International Midwives Day Celebrated

With International Midwives day on 5 May, Southern DHB is taking the opportunity to celebrate midwifery and bring awareness of the importance of the work midwives do.

Midwives provide care to women and their babies before, during and after birthing in a variety of settings whether at home, at a birthing unit or in the maternity wings of its hospitals.

Each year more than 3500 babies are born across the district and every single birth has a midwife involved in caring for the mother and her baby.

Our midwives at Southern DHB work rostered shifts to provide core midwifery services and 24 hour care while women are inpatients. Core midwives work alongside their lead maternity carer colleagues and other health professionals to ensure women receive the care that meets their needs.

Baby Leo was born last week on 25 April at Queen Mary Maternity Centre. His mum Brogan Decker, from Oamaru, says, “midwives are caring, guiding and supportive.”

Core midwife from Queen Mary, Keryn Jenkins, says “it’s wonderful being a midwife and being part of the most special times in a woman’s life.”

“International Midwives Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the work of midwives, the importance of their role and to thank them for all their hard work,” says Southern DHB Director of Midwifery Jenny Humphries.

“We are very proud of our midwives, their achievements and dedication providing high quality care for women and their families.”

Staff will be treated to cake to say thank you for their hard work and important contribution to the health and well-being of mothers and babies at every point of maternity care.

*Photograph of Brogan Dekker, baby Leo and Queen Mary Core Midwife, Keryn Jenkins