International Day of the Midwife 2025 (Monday 5 May) and International Nurse’s Day 2025 (Monday 12 May)
The Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director, the Chief Nursing Officer in the Department of Health and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) have collaborated to create 2 videos for International Day of the Midwife (Monday 5 May) and International Nurse’s Day (Monday 12 May). The videos focus on frontline nurses and midwives across our services.
A collaborative storytelling event was held in the NMBI offices in April. At this event, frontline nurses, midwives and service users shared stories from all divisions and areas of practice.
“By sharing stories, we celebrate and highlight the work of our midwifery and nursing professions. Storytelling can be inspiring for the listener. These stories connect us to the core values of our professions, reminding us why we do what we do and reinforcing the meaningful impact of our practice”. (EE Drake 2020)
The videos capture stories and views which will help connect nurses and midwives to our core values of care, commitment and compassion while celebrating their professions with colleagues. The videos will be shared in advance of both days with directors across nursing and midwifery services and schools of nursing and midwifery to support local celebrations.
Photographs and quotes from the event will be shared on HSE social media along with the videos. The event has also been included as a special focus in the April edition of the NMBI ezine.
Read the NMBI ezine article
Watch the International Day of the Midwife 2025 (video)
International Day of the Midwife 2025
The theme for International Day of the Midwife 2025 is: ‘Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis’.
Midwives are critical in a world facing an unprecedented number of crises. These include conflicts, pandemics and the ongoing impacts of climate change.
Midwives:
- provide safe births, antenatal and postnatal care
- provide contraception, abortion care and care for survivors of gender-based violence
- support breastfeeding, ensuring newborns receive safe, clean and reliable nutrition
- prepare communities with the knowledge and tools they need to stay safe and healthy during emergencies
Their inclusion in crisis preparation and response planning is vital. It ensures optimal outcomes for women, children and their families when facing challenging situations.
Midwives offer compassionate care, expert guidance and unwavering support to women and their families throughout pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period. International Day of the Midwife celebrates their dedication, professionalism and commitment to ensuring safe and positive childbirth experiences.
National Midwifery Conference - Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis on 14 May 2025
To celebrate International Day of the Midwife 2025, the National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) and the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director, are hosting the National Midwifery Conference in the Midlands Park Hotel Portlaoise on Wednesday 14 May.
Guest speakers include:
Professor Mary J Renfrew, Professor Emerita at the University of Dundee. Professor Renfrew was awarded an OBE in 2022 for services to midwifery and awarded Honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of Dundee in 2025
Sandra Georgina Oyarzo, President International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). Sandra was elected as a “Women in Global Health: Heroine of Health” in 2019 for her tireless work in education, her advocacy for women's sexual and reproductive rights and for her work in strengthening regulation, education and association of midwives in Latin America.
Catherine O’Keeffe, Wellness Warrior. Catherine is a Menopause Workplace Consultant, founder of Wellness Warrior and creator of the Menopause Success Summit.
Find limited tickets for the National Midwifery Conference (eventbrite.com)
The Internation Confederation of Midwives have organised a global virtual event on Monday 5 May at 1pm to bring together midwives, experts and the public for an engaging and interactive exploration of midwives’ indispensable role in humanitarian settings.
Through documentaries, live discussions and interactive activities, participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges midwives face, and the lifesaving care they provide during crises. The event is designed to foster learning, collaboration and dialogue while celebrating midwives’ contributions.
Register for the International Conference of Midwives event (internationalmidwives.org)
Midwifery Career Pathways
There are 2 pathways to becoming a midwife in Ireland. If you are a registered general nurse, you can apply for the Higher Diploma in Midwifery Sponsorship programme. This is supported by the ONMSD and runs back-to-back every 18 months. If you are an undergraduate, you can complete the BSc.(Hons) Midwifery.