The theme for International Day of Midwives (IDM) 2025 is Midwives: Critical in every crisis, shining light on the invaluable contributions midwives across the world make, particularly in times of dire need.  

At Cavell, we are reflecting and thanking the midwives who have helped during times of personal crisis, too. 

Laura (@theauthenticmidwife) is a midwife and mother. After an emergency caesarean, she felt shame that her experience hadn’t gone the way she’d hoped. But what changed her perception of her birth was the midwives who were there for her: 

“I felt so safe, heard and supported the entire way through my labour and birth. “I felt advocated for. I felt I could truly let go and give in to the process. And I felt informed and empowered, even when I was being rushed to theatre not knowing if my baby would need any form of life support when they were born. How we are made to feel when we give birth stays with us forever. I believe it can directly impact how we bond with our babies and how capable and confident we then feel to mother and nourish. How we feel when we give birth can change our life.” 

Libby, Cavell’s own Head of Partnerships, also shared her story, reminding us that midwives support us in more ways than one: 

“I am so grateful to the community midwifery team and the specialist mental health midwife, Caroline who was there for me when I didn’t know where to turn.

I had a difficult pregnancy battling hyperemesis and processing the grief of losing both my Dad, and my father-in-law. My husband was also made redundant with his last day at work being my daughter’s due date!  Caroline was always at the end of the phone, helping me to navigate the rollercoaster of emotions that came with becoming a Mother. I don’t know what I would’ve done without her.”   

For Jenny, the continuity of her midwife care made all the difference: 

“I was so fortunate to have the same community midwife for the birth of both my daughters – Jilly Matthews – she was phenomenal. In my first pregnancy I was so anxious following a previous pregnancy loss and Jilly just kept me calm throughout.  When I was pregnant with my youngest, I had unexpected bleeding at week 14 (which lasted until 19 weeks). Jilly came to my home to try and find my baby’s heartbeat- which she found within a matter of seconds! She then suggested I see her every week until I gave birth- I would see her every Wednesday and we would chat and listen to my baby’s heartbeat. She went above and beyond, and she honestly saved my sanity during both of these pregnancies. I could not have done it without her. We have stayed in touch since.” 

And for Tenille, it was a midwife’s vigilance and expertise that ended up saving her daughter’s life:  

“What transpired from a routine measurement is why I get to share what is (in my opinion) a wonderful experience of the most professional, kind, compassionate and outstanding care… A Midwife saved my little girl’s life.

“A Midwife took a measurement, made the right call, sent the right referral and because of that an issue was found that lead to us getting the right care at the right time. A Midwife told me what she was doing, why she was doing it and was the reassuring face I needed when I was really scared of the uncertainty.  It was a Midwife who sat my partner and I down and finally told us what all of this meant, how things might look in a way that we needed and could understand.   

“It was a Midwife who took us to the Neonatal unit to look around on her break.  

“It was our Midwife who followed up on her words, who showed up the morning my baby was coming, who had kept an eye out, who had gone through a box of new donated toys and chosen the most beautiful little mouse, wearing a little dress based on her name.   

“It was a Midwife who called me Mum for the first time and smiled at me while I said that over and over again because it was finally true.” 

And sometimes, it’s in the quiet, personal moments that a midwife leaves her greatest mark. Kay remembers her midwife, Clare, not just for her professional care, but for who she was: 

“My midwife, who listened to every single word I said. My midwife, who has 2 Labradors and a big house in the suburbs. My midwife, who has a partner who loves her very much and wants to marry her. My midwife’s name was Clare, she loves chocolate and she hasn’t had babies yet.

“My midwife, Clare, who stayed for the duration of her shift, 12 hours with me, caring for me, helping me through the most life changing moment of my life.

“Thank you Clare.”
 

At Cavell, we are proud to support midwives, today and every day.