Midwives invited to join together to celebrate their profession
Published on 20 April 2018
No matter who you are, almost every Sunraysia resident has been brought into the world, cared for or benefitted from the expertise of a midwife.
These health professionals specialise in the area of pregnancy, birth and postnatal care, and will be celebrated by Mildura Rural City Council early next month on International Day of the Midwife.
All of Council’s Maternal and Child Health nurses are qualified midwives, ensuring the health and wellbeing of parents and their child until they reach school-age.
Now in its 26th year, International Day of the Midwife will see tens of thousands of midwives across Australia and the world take time out to reflect on their profession.
It will also help broaden the community’s understanding of the important role midwives play in both the health profession and the community.
There will be a special luncheon at Willow and Ivie on Saturday, 5 May to mark the day, with all past, current and studying midwives, and their colleagues, invited to help celebrate the occasion.
There are close to 100 midwives in Sunraysia, working in both hospital and community health settings.
Councillor for Community Wellbeing and Services Min Poole said next month’s celebration was a great way for past and current midwives to join together and celebrate their profession.
“Our midwives are there in the lead up to, during, and after one of the biggest moments in any parent’s life – the birth of their child,” Cr Poole said.
“They’re there to monitor, advise and help women prepare for the birth of their child, they’re there during labour and birth, and they provide valuable advice and expertise in the weeks immediately following birth, including assisting with breastfeeding.
“Our Maternal and Child Health nurses continue this by providing health and developmental advice and care.
“Midwives and Maternal and Child Health nurses also have an important role in the broader community in health counselling and education for both mothers and their family.
“Next month’s luncheon is the perfect way to celebrate our midwives, but is also a chance for Sunraysia midwives – past, present and those in training – to come together, share their stories and experiences and celebrate their role in the community.”
The luncheon will run from noon till 3pm and include a three-course meal.
There will also be a presentation from both mentors and mentees of Mildura’s MASP Kokoda Youth Mentoring Program, which shares the common values of quality, equity and leadership with midwives’ global representative body, the International Confederation of Midwives.
Tickets are $45 each and are on sale now at Council’s Deakin Avenue Service Centre until Wednesday, 2 May.
Media enquiries
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au