Centre Celebrates International Midwives day

Parents Centre Celebrates International Midwives day

"Today is international midwives day, and a good opportunity to celebrate the work that midwives are doing to keep birth normal," said Parents Centre President, Sharron Cole.

"The rising rate of medical intervention needs to be addressed in terms of our attitudes toward birth, including how women prepare and train for the birth."

"Midwives are skilled in guiding and supporting women (and their families) through pregnancy and birth. They are, in fact, birth coaches whose knowledge and experience can contribute to a normal and empowering birth.

"It makes sense that women should choose a midwife as their lead maternity carer (LMC) particularly, if there is no medical reason to suspect that the birth may be difficult or require a high level of medical intervention," said Mrs Cole.

"Midwifery is an ancient cultural practice, which has evolved to support women during one of the most important times in their lives. The International Day of the Midwife is an opportunity to reflect on the important role that midwives play and to appreciate the high standard of practice available to New Zealand women," Mrs Cole said.

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