Celebrated on the 05th May each year, today we celebrate the annual ‘International Day of the Midwife’ – and celebrate we should!
Our wonderful midwives, either those who work for the NHS, or our independent midwives, are simply amazing beings! Not only have they undergone years of training, a university degree, and yearly refresher training, they have the innate ability to gain trust and build relationships with women, in what can sometimes be a short space of time.
Midwife / meaning “with woman” – and they do just this! They are WITH YOU, they are there for us women during our pregnancy and when birth comes along. We are incredibly fortunate in the UK to have these ‘guardians of normality’ with us through such a special time.
We talk a lot in Hypnobirthing about the importance of communication. Communication between a couple, communication between your mind and body, and very importantly, communication with your midwife! Talk to your midwife about your birth preferences, talk to your midwife about concerns, medical advice, they are medically qualified to answer any queries surrounding pregnancy and birth and more importantly want to help you throughout your incredible journey.
We must remember that non-independent midwives are governed by certain protocols, certain constraints, and sometimes you may find do not quite agree with certain things or methods however, let’s not judge – talk to them – discuss together – midwives are humans of a beautifully caring nature who want to help!
Throughout my pregnancy I was fortunate to see two wonderful midwives, who I could ask anything, without feeling silly/uneducated/naïve, (Emma & Sally of Chippenham Birthing Centre THANK YOU!) and during my short 20 minute appointments, although there is a lot to ‘cram in’ to each appointment I really felt like I was their key focus, and they cared! Especially for a first time Mum with a LOT of questions, this care was invaluable.
Happy International Day of the Midwife everybody ! Let’s take a moment to appreciate this amazing support network we have there for us.
I would love to hear positive stories and relationships that you have encountered with your midwives 🙂