NMBA Celebrates International Day of the Midwife

05 May 2024

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia celebrates International Day of the Midwife and acknowledges the high quality, safe care midwives provide during a person’s pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum period. 

With the theme of ‘Midwives: A Vital Climate Solution’, the NMBA honours the incredible work of midwives in adapting health systems to climate change and lowering carbon emissions. 

Continuity of midwife care enhances health outcomes and contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint of health services. 

To ensure the continued growth and sustainability of one of the world’s oldest professions, the NMBA is proudly partnered with the Burnet Institute to conduct a comprehensive review of the Australian midwifery workforce. 

Deputy Director (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) of Burnet Institute, Professor Caroline Homer AO, spoke to the important ongoing work through the Australian Midwifery Workforce Project. ‘Maintaining sufficient numbers, diversity, and quality in the midwifery workforce is crucial to the ongoing provision of safe and effective maternity care.’ 

‘We are at a very important point, and the next steps will be critical to help build the midwifery profession for future generations, ensuring midwifes continue to care for babies, mothers and families.’ 

‘Thank you to all midwives and everyone helping to deliver safe and culturally responsive care to women and families in our communities.’ 

NMBA Chair, Adjunct Professor Veronica Casey AM, spoke to the importance of the International Day of the Midwife and thanked the midwifery profession. ‘On behalf of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, I wish you a happy International Day of the Midwife. Thank you for the extraordinary service you provide to those in your care.’   

‘Women and families experience better outcomes when midwives are involved in their care and we want to ensure that the profession can grow to safely support the Australian public needs across all geographical and socio-economic backgrounds for future generations’, Adjunct Professor Casey said.’ 

‘We are grateful for the work you do and knowledge you possess to improve the health of women throughout Australia.’ 

Learn more about the International Day of the Midwife.  

For more information

• For media enquiries: (03) 8708 9200 
• Visit the NMBA website 
• Lodge an online enquiry form