RCM marks IDM by showcasing the difference midwives make to women’s lives

on 01 April 2019 IDM - International Day of the Midwife

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) will be marking International Day of the Midwife (IDM) by showcasing the huge difference midwives make to women’s lives.

This year’s IDM theme as set by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) is Midwives: Defenders of women’s rights.

IDM happens annually on May 5th and is an awareness day that globally recognises midwives and the work they do, to ensure mothers and their families receive the quality care they deserve.

The RCM this year is offering an exciting study day to members and non members to learn more about midwifery and the ground breaking and challenging work being undertaken to defend women’s rights and ensure safe effective care for the most vulnerable and marginalised women in our society,

On the agenda will be accounts of how midwifery services are adapting to meet the needs of homeless women, how midwifery has led the way in protecting against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)  and how maternity rights and human rights come together to promote women’s choices. 

Commenting, Suzanne Tyler Executive Director of Services to Members at the RCM said; “The RCM sees International Day of the Midwife as the perfect time to reflect on and celebrate all the incredible work that midwives and maternity support workers do for women.

“Midwives are often the protectors of women’s rights as well as champions of their health and safety and by supporting women in their care, midwives are faced with those who experience domestic abuse, homelessness and FGM on a daily basis.

“The study day we have devised is all about delivering compassionate, personalised and tailored midwifery care for women and at the heart of personalised care is of course continuity, and the evidence is clear continuity of carer delivers better outcomes for women. 

“At a time when services everywhere are navigating the challenges of implementing continuity of carer the RCM is delighted to host the launch the 2nd edition of the highly regarded ‘Midwifery Continuity of Care’ guide at this study day.

"The book highlights lessons learned to help develop new ways of planning, implementing, evaluating and sustaining midwifery continuity of care and the authors will also join us on the day.”

More details this RCM event and how to register to attend are available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rcm-defenders-of-womens-rights-idm-tickets-58704894921

Ends

Notes to editors

RCM and International Day of the Midwife 2019

From Monday  29th April leading up to 5th May the RCM is inviting  members across the UK (including midwives, MSWs, student midwives, members of trusts, RCM branches and midwifery societies) to hold events in support of IDM 2019.

Also returning again this year is the RCM’s hugely popular competition for members ‘The Great Midwifery Cake Off’ which is a chance for any members who have a flair for baking to get creative and bake their own midwifery and maternity inspired cakes.

More details on how to get involved and enter The RCM’s Great Midwifery Cake Off are available here: https://www.rcm.org.uk/supporting/idm/

To contact the RCM Media Relations Team call 020 7312 3456 or email media@rcm.org.uk.

The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/