This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about International Midwives Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. International Midwives Day is observed on May 5th.
Among the information you’ll find below: the history of International Midwives Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as captivating facts you should know about International Midwives Day.
📅 What day is International Midwives Day 2024?
In 2024, International Midwives Day is on Friday, May 5th. It is the 1st Friday in May; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all intriguing details and facts about May 5, 2023, that you might not be aware of.
Since 1992, we have been celebrating International Midwives’ Day on May 5. This special day is dedicated to honoring and acknowledging the important role of midwives in caring for mothers and their babies. It also serves as a platform to increase awareness about the vital care they provide and allows us to express our gratitude for their efforts in improving our world.
📜 International Midwives Day History
Some of the main qualities of midwives include improving the fundamental biological, psychological, and sociocultural processes of childbirth, reducing immediate risks and managing them, and referring patients to other healthcare providers when necessary. They also value and respect the unique perspectives and situations of their patients, and encourage them to prioritize self-care and the well-being of their families.
Midwives, student midwives, and maternity support personnel have faced challenges and even put their lives at risk to provide exceptional care to families and communities. This special day is dedicated to expressing gratitude for their contributions and advocating for increased government investment in maternity care, which is a priority for them.
The idea for a day to celebrate and recognize midwives originated from a meeting held by the International Confederation of Midwives in the Netherlands in 1987. Since then, it has been officially observed in various countries, including Iran and New Zealand, starting from 2014.
The State of the World’s Midwifery Report (SoWMy) was published on May 5, 2021, coinciding with International Midwives’ Day. The report gathered data on the workforce in the field of sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health from 194 countries. It was a collaborative effort between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Novametrics. The report highlights progress made since its first edition in 2011, as well as the challenges and barriers that still need to be addressed. It reveals a global shortage of over 1.1 million personnel in the field, with midwives accounting for more than 900,000 of that shortage.
On International Midwives’ Day, we not only honor the remarkable contributions of midwives to humanity but also emphasize the growing body of data and evidence that proves the essential role of midwifery in healthcare.
✅ International Midwives Day Facts
🔖 Better odds
According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives, women who choose to be cared for by a nurse-midwife experience significantly lower rates of medical interventions like C-sections, induced labor, and anesthesia.
🔖 A mother’s choice
Since 1991, there has been a significant increase in the number of births in the United States that are attended by midwives, as stated in the study “Midwifery: Evidence-Based Practice” by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
🔖 Superman’s got nothing on this
Based on the latest State of the World’s Midwifery report, if we focus on both increasing the quantity of midwives and improving the standard of care they offer, we have the potential to save approximately 4.3 million lives annually by 2035.
👍 Why Is International Midwives Day Important
Midwives not only save lives, but they also provide a wide range of other essential medical services. Their contributions also include cervical and breast cancer screenings, as well as counseling.
Midwives are crucial to preserving women’s rights. They can aid victims of gender-based violence and help to avoid female genital mutilation. The importance of their efforts should not be underestimated.
International Midwives’ Day aims to re-emphasize the relevance of health-care systems worldwide. It also acts as a wake-up call to all stakeholders to take notice and take action.
🙂 How To Observe International Midwives Day
⚡ Help raise awareness
Why not explore various ways to raise awareness about midwives among the general public? Organizing events like marathons, public performances, marches, or rallies can be effective methods to achieve this goal. Alternatively, launching a social media campaign could also be a viable option.
⚡ Learn more about midwifery
To properly commemorate International Midwives’ Day, it is important to educate ourselves about midwifery and its significance in homebirths. By acknowledging and valuing their contributions, we can truly appreciate the crucial role they play in ensuring safe deliveries.
⚡ Say thank you
To show your appreciation for the support received during the childbirth of your child, consider sending a thoughtful gift or personally reaching out to the midwife or anyone who assisted you. Even a small gesture of gratitude can have a significant impact.
📅 When is International Midwives Day?
| YEAR | DATE | DAY |
| 2024 | May 5 | Sunday |
| 2025 | May 5 | Monday |
| 2026 | May 5 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | May 5 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | May 5 | Friday |
Explore all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Appreciation holidays.
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