International Midwives Day

International Midwives Day is a worldwide holiday dedicated to midwives. Thanks to these professionals, many births have been successful and without unnecessary complications. Midwives play a vital role in supporting both newborns and their mothers, providing care during childbirth and in the postpartum period. The holiday is celebrated annually on May 5.

History

The history of International Midwives Day began in 1992, when several countries participated in its celebration. It is believed that the initiative to create this day came from the International Confederation of Midwives, based in the Netherlands.

The practice of obstetrics has been known since ancient times, with a distinct class of physicians in Greece, Egypt, and other cultures specializing in childbirth. There were even written summaries containing basic childbirth guidelines, though these practices were rudimentary.

Obstetrics as a field began to develop in the 16th century. A manual on childbirth by E. Rößlin appeared, and works by J. Rueff and W. Reyff contributed to the advancement of this area. Today, obstetrics is a specialized branch of medicine. Thanks to modern equipment and the skilled training of obstetricians, maternal and infant mortality rates during childbirth are minimal, even in complex cases.

Interesting Facts

• Approximately 1 in 20 women give birth on their expected due date.
• A newborn’s heart can beat up to 160 times per minute at birth.
• The highest maternal death rate during childbirth occurred in the Middle Ages, primarily due to poor hygiene, lack of medical knowledge, and inadequate nutrition.

How to Celebrate

Congratulate the midwives you know on International Midwives Day. Take time to learn more about their responsibilities and the impact they have on maternal and infant health.

Spread the word about the holiday on social media. Ask women who have given birth to share their experiences. How was their interaction with midwives during childbirth?

When is International Midwives Day in 2025?

International Midwives Day is observed on May 5 each year.

Observations