Midwives in 2020: time to flourish and change perceptions

The international year of the midwife (and nurse) is nearly upon us. Throughout the year 2020, the whole world will be focused upon our professions. As such, we have an opportunity to shape how we showcase ourselves and transform perceptions about who we are and what we do. Since I began practising as a midwife in academia, I have often heard phrases like, ‘So you don't do midwifery anymore’? and ‘Are you ever going to go back to midwifery?’. When I explain that I am indeed a currently practising, registered midwife, I am subsequently greeted with a look of scepticism, presumably because I no longer physically catch babies.

Throughout 2020, the highlighting of such varying roles may see perceptions transformed and provide opportunities to showcase the variety of roles in which midwives can now practice. Moreover, 2020 will provide us with further prospects to ensure that these diverse roles are suitably acknowledged and respected, both within and outside of the midwifery profession.