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Today (5th May 2022) The National Maternity Hospital joins the HSE National Women and Infants Health Programme, together with the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services to celebrate the work undertaken by midwives and asks people thinking about a future career to consider becoming a midwife.
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD said: "On this, the International Day of the Midwife 2022, I want to acknowledge the compassion, commitment and professionalism shown by midwives across the country.
"This year’s theme, '100 years of progress' emphasises how important it is that we invest in quality midwifery to improve maternal and child health care and to achieve the best possible outcomes for mothers and babies.”
Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health, Rachel Kenna said: "On behalf of myself and my team in the CNO’s office, I would like to extend to all midwives our sincere thanks and appreciation today, the International Day of the Midwife 2022.
“As midwives celebrate today, we acknowledge the contribution they make to women’s sexual, reproductive, mental and maternal health and in new-born and child health. New midwifery-led care pathways are delivering real choice, and midwives now lead pregnancy care for 24% of women in Ireland, care that is woman-centred, safe and delivered with dignity and respect. The difference midwives make to the women, children and families of Ireland is reflected in the huge appreciation we all have for midwives and their profession.”
Marking the occasion, the HSE National Women and Infants Health Programme, together with the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services are bringing together experts on midwifery at a national Midwifery Conference held in Dublin.
Speaking at the conference, Mary Brosnan, Director of Nursing and Midwifery here at The National Maternity Hospital, 36 years working in midwifery, describes how meaningful and fulfilling it has been: “Every day is a different day. You can never anticipate how it will go. You really meet the most amazing people. Whether you are working with a couple having their first baby, or a 16 year old teenager with her mum, or someone who has gone through several rounds of IVF, to someone who may have lost their baby, or expectant women who have arrived seeking asylum in Ireland who may have been through very traumatic circumstances and need specialised support. Every day is different, you are always adapting your approach. But what stays the same is the profound impact you can have on a family’s life by trying to make it as positive an experience as possible for everyone.”
Sally Horton, Community Midwife at the National Maternity Hospital offers this advice: “My advice for someone thinking about becoming a midwife is to go for it! Especially if you’re a practical person who loves meeting and working with new people. It’s a wonderfully rewarding and sociable profession. There are definitely challenges, but through your training you are equipped with the necessary skills to deliver a really positive impact to people’s lives.”
Angela Dunne, Director of Midwifery for the HSE National Women and Infants Health Programme said: “The theme for this conference is Coming Together to Celebrate & Showcase; reflecting the joy of once again being able to gather and network with our colleagues and also the opportunity this event provides for midwives and units across the country to demonstrate the remarkable work that is being undertaken by midwives every single day across the country.”
Angela Dunne, explains why the career is a great choice for a student considering their options, or someone who might be seeking a career change:
“We are also encouraging people who might be at the very start of their career or have already started in nursing and are looking for a change, to consider becoming a midwife. It’s a varied role, with so many different options and pathways to pursue with different experiences and challenges each day. Whatever direction is taken, midwives can continue to learn and build their skills in what is truly a rewarding and joyous career. Our health system needs more midwives and there are many job opportunities available in hospitals and communities across the country.”
More information on midwifery jobs is available on HSE.ie and nmh.ie