives.

• Planting of  trees is done to commemorate the day.

• Public Rallies are held in various place around the world.

• Radio and TV broadcasts a feature or conducts an interview with an eminent personality in the concerned area.

Alternate Name - International Day of the Midwife.

Holiday Status - It is not a Holiday.