Since ancient times, pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care was carried out by midwives, also called midwives. Today, there are still different formations that lead a person to become a midwife. Midwives, nurse-midwives and traditional birth attendants are professionals with different backgrounds who work with the same focus; monitoring the entire pregnancy, birth and postpartum cycle. They promote the care and protection of this important stage in the life of the woman, the pregnant woman, the baby and the family, respecting and considering aspects beyond the biological, such as the emotional, the social and the cultural.
By Flavia Estevan
In the Western world, the idea that “the best health care”, i.e., “ideal care”, should be reviewed by a doctor has become increasingly consolidated. However, in the case of maternal and child health, it is precisely midwives who appear as key figures for us to achieve the best results in perinatal health.
As we did last year, REHUNO Salud once again supports the International Day of the Midwife, which is celebrated on 5 May every year.
We would like to share the manifesto developed by the International Confederation of Midwives for this year’s celebration:
Imagine a world where there was the investment we deserve.
Imagine midwives with fair and equitable pay.
Imagine midwives with protection and fair working conditions.
Imagine midwives not oppressed by a patriarchal health system and differentiated from other professions.
How much gender equality will we achieve?
Midwives in leadership positions and in the media would ensure women’s presence in health policy.
Policies that enable midwifery strengthen primary care and pave the way for universal health coverage.
Imagine midwives being recognised as self-employed health professionals and not confused with nurses and obstetricians.
More people would have access to high quality sexual and reproductive rights, provided by the most skilled professional: a midwife.
Imagine midwives with equal access to continuing education according to the standards and competencies of the International Confederation of Midwives. All families would have access to culturally relevant professional sexual and reproductive rights, and maternal health outcomes would improve.
Imagine midwives recognised for what they are: a pathway to achieving sexual and reproductive rights and reducing maternal mortality.
