International Midwives Day is a worldwide holiday dedicated to midwives. Thanks to these professionals, many births have been successful, without unnecessary complications. Midwives are responsible for helping newborns and their mothers, both at birth and during postpartum care. The holiday is celebrated annually on May 5.
History
The history of International Midwives Day begins in 1992, when several countries took part in the celebration of this day. It is believed that the initiative to create such a day belongs to the International Confederation of Midwives, based in the Netherlands.
Obstetrics has been known since the ancient world. There was a separate class of physicians in Greece, Egypt, and some other countries. There were written summaries that contained information about the basic requirements of childbirth. This was all at a primitive level, but as such the science of obstetrics took place.
The development of obstetrics began in the 16th century. A manual on childbirth from E. Resslin appeared; J. Rufe wrote his works. Rufe, W. Reif, and other authors. Today, obstetrics is a separate branch of medicine. Thanks to modern equipment and good training of obstetricians, mortality during childbirth is minimal and even the most complicated cases can be attended without loss of life.
Interesting facts
- Approximately 1 in 20 women give birth on the day that experts determine as the expected date of birth.
- A baby’s heart can reach 160 beats per minute at birth.
- The highest death rate in childbirth was in the Middle Ages. This was due to minimal hygiene, lack of proper medicine, poor nutrition, etc.
How to celebrate
Congratulate the midwives you know on International Midwives Day. Learn more about the responsibilities of midwives.
Tell about the holiday on social networks. Ask women who have given birth how their births went? What was the attitude of the midwives?
When is International Midwives Day celebrated in 2024?
International Midwives Day is observed on May 5 each year.
Observations
| Weekday | Month | Day | Year |
| Sunday | May | 5 | 2024 |
| Monday | May | 5 | 2025 |
