International Day of the Midwife, May 5

On May 5th, our sister midwives will be gathering all over the world. Let us remember the midwives who work in places where they must walk miles for water, wake early to start the fires, love without measure and who are hands of light for women who desperately need to be comforted. Let us celebrate all the midwives that live and work in extreme poverty, who are in prison because they serve women and NOT the institution, who don't read (and don't need to), who are miraculously never tired even with the many hours demanded by this lifestyle, who were burned at the stake and who still - even today - must hide. For those who have no place to transport to when an emergency happens, and whom truly need to know they are so so so important and save lives EVERYDAY in places no one else would work, saving women and babies that would have no other help and, instead of being recognized for their bravery and selflessness, are called ignorant and dirty.

Think globally and celebrate the midwives May 5th.
For more information, please visit the ICM page or contact your local midwife.
We recognize you, sisters. Thank you!

Sister Alice. Africa.

Maria, President of the Tenejapa midwives group and her sister midwives. Mexico.

Margaret Charles Smith. Alabama. USA

Ágnes Geréb - Hungary/imprisoned

Maude Callen, Nurse Midwife
Nurse/midwife Maude Callen carrying her medical bag as she works her way along a wet, muddy road back to her car after caring for a poor, sick patient in their home.

Location:	Pineville, SC, US
Date taken:	December 03, 1951
Photographer:	W. Eugene Smith

Colombian midwives

Emma Goldman - anarchist midwife

Midwives training in the Philippines

Guatemalan midwife

Afghan girls, recently graduated as midwives, taking the oath of their profession during a ceremony in Kunduz. In rural areas of Afghanistan, women are not allowed to seek medical help from a male doctor.

Pashtoon Azfar, president of the Afghan Midwives Association.