Happy International Midwives Day!

Today is the day that we celebrate all of those fabulous women (and a few men!) who have the passion to provide incredible care to birthing women, families, and babies. We love our midwives! Below is a brief excerpt from a news release from MANA.

May 5th is the International Day of the Midwife, a day set aside in 1991 by the International Confederation of Midwives. This day honors midwives, who deliver 80% of the babies born worldwide.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted the impact midwifery care has on improving infant mortality and reducing cesarean birth rates. WHO also recommends the training of more professional midwives, as they are the appropriate care providers for normal pregnancy and birth.

Although midwives currently deliver 4% of the babies born in the United States, that number is expected to grow quickly. More and more states are looking at midwives as providers for vital maternity care services.

It is exciting to note that Idaho passed a bill to license midwives this year!