May 5

International Midwives Day

Celebrate International Midwives Day and honor those who devote their lives to the health of mothers and babies everywhere!

Yearly Date

May 5

Observed

Internationally

Introduction

Mark your calendars for May 5 and get ready to celebrate International Midwives Day! This special day was created in 1992 to honor the invaluable work of midwives around the world who help mothers give birth safely and provide essential care throughout pregnancy and childbirth. It's a great opportunity to show appreciation for these hardworking professionals, who often go unrecognized but provide invaluable support to families during this important life event. Let's take some time on May 5 to recognize these amazing individuals and celebrate their dedication and commitment to women's health!

International Midwives Day Timeline

1800s

Midwifery Becomes a Profession

In the 1800s, midwifery began to emerge as a recognized profession, with training schools and formal certificates being introduced in several countries.

1952

Foundation of ICM

The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) was established to promote the professional education and standing of midwives worldwide.

1991

Midwives' Day Proposal

The idea for an international day to celebrate midwives was proposed by the ICM at the International Congress of Midwives in the Netherlands.

1992

First International Midwives Day

The first International Midwives Day was officially observed on May 5, following endorsement from the World Health Organization and UNICEF.

2001

Midwifery Promoted

UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, started significant promotion of midwifery globally, recognizing midwives as key to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.

2020

Year of the Nurse and Midwife

The World Health Organization declared 2020 the Year of the Nurse and Midwife to further highlight the pivotal role these professionals play in global health.

How to Celebrate International Midwives Day

1 Volunteer at a community health center

Midwives play an important role in providing care to pregnant women and are often underfunded or lack resources. Volunteering your time at a local health center is a great way to show your appreciation for midwives.

2 Donate to a midwifery organization

Donate money or supplies to a midwifery organization in your area to help support their mission and ensure that midwives have the tools they need to continue providing quality healthcare.

3 Attend an event

See if there are any events in your area celebrating International Midwives Day and attend them to show your support. Most events include speakers, activities and more.

4 Write a letter of appreciation

Take time to write a letter of appreciation to your local midwife or midwifery organization thanking them for their hard work and dedication.

5 Share your story

Share your experiences with midwives on social media or through blog posts so that others can learn about the invaluable role that midwives play in healthcare.

Why We Love International Midwives Day

Midwives provide crucial support throughout pregnancy

Midwives play an integral role in ensuring a healthy and safe pregnancy for mothers. From conducting prenatal visits, to providing nutritional advice and monitoring labor and delivery, midwives are dedicated professionals who work hard to ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and baby.

Midwives are advocates of informed decision making

Midwives believe in giving families the knowledge they need to make well-informed decisions about their care. They view childbirth as a normal physiological process, not a medical event that requires unnecessary interventions or treatments. Midwives also strive to empower women by involving them in every step of their pregnancy so that they can feel knowledgeable and secure throughout the process.

Midwives strive to promote better birth outcomes

Studies have shown that midwife attendance during labor results in fewer cesarean sections, lower rates of assisted deliveries (using forceps or vacuum) and better Apgar scores for newborns. Because midwives focus on individualized care tailored to each patient’s needs, women under their care often report higher satisfaction with their birthing experience than those attended by other healthcare providers.