International Day Of The Midwife

Prasenjit Das
Mar 21, 2023 By Prasenjit Das
Originally Published on Mar 21, 2023
Fact-checked by Spandana Kantam
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This day celebrates midwives and urges government to invest in maternity care.

Where is International Day Of The Midwife celebrated?

It is an international event and is observed all over the world.

Who is International Day Of The Midwife celebrated by?

All the midwives and maternity support staff around the world celebrate this international day.

When did International Day Of The Midwife first start?

International Day Of The Midwife began in 1991. However, the idea of such an event came into existence in 1987.

Who started International Day Of The Midwife?

The International Confederation of Midwives founded the International Day Of The Midwife.

Midwifery provides support to the maternal health sector.

History And Timeline

Midwives have been saving lives for thousands of years. Here, we will see some events that led to the beginning of the International Day Of The Midwife.

Oldest Evidence Of Midwifery

Historians believe that midwifery is an age-old practice. Its history is as long as the history of the human species. Archeological evidence shows that midwifery existed in 5,000 BC.

5,000 BC

Day Dedicated To Midwives

The idea of International Day Of The Midwife was born in 1987 at the International Confederation of Midwives conference.

1987

First Celebration

On May 5, 1991, 50 countries around the world celebrated International Day Of The Midwife for the first time. The event aimed to celebrate midwives for the care they provide to pregnant women, newborns, and families during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, birth, and afterward.

1991

New Zealand And Iran Join

On May 5, 2014, New Zealand and Iran celebrated International Day Of The Midwife.

2014

SoWMy Report Coincides

The 2021 State of the World's Midwifery (SoWMy) Report came out on May 5 of that year. The World Health Organization, Novametrics, ICM, and UNFPA jointly released this report. It presented information about 194 countries around the world. The report focused on the workforce of sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health.

May 5, 2021

Traditions And Customs

On May 5, 2021, the World Health Organization, Novametrics, ICM, and UNFPA jointly released the SoWMy report. As stated earlier, the report presented information on reproductive health workforce of 194 nations around the world.

In addition, it also pointed out certain challenges and obstacles to future progress in this area. This day provides a chance to promote this health care system.

Ways To Celebrate International Day Of The Midwife

 You can celebrate this international event by learning more about midwives and midwifery care. Posting something nice on social media is also a great idea. This way, you can inform others about midwives and midwifery. This will also encourage them to celebrate this brilliant event.

Facts And Stats

  • The concept of an international day to celebrate midwives was born in 1987 at the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) conference.
  • The World Health Organization, Novametrics, ICM, and UNFPA jointly produced SoWMy report evaluating the reproductive and newborn health workforce stated that there is a global shortage of around 1.1 million reproductive, newborn, and adolescent health workers. Among them, more than 900,000 are midwives.
  • On May 5, 2023, the world will celebrate the 32nd anniversary of International Day Of The Midwife.

When did International Day Of The Midwife start?

In 1991, 50 nations around the world celebrated this day for the first time.

 

What are some reasons for celebrating International Day Of The Midwife?

Every country has midwives. Midwives provide skilled care to childbearing women, newborns, and families during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, birth, and afterward. That's why they deserve a day of their own.

 

What are some similarities between International Day Of The Midwife and National Wife Appreciation Day?

As given in the names, these two events focus on different things. International Day Of The Midwife celebrates midwives, while National Wife Appreciation Day celebrates wives.

What are the limitations of celebrating International Day Of The Midwife?

There is no limitation in celebrating this event. Everyone should celebrate this day and appreciate midwives for the care they provide to mothers, newborns, and families during pregnancy, birth, and afterward.

 

What are some events similar to International Day Of The Midwife?

Some similar events to International Day Of The Midwife are International Nurses Day and National Doctors Day.

 

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Wednesday, May 05, 2021
  • Thursday, May 05, 2022
  • Friday, May 05, 2023
  • Sunday, May 05, 2024
  • Monday, May 05, 2025

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Sources

https://idm2022.com/

https://nationaltoday.com/wife-appreciation-day/#:~:text=National Wife Appreciation Day celebratedmuch they mean to us.

https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2021/05/05/default-calendar/celebrating-international-day-of-the-midwife

https://www.slideshare.net/pavithrapurushothamans/history-of-midwifery#:~:text= Midwifery is as oldof midwifery in 5000 BC.

https://nationaltoday.com/international-midwives-day/

https://vikaspedia.in/health/health-campaigns/important-days/international-day-of-the-midwife

https://happydays365.org/midwives-day/international-midwives-day-may-5/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_the_Midwife#:~:text=International Day of the Midwife was first celebrated May 5Midwives conference in the Netherlands

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Written by Prasenjit Das

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature, Master of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature

Prasenjit Das picture

Prasenjit DasBachelor of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature, Master of Arts specializing in English Language and Literature

Having obtained a Bachelor's degree in English language and literature from West Bengal State University - Barrackpore Rastraguru Surendranath College, followed by a Master's degree in English language and literature from Calcutta University, Prasenjit has several years of experience as a content writer, Prasenjit has mastered the art of producing cohesive and coherent copy. To further refine his skills and continuously challenge his creativity, Prasenjit successfully completed the "Introduction to Creative Writing Course" offered by British Council. Outside of his professional pursuits, Prasenjit finds inspiration in engaging in various creative activities, including writing poetry.

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Fact-checked by Spandana Kantam

Bachelor of Arts specializing in Political Science and Sociology

Spandana Kantam picture

Spandana KantamBachelor of Arts specializing in Political Science and Sociology

Spandana holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Acharya Nagarjuna University. She has a passion for writing and enjoys reading crime and thriller novels while listening to RnB music in her free time.

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