Tekla Shiindi-Mbidi
Today, 5 May, marks another day and year in which midwives, partners, supporters and friends of midwives celebrate the International Day of the Midwife, also known as IDM. This day is celebrated annually to honour the life-saving work and contributions of midwives towards sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health. This year, the day is celebrated under the theme 100 years of progress. This means that one hundred years ago, the International Midwives Union (IMU) was created in Belgium. It was the forerunner of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and since then, the ICM has transformed into what it is today a global non-governmental organisation representing more than 140 midwives’ associations (MAs) in more than 120 countries. Together, these associations represent over one-million midwives worldwide.
It is of significance to provide a definition of who a midwife is because often, people refer to midwives as nurses, but these are two different professionals whose work is complementary.
According to the ICM definition, “a midwife is a person who has successfully completed a midwifery education programme that is based on ICM Essential Competencies for Midwifery Practice. The framework of the ICM global standards for midwifery education is recognised in the country where it is located; has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practice midwifery and use the title ‘midwife’; and demonstrates competency in the practice of midwifery.”
Midwives are recognised as responsible and accountable professionals who work in partnership with women to give the necessary support, care and advice during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period; to conduct births on the midwife’s own responsibility; and to provide care for the new-born and the infant.
But what does the IDM celebration and ICM’s 100 years of progress mean for a Namibian citizen, a Namibian woman, and a midwife? Well, at some point in life, every citizen of this beautiful Land of the Brave will require the care and services of a midwife, either directly or indirectly. It is the midwife who is present at the birth of a newborn and to assist a sister, a wife, a family member, a girlfriend or a friend for someone. A midwife is present in the community to render sexual and reproductive health services and rights, including family planning to young girls and women who belong to that society. By implication, celebrating the day of the midwife and 100 years of ICM progress means that the nation and the citizens, friends, supporters and partners of midwives recognise and celebrate the amazing work, contributions and achievements of midwives towards women and the midwifery profession. The day of the midwife should also serve as a call for the government, corporate organisations, media and individuals to either consider starting or strengthening their support towards the life-promoting work of midwives, the midwifery associations, and the midwifery profession. The media has in the past few months been reporting groups and individuals visiting maternity wards and donating baby clothing and related items. Such kinds of donations are, indeed, a welcome move and a kind gesture to support women and their newborns. How wishful if relevant kind gestures could also be extended to support midwives and the midwifery association?
While we are celebrating the work that midwives do, it is important that we also take time to reflect on the following and imagine how we can support midwives because of the impact and contribution which midwives can do for women, their newborns, their families and communities at large.
#ImagineIfMidwives were supported and invested in by governments all over the world: Midwives could save 4.3 million lives every year.
#ImagineIfMidwives were not oppressed by a hierarchical, patriarchal health system. How much more could they accomplish with policy that promotes gender equality?
#ImagineIfMidwives were supported to perform their full scope of practice. Policies that allow midwives to perform their full scope of practice strengthen primary healthcare systems and provide a pathway to universal health coverage.
#ImagineIfMidwives were recognised as autonomous healthcare professionals, no longer conflated with nurses and obstetricians. More women would receive high-quality sexual reproductive health and rights by the care provider most qualified to deliver these services: a midwife
#ImagineIfMidwives were recognised for what they are: a pathway to achieving the SDGs. Midwives would avert two-thirds of maternal & newborn deaths by 2035.
Salutations to each midwife working in the different health facilities, and more especially to those motivated midwives who are working under unfavourable working conditions for your dedication, your ongoing commitment to high-quality midwifery care, skills and compassionate care you provide to women and their families. Continue putting women and their families at the centre of your care and at the heart of every decision, empower them to be genuine partners in their care, and continue improving their care experience. Indeed, the significance and importance of providing women, their partners and families with compassionate care cannot be underestimated. Certainly, a midwife is a midwife, A midwife! Happy International Day of Midwives!
* Tekla Shiindi-Mbidi is a passionate midwife educator at IUM, and a young midwife leader. Her views do not purport to represent the opinion of her employer or the midwifery association.