06:00, 05 May 2025
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
Whether your experience with midwives is from your own labour or simply through Call the Midwife reruns, you’re probably aware that midwives are excellent in a crisis.
Childbirth can be incredibly stressful, and it is mostly down to those dedicated midwives to deal with any curveballs that may be coming your way, no matter if they are from health complications, or difficult family members.
In fact, in crisis situations, midwives are sometimes the only healthcare professionals available to new parents and children, meaning they really must be equipped for any situation.
That’s why the theme of International Day of the Midwife 2025 is ‘Midwives: Critical in every Crisis’.
"Midwives are often the only health professionals looking out for the health of women, girls and newborns during crises,” said Sandra Oyarzo Torres, President of the International Confederation of Midwives. “To make sure sexual and reproductive health and rights [are] prioritised from the start, midwives need to be included in every step of crisis preparedness planning and response.”
This is especially critical, as women, children and gender diverse people are more likely to be affected by emergencies such as natural disasters, according to the International Confederation of Midwives.
Priorities change in crisis situations but, despite this, women, children and gender diverse people still need care, and not just during and immediately after birth. Providing support and education around menstruation, puberty, and sexual health can save lives during a crisis, where complications like STIs and teenage pregnancies can turn a situation from bad to worse.
"Even in the most chaotic and dehumanising conditions, midwives ensure that sexual and reproductive health remains a priority and childbirth remains a moment of respect and care,” said Neha Mankani, Humanitarian Engagement and Climate Advisor at ICM and BBC100 Climate Pioneer (2023). “Often working with minimal resources and under intense strain, midwives in crisis settings need support too.”
In emergency situations, midwives are first responders, and, according to ICM, can provide up to 90% of sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health (SRMNAH) care during even the most complex humanitarian crises. Without the presence of midwives, these are services that are often forgotten, just when they are most vital.
That’s why ICM are calling for improved support and care for midwives, especially those who continue to work and uplift communities during humanitarian crises. Midwifery isn’t just about childbirth - it’s about contraception, safety, and making sure children and their parents are cared for both before, and after, birth.
Despite the fact that midwives provide a huge amount of care for a large portion of the population, they are often left out of all important discussions and preparation when it comes to disaster relief.
Whether you are planning for the aftermath of conflict or a natural disaster, midwives are a vital part of the conversation, providing representation for the needs of anyone who is capable of becoming pregnant.
Ultimately, it is a question of gender equality, as midwives most often provide support for women and girls. Time and again their needs fall to the bottom of the priority pile, an afterthought instead of a vital need. Midwives are not only able to provide that much needed caare but can advocate for their patients, and the people who make up more than half of their communities.
“We must advocate for increased resources, ensure midwives have a seat at decision-making tables, and prioritise their well-being,” added Neha. “They cannot continue to hold others up if they are not held themselves."
This year, for International Day of the Midwife, ICM are campaigning for midwives to be recognised as the vital healthcare professionals they are, both in and out of crisis situations, and to be given much needed support.
By involving midwives in crisis planning from the start, governments and humanitarian aid providers alike can make sure that women and girls are no longer left behind, their needs forgotten about, but are made just as much of a priority.
“As crises grow more frequent and severe, governments and humanitarian actors must recognise midwives not only as responders, but as vital planners and leaders in health system preparedness," said Anna af Ugglas, Chief Executive at ICM, in a press release for International Day of the Midwife.
ICM are calling on people this International Day of the Midwife to petition policymakers, aid providers, and governments to utilise midwives to their fullest capacity, gifting them with the training and tools they need to provide some of the most important care in crisis situations.
To learn more about what the International Confederation of Midwives does and how you can support them, visit their website here.
Do you have a story of a midwife doing something amazing? Get in touch with us on social media to tell us more.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Family Action. Family Action is an award-winning national charity working from the heart of local communities across England and Wales. Learn more here.
The British Red Cross. This charity helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. They are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts. Support them here.
CARE International UK. CARE is there to help people when they need it most. They are one of the world's leading humanitarian agencies, delivering life-saving assistance when disaster strikes. Find out more here.
