International Day of the Midwife 2022

We round-up all the action as the partnership marks International Day of the Midwife 2022.

The partnership marked International Day of the Midwife (IDM) on 5 May with a series of features on midwives and plenty of cake.

Each year midwives at St Thomas’ Hospital deliver more than 6,600 babies, while King’s College Hospital cares for more than 10,000 mothers and babies each year.

IDM is an annual event to showcase the vital role of midwives across the globe and celebrate their achievements. Run by the International Confederation of Midwives, this year’s event marked the organisation’s 100^th anniversary.

Our hospital trusts got into the spirit of the occasion by speaking to midwives across the partnership, while the Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity showed their thanks by delivering cakes to hardworking staff [see picture above].

Below we round-up all the reaction from the day.

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

Chief Midwife Gina Brockwell said:

We absolutely couldn’t do the job that we do without you all and your brilliance. You provide a fantastic service but as importantly a really high level of skill and compassionate care that’s provided every day and every single night to the women and families who have their babies here with us.

Lead Midwife Angela Ugen [pictured] explained why she decided to become a midwife. In a blog post, she said that when she was a teenager her parents had an elderly woman living in the house. She added:

In the evenings or during the night she used to call me when she needed help, I believe that is what attracted me into becoming a nurse.

I enjoyed my nursing training and during my placement in the maternity unit, I felt such at peace in the environment. I quickly realised this was the area I wanted to specialise in, bringing new life into the world - amazing!

King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Julie Mattos [pictured], a Patient Safety Midwife, has been with KCH for 30 years.

She said:

My advice to newly qualified midwives is everyone can make a difference - whatever your level of experience...so don’t be shy to speak up and offer your suggestion.

Daphne Kelly, labour ward matron at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH), has been delivering babies for 31 years. She said:

No one day is the same. I love the variety of the job, and families become friends.

[Pictured: Daphne Kelly with Alina and daughter Sarah]

Stefany Piquer, Health Care Assistant, PRUH, said:

I like to make a positive difference to the lives of women we care for.

King’s College London (KCL)

Dulcie Robinson [pictured], a student midwife at KCL, said:

There are so many reasons why I want to be a midwife, but my origin story lies with my nan. She had a very rewarding career as a care assistant but always regretted not retraining as a midwife. She spoke with such passion, care, and advocacy that the same dream was inspired in me.

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Midwife Jo was speaking as part of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week. She said:

Although having a baby can be a magical time for some it can be a time of emotional unrest, anxiety and unrest. We find that early detection and intervention means that you’ll have the best support and outcome for your mental health.

Beyond the partnership – NIHR CRN South London

Danielle Hake, NIHR CRN South London’s Lead Research Midwife, spoke on International Day of the Midwife to highlight the importance of midwives in the research process. She said:

Research midwives are essential in ensuring pregnant women and birthing people remain a priority on the agenda. We use our professional voices to ensure women are given the opportunity to take part in studies. Midwives work alongside doctors, other healthcare professionals, students and partner agencies to embed a research ethos that delivers better outcomes for pregnant women in maternity units.

You can hear more from Danielle and her advice to anyone considering a career in midwifery research here.

Our Women and Children’s Health team works to improve outcomes locally, nationally and globally in childhood and on into adulthood, with an integrated mind and body approach, in the context of family and community. To find out more about their work, click here.