Happy International Day of the Midwife 2017

We are delighted to welcome you to our very first blog post, on our brand spanking new website! We are launching our site today, on the International Day of the Midwife, to show our firm commitment to midwifery, to partnership and collaboration, and to spreading kindness and compassion for respectful, safe maternity care throughout the world.

Every year on the 5th May, midwives around the world celebrate, and are celebrated. In the UK, we are fortunate to have one of the best professional midwifery systems in the world.  Though it’s far from perfect, we know there are countries where there are no midwives, or where midwives are constrained in their practice and unable to provide evidence based, sensitive midwifery care. The Lancet Midwifery Series, and the State of the World’s Midwifery Report provide the detail for us to see that the vast majority of maternal and newborn mortalities and morbidities in middle and low-income countries could have been prevented with proper antenatal care and the presence of a skilled midwife during birth.

 

Sheena with newborn Anna, grateful for the midwives who cared for them!

MaMa Conference 2017

The 7th MaMa Conference (Mothers and Midwives Alliance) was held on the 28th and 28th April 2017, in Ayr Scotland – and was another ROARing success! Being part of the event gave me a massive boost of positivity, and I hope I shared that with others too. It’s always a huge privilege being part of a network of like-minded birth workers and activist, who are all working to a common goal – positive, safe and respectful birth for all women, babies and families.  The speakers were outstanding, midwives, obstetricians, doulas, and others interested in maternity care. And then there’s the fun! Looking after delegates is part of the philosophy of the conference, there’s something for everyone, so that attendees leave feeling refreshed and happy, and ready to take on the world. The awards ceremony meant that during the fabulous dinner dance and Ceilidh, the achievements of individuals were celebrated in style! Congratulations to all those nominated, those shortlisted, and to the winners – you are all stars.