In recognition of International Day of the Midwife, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is raising awareness about the important role midwives play in supporting, caring for and advising women during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period.
The International Day of the Midwife is celebrated around the world on May 5. The day was initially recognised by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) in celebration of the role of midwives and midwifery.
Midwives play a crucial role in maternal and infant health. According to the ICM, women who have access to a midwife experience less preterm births, fewer interventions during labour and shorter hospital stays. As part of the multidisciplinary team, midwives provide woman-centered and supportive care that goes beyond childbirth and includes family planning, disease screenings and more.
“Midwives play an important role in providing positive birth and postpartum experiences for women and their families. They are a valued part of our health system and the International Day of the Midwife provides an opportune time for us to celebrate and reflect on the important role played by this professional group,” said Dr Badriya Al Lenjawi, Executive Director of Nursing, Corporate Nursing and Midwifery Department.
Midwives employed at HMC are experts in normal pregnancy and birth, who have successfully completed a midwifery education programme that is duly recognised in the country where it is located and that is based on the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Essential Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice and the framework of the ICM Global Standards for Midwifery Education.
Rim Bent Hedi Sdiri, a Head Nurse in the Labor and Delivery Unit at HMC’s Women’s Hospital, said the International Day of the Midwife is a day to pause and recognise the role midwives play in keeping women and their babies safe during one of life’s major events.
“Labour and delivery can be both an exciting and stressful time for women and their families. Midwives assist in critical decision making regarding appropriate care during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period", said Sdiri.
