Spreading light for International Day of the Midwife

'100' is superimposed onto a light blue background to celebrate that many 'years of progress' thanks to the 'International Confederation of Midwives'. The '1' includes an image of a pregant woman, the first '0' of midwifes, and the second '0' the world.
Today’s blog is by Naomi Havergal, Digital Content Editor at the Royal College of Midwives (@MidwivesRCM)

International Day of the Midwife (IDM) is celebrated every year on 5 May to recognise the dedication and commitment midwives have to their local communities, and Bristol midwives are no exception.

Over the last few years midwives have faced unprecedented challenges to deliver high quality and safe maternity care to women, babies, and families. This year’s IDM will be the first time since 2019 that our midwives can come together and celebrate and receive the recognition they deserve.

IDM was created by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) to bring together midwives’ associations from around the world. This year we celebrate ‘100 Years of Progress’ to coincide with centenary of the ICM. What a long way we have come since midwifery became a recognised profession in Britain under the Midwives Act in 1902.

IDM provides an opportunity for midwives to be in their own spotlight. That is when the idea came to the Royal College of Midwives to light up Bristol City Hall in the colours of the only trade union dedicated to supporting midwives. We are here for you.

Many midwives in Bristol will be on shift during IDM, which is why we contacted the Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees to see if he could help us celebrate. We were absolutely delighted by his enthusiasm to ensure this happened. When midwives are walking home after their shift, or student midwives walking home from their placements, City Hall will be illuminated in honour of them.

Midwives aren’t just simply there for the birth. They are present throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period. Across Bristol we have specialist midwives and research midwives, and even midwives who have become lecturers to teach the next generation. All of these people provide some of the best maternity care in the world.

On Thursday 5 May 2022, Bristol City Hall will be lit up at sunset in support of IDM. If you’re in the area, please share your pictures using the hashtag #IDM2022. We would love to see them!

Thank you to our midwives at Bristol Royal Infirmary, Southmead Hospital, and our student midwives at the University of West of England for their dedication to midwifery.