International Day Of The Midwife 2025

International Day of the Midwife is a global celebration dedicated to recognizing the essential role that midwives play in supporting the health and well-being of mothers, babies, and families. This day highlights the critical contributions of midwives in providing maternal and newborn care, advocating for women’s health rights, and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges midwives face and to advocate for increased investment in midwifery services around the world.

What is International Day of the Midwife?

International Day of the Midwife is an annual event that celebrates midwives and their vital role in ensuring safe childbirth and maternal care. Midwives provide comprehensive care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, offering support, education, and medical expertise. This day also emphasizes the importance of midwifery in promoting healthy pregnancies, empowering women to make informed choices about their care, and ensuring that all women have access to skilled birth attendants.

When is International Day of the Midwife?

International Day of the Midwife is observed every year on May 5th. The date was established by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) in 1992 to recognize the contributions of midwives globally and to promote the profession as a critical part of maternal and newborn health care.

How to Celebrate International Day of the Midwife

There are many ways to participate in International Day of the Midwife and show support for midwives and maternal health:

• Thank a Midwife: Take a moment to express your gratitude to midwives for their dedication and care. Whether through a thank-you note, a social media post, or a small gift, showing appreciation can make a significant impact.
• Learn About Midwifery: Use this day to learn more about the role of midwives, their training, and the challenges they face. Understanding the importance of midwifery can help you advocate for better maternal health services in your community.
• Advocate for Maternal Health: Support policies and initiatives that promote access to skilled midwifery care, especially in underserved communities. Advocate for increased funding for maternal and newborn health services.
• Participate in Events: Join events such as webinars, workshops, or community gatherings that focus on maternal health and the role of midwives. These events often provide valuable insights into the state of maternal care and how to support midwives in their work.
• Share Stories: If you or someone you know has had a positive experience with a midwife, share the story on social media or in your community. Personal stories can help raise awareness of the critical role midwives play in ensuring safe and empowering childbirth experiences.
• Support Midwifery Education: Consider donating to organizations that provide education and training for midwives, particularly in low-resource settings. Your support can help ensure that more women have access to skilled care during pregnancy and childbirth.

History of the Event

International Day of the Midwife was first celebrated in 1992, following its establishment by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). The day was created to highlight the importance of midwives in maternal and newborn health and to advocate for greater support and recognition of the profession. Since its inception, the observance has grown in scope, with events and activities taking place in countries around the world. International Day of the Midwife serves as a reminder of the crucial role midwives play in promoting healthy pregnancies, safe childbirth, and positive health outcomes for mothers and babies.

Relevant Hashtags

• #InternationalDayoftheMidwife
• #MidwivesMatter
• #SupportMidwives
• #MaternalHealth
• #SafeMotherhood