Yesterday we celebrated International Day of the Midwife (IDM). While we value our midwives every day, 5 May allows us the chance to pause and reflect on the extraordinary role they play in the lives of women and families, not just at Cabrini, but around the world.

The theme for IDM this year, “one million more midwives” recognises the vital role midwives play and the growing need for their care globally. That need becomes clear when we hear exactly what midwifery means to those who are practising it every day.

For our Cabrini midwives, being a midwife is more than just a job. It’s about empowering and supporting women through some of the most significant moments in their lives.

For Michal Gelber, midwifery is about forming genuine relationships with families and helping them adjust to a new stage of life.

“I love being able to help educate and nurture a family going through such a big transition in life,” Michal said. “We have a great team of midwives here that work together to support them on that journey, and the team have a genuine care for each other, it’s beautiful.”

For Tamsyn Veli, midwifery is all about continuity of care.

“Being a midwife means I get to support women through pregnancy, labour, birth and the post-natal period,” Tamsyn said. “It also means supporting their families too.”

Chloe Kinsella sees midwifery as a front-row seat to some of life’s big firsts.

“Seeing parents realise those first special moments that you’ve helped contribute to, that’s one of the nicest things,” Chloe said. “Like seeing breastfeeding for the first time and it’s working or parents realising they’re actually parents, it’s such a nice thing to see the shock and pride on their faces.”

For Chloe, her experience working across two countries has changed how she feels about being a midwife.

“Compared to Ireland, there’s better work/life balance here. Moving here, you find a better balance and learn to love being a midwife again. I’ve become a more confident midwife with such good people around me.”

For Massey Guzzi, who runs our birth education classes, the focus is on knowledge and empowerment.

“I’m very lucky to be a part of the education side in terms of teaching women online the positive birthing classes. I think we all work for the benefit of women and empowering them. I use that word a lot – I like to empower and educate and the partners as well. I think that’s always really good.”

Gill Charlton, Associate Nurse Unit Manager for 2 West, has always loved babies.
While she enjoyed general nursing, she ultimately chose midwifery because she felt it completed the cycle of life.

“I get to be there to support women and their partners through childbirth and then to help equip them for the parenthood journey,” Gill said. “I love empowering clients to grow in confidence and knowledge.”

To all our incredible Cabrini midwives, we recognise and thank you for your continued dedication, passion and commitment and for the difference you make in the lives of the families in our community – not just on International Day of the Midwife, but also every day in between.

Learn more about our Maternity services