Celebrating midwives in 2021

Each year on 5 May, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Tasmanian Branch (ANMF) celebrate the work of our passionate and committed midwives on International Midwives Day. A globally recognised day, this is an opportunity to acknowledge the significant contribution midwives make to the profession, as well as the many women, babies, and families whose lives they touch.

“Throughout 2020 and into 2021, midwives have faced many varied challenges with vastly different resources in the battle against COVID-19. They have been on the frontline supporting those in their care in a unique and high-risk environment,” said ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary, Emily Shepherd.

“The impact that midwives have on our community can easily be overlooked but today we shine a light on them and say thank you. They work tirelessly 24/7 to ensure the safety and well-being of pregnant women and their babies, and provide health outcomes for mothers, babies, and families, often with little to no recognition.”

“These highly skilled professionals play a vital role in supporting patients during extremely emotional periods, whether this be during the ante-natal period, childbirth, or post-natal period.”

This year’s theme for International Midwives Day, ‘Follow the data, invest in midwives’ coincides with the International Confederation of Midwives launch of the Global Midwives’ Hub. This is an online resource aimed at providing shared knowledge, tools, and improved data literacy to support midwives in advocating for their profession.

Investment in health and midwifery services in Tasmania remains a priority in 2021, particularly in response to the 1 May State election results. “At a time when vacancy rates in Tasmania are high, the newly elected Government must immediately develop a workforce strategy to support increasing numbers of Tasmanian midwives. We must look at models of care, allow midwives to work to their full potential, and empower the midwifery profession just as they do the women that they support in their practice,” said Ms Shepherd.

The ANMF will be holding activities with midwifery members across the State today to recognise and celebrate their achievements.

Media contact:
Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary
Mobile: 0400 884 021
Email: Emily.shepherd@anmftas.org.au