Desert Storks

Definition of the Midwife

A midwife is a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational program, duly recognised in the country in which it is located, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practise midwifery.

She must be able to give the necessary supervision, care and advice to women during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period, to conduct deliveries on her own responsibility and to care for the newborn and the infant. This care includes preventative measures, procurement of medical assistance and the execution of emergency measures in the absence of medical help. She has an important task in health counselling and education, not only for the woman, but also within the family and the community. The work should involve antenatal education and preparation for parenthood and extends to certain areas of gynaecology, family planning and child care. She may practice in hospitals, clinics, health units, domiciliary conditions or in any other service.

(This definition was jointly developed by the International Confederation of Midwives and the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics – later adopted by the World Health Organisation)

The International Day of the Midwife

International Midwives Day is an occassion to celebrate and promote the profession of midwifery. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises midwives as the health professionals best able to deliver safe, cost effective maternity services to the majority of families.
A midwife is educated to give all necessary care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the newborn period.
Midwives believe that childbirth is a normal and significant life event for women and their families.

Midwives around the world celebrate on May 5 each year

The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) launched the ‘International Day of the Midwife’ initiative in 1992.

The aim of the day is to celebrate midwifery and to bring awareness of the importance of midwives’ work to as many people as possible. This is achieved in many different ways according to what works best in each country.

Johnsons Baby Midwife of The Year

Midwife of the Year Award

JOHNSON’S® baby Midwife of the Year Award was launched on International Midwives Day (IMD), May 5, in 2000 to raise the profile of midwives and increase public awareness of the important role midwives play in the care of women and their families before, during and after the birth of their babies.

Although the award is only in its infancy it has already been a wonderful success in lifting the mood, spirit and profile of midwives. This success has the capacity to make this event one that will be clearly recognised and anticipated annually for what it is – a celebration and acknowledgment of the vital role midwives play in our communities. Read more »

PREGNANCY PLANNING

This does not mean rushing out to the nearest baby store. It means getting into shape medically before getting pregnant and it includes both you and your partner. You want your body to be in peak condition so that when you do get pregnant you give your child the best possible start.

Pre-conception check up
Your first step should be to take a trip, with your partner, to your doctor for a pre-conception visit. This will enable you to make sure that you are up to date with your regular health screenings and immunisations, to discuss any concerns about the pregnancy that you may have and to decide on any lifestyle changes that may need to be made. Your doctor will be able to get a good picture of your overall health and any aspects of your medical history and your family’s medical history that could affect your pregnancy. You should also be asked if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications, as well as any herbs or supplements, as these may have to be altered before or after conception.

If you, as the prospective mother, have a pre-existing medical condition, such as diabetes, asthma, lupus or high blood pressure, it is important for both you and your baby to make sure that the condition is under control before you get pregnant. For instance, women with diabetes must ensure that they have excellent control of blood sugar levels around the time of conception as this reduces the chance of the baby having a congenital abnormality. Read more »

Pregnancy tests - chorionic villus sampling

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a pregnancy test that checks the baby for genetic or biochemical abnormalities. The placenta is made of the same cells as the baby, so the baby can be tested by taking a small sample of the placenta. The sample is removed using a slender needle inserted through the abdomen. The tissue (chorionic villi) is then examined in a laboratory.

Unlike other pregnancy tests such as ultrasound, CVS isn’t a general check of the baby’s health but a specific test for particular abnormalities, such as Down syndrome or cystic fibrosis. The risk of miscarriage following CVS is one in 100, so it is important to thoroughly understand the benefits, risks and complications before agreeing to take the test. Generally, CVS is offered between 10 and 19 weeks gestation. Read more »