Today we join the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) to celebrate International Day of the Midwife (IDM) and acknowledge the powerful work that midwives do across the globe. This year's theme is Midwives: A Vital Climate Solution.
The world is facing ongoing threats to our way of living because of climate change. As midwives, we can come together to help fight climate change and make a difference to the lives of birthing parents and babies, who are often disproportionately affected.
IDM offers six core messages this year. Here, we highlight Message 1:
“Midwives deliver environmentally sustainable health services and play a key role in making health systems more climate resilient. 🌍💪 During climate crises, midwives can adapt to ensure safe, respectful, and quality care for women and gender-diverse people.
Put simply, midwives are a vital climate solution.”
In Australia, we have already seen midwives stepping up to plan and deliver care for pregnant people in climate emergencies like drought, fires and floods. A study of the 2011 Queensland floods found that a midwifery group care model that offered continuity of care to affected mothers was associated with lower depression and anxiety and improved outcomes for the baby’s early development. Midwives play a vital role in supporting their communities through these turbulent and often traumatic times, and we are so proud and grateful for the work of those in the profession.
ICM invites you to join #IDM2024 to champion investment, resources, autonomy, recognition, and representation for midwives. Visit their website to learn more about the other five messages and find resources to share on social media.
Each year, the Australian College of Midwives organises events across Australia to celebrate where you can meet fellow midwives and come together for this special day. Visit their website to find out what’s happening near you!
Today and every day, we acknowledge the incredibly hard, challenging, and rewarding work that you do to take care of women, birthing parents and babies. We thank you for your service to our community!
If you’re having a hard time, our team of fellow nurses and midwives is always here for you — free, confidential, 24/7. Call us on 1800 667 877 or send us an email.