On the occasion of the International Day of the Midwife and the 1st anniversary of the Association of Dominica Midwives (ADM), I greet midwives in Dominica and everywhere.
Midwifery is an independent profession, although many of us in Dominica and many parts of the world specialize in post nursing midwifery. As a result the practice of midwifery has been in the shadow of nursing. In recent times the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), has started a campaign to make midwives and midwifery more visible through regulation, association and education.
Three years ago, as a direct result of the campaign, the Caribbean Association of Midwives was formed in Trinidad; Dominican midwife Rosie Felix is the PRO of that organization. Subsequently, on May 5th 2013, the Association of Dominica Midwives (ADM) was born at the Princess Margaret Hospital. The founding members were Judy Jno Baptiste Durand, Patricia St Clair, Kimberly Alfred Christmas, Peaches Mitchel, Rosie Felix, Althea Ambo and Julliana Darroux.
A small interim executive was elected to oversee its affairs until a full executive can be installed based on our constitution. The officers are:
President – Etheldra Rhyner James
Secretary – Althea Charles Ambo
PRO – Judy JnoBaptiste Durand.
Since then, Mrs. Charles Ambo has left for studies abroad, and has been replaced by Athenia Ambo. We sincerely wish Mrs. Charles-Ambo every success in her endeavours. We also congratulate Mrs Judy JnoBaptiste Durand on the birth of her baby girl.
The theme for International Day of the Midwife 2014 is: ‘Midwives: changing the world one family at a time.’ According to the ICM this theme sends a strong signal that midwives provide care that changes families, communities and the world by saving the lives of mothers and babies. According to the ICM this new theme also resonates with the overarching theme that has accompanied IDM for the past years: “The World Needs Midwives Now More Than Ever”. “Both themes underline the importance of midwives and their work on a local as well as global level. It also supports the case that adequately educated and resourced professional midwives are crucial to achieving MDGs 4 & 5” the ICM reports. Furthermore, the message that ‘Midwives Save Lives’ is increasingly relevant as the 2015 deadline for realizing the MDGs draws ever closer.
On behalf of the executive of the ADM, I wish to acknowledge and commend the efforts of all midwives in Dominica, for the great job that you do in providing maternal services to child bearing women and their families. Some of you go beyond the call of duty, and some work under undue strain and circumstances, yet client outcome and satisfaction are highly rated. Continue the good work.
The ADM is still in its infancy and we urge each midwife on Dominica to apply for membership by emailing us at [email protected] or request an invite to our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008299570312&hc_location=reminder_birthday await you for ongoing education specific to maintain your competencies and keep your knowledge current. You will also be empowered to empower women as we make the midwifery profession more visible.
May all the blessings be yours on this your special day – May 5th, 2014.
Let’s all vote for Vagina dialouges as president(the Dr. )who someone nominated in a post above. I call him VD for many reasons. Parler beaucoup.
Congratulations midwives your on the ADM anniversary. I visualize there is more to the midwivery profession than meets the eyes. Through the years as in bygone years most babies were delivered by midwives. They did take an interest in their profession. Your quick response does save lives, mother and child.
This profession is important and is here to stay and increasing. In this present modern-day era midwives also alleviate the burden on doctors. Many mothers are opting to have their babies delivered at home by midwives. It is also less costly. It is government-approved for qualified midwives.
I wish you midwives all the best. Keep up the good work. There is nothing more satisfying to deliver a healthy, newborn baby. Your midwifery advice to expectant mothers will assist them to have healthy babies. God bless you and your profession!
I would like to commend the founders of the Association of Dominica Midwives, for demonstrating a thorough knowledge of the midwife protocol and procedures; and for establishing the guild lines to the option of having a midwife. Thank you for supporting and considering women choices, such as home births, the use of a birthing tub, etc., when having a baby.
Having a baby is a scary and unknown phenomenon, whether it is your first or third child, and so a midwife’s presence, support, information and guidance can make it a wonderful, calming experience; without compromising the safety and health of both mother and baby or babies.
As a National living abroad, I have confidence that the next step will be a medical facility/ center, ran by trained medical professional midwifes, equipped with all the birthing tools, maneuvers and privacy, where women can feel comfortable while experiencing this wonderful phenomena. (This encourages me to return home)
Congratulations to another year, and well done!
Hey Ernestine!
I am voting for Dr. Ferriera for Mid wife president and midwife of the decade lol!
Hats to all the nurses. God’s blessings.
Sorry Ms. James that thing does not exist anymore as Skerrit has changed our calendar of events it Dominica. International Day of Midwives Message? In St. St Joseph? Mom, Roosvelt Skit has spoilt everything.
What is your point and what are you trying to prove? Midwives are recognized the world over. They are free to practice their profession on condition they are recognized as such and qualified midwives.