Send us a selfie for IDM asks RCM

on 08 April 2021 Midwives IDM - International Day of the Midwife MSWs - Maternity Support Workers Student midwives RCM Branches

While the ongoing pandemic may place restrictions on people getting together, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is finding new ways of bringing its members together for International Day of the Midwife (IDM) on 5 May. The College is calling on its 50,000 members to share a selfie, which will then be included in a short film celebrating the work of midwives.

This year’s IDM – themed Follow the data: Invest in midwives – will recognise the work of maternity staff during a year in which they have worked tirelessly to support women and babies throughout the pandemic. As well as the film, RCM members are being encouraged to come together at local and regional levels in a range of virtual events to celebrate IDM.

“It has been a tumultuous year which has tested the resolve, dedication and mental and physical health of midwives and their maternity colleagues. It is fitting that we come together to celebrate the work you all do, and the central role you play here in the UK and across the world in delivering safe, high-quality maternity care,” said RCM Chief Executive, Gill Walton. “I for one will be celebrating, indeed praising, all of you for the wonderful work you continue to do for women, babies and their families.”

The RCM is encouraging midwives, maternity support workers, RCM branches, midwifery societies and their maternity colleagues to organise their own events and share them on social media.. The website also includes tips and suggestions for the types of events members might want to put on and ways to use social media to get them involved locally.

The RCM is urging members to share pictures of their events, along with selfies, and is also calling on the public to show their support on 5 May for the ‘people behind the masks’.

In a video message to midwives worldwide, International Confederation of Midwives President Franka Cadée stressed that IDM is more than just celebrating. “We will demand increased investment in midwives together because we know increasing coverage of quality care by midwives will prevent suffering and save millions of lives of women and babies,” she said.

For more information and to downlaod material visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/international-day-of-the-midwife-2021/ .

Information on IDM globally is on the ICM website at https://www.internationalmidwives.org/icm-events/international-day-of-the-midwife-2021.html.