Hello, my name is Sally Brittain, and I am the Regional Chief Midwife for NHS England – South West.

I qualified as a midwife in 1992 and while things have certainly changed for us as profession since then, the one thing that remains consistent is the profound impact midwives have on the lives of those they provide care for.

I have worked with some truly inspirational midwives who provide holistic care, show kindness and compassion, and empower women and birthing people each and every day, to them, and every one of you, I would like to say Happy International Midwives Day, you are incredible, and I couldn’t be prouder to be working with you.

Happy International Day of the Midwife (IDM)

Today, we take a moment to reflect on the exceptional work midwives do every day, not just within the NHS but also across the wider healthcare system. This day is a chance to celebrate the dedication, expertise, and commitment of midwives, who play an essential role in the lives of women, babies, and families.

As we celebrate International Day of the Midwife this year, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you—the midwives across the South West of England. Your role in supporting families at one of the most important times in their lives cannot be overstated. Each day, you make a difference through your skills, compassion, and unwavering commitment to providing the best care possible.

The role of midwives: A vital contribution to communities

Midwives are often at the forefront of some of the most significant moments in people’s lives. From the start of pregnancy to the conclusion of postnatal care, midwives are there every step of the way, ensuring the health and wellbeing of the family unit.

Midwifery is a highly-skilled, evidence-based profession, which requires not only technical knowledge but also the ability to provide emotional support and reassurance. It is a profession that demands dedication, expertise, and the ability to think on your feet—qualities that midwives exhibit daily.

Each day, midwives in the South West are working alongside other healthcare professionals and service users as part of the perinatal team. They play a critical role in ensuring holistic, safe, high-quality care, making a real difference in the lives of women, babies, and families, often during what can be one of the most intense and transformative experiences they will ever go through.

The impact of midwives on families

The impact of a midwife’s care extends far beyond the birth room. A midwife’s support throughout pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period has a lasting effect on the health and wellbeing of families. Midwives are often the first to provide guidance and reassurance when new parents feel uncertain or overwhelmed. They offer support and advice on everything from managing pregnancy symptoms to navigating the complexities of newborn care.

Midwives also play a key role in educating families about their health and wellbeing. Through regular antenatal appointments and postnatal check-ups, midwives provide important information on everything from breastfeeding to mental health, ensuring families feel confident and supported during what can sometimes be a challenging transition to parenthood.

More than just healthcare professionals, midwives are trusted advisers and confidantes. Their expertise in providing care that is not only clinically sound but also empathetic and person-centred makes a profound difference to the lives of the families they care for.

Midwives and the 10-Year Health Plan: Shaping the future of healthcare

As we continue to develop the 10-Year Health Plan, midwives will be integral to the delivery of some of the most significant shifts in the healthcare system. The plan aims to deliver three key changes: moving more care into communities, making better use of technology, and placing greater emphasis on prevention, not just treatment.

Midwives are central to these shifts. The move to community-based care is something midwives have long championed. They have always worked in communities, building relationships with families, understanding their needs, and providing care that is accessible, personal, and close to home.

The integration of technology in healthcare is another area where midwives are leading the way. From digital maternity services to the use of virtual consultations, midwives are at the forefront of embracing technological solutions that improve access to care and enhance the quality of support available to families. By harnessing the power of technology, midwives can provide more efficient, timely care while also reducing pressure on hospitals and maternity units.

Finally, midwives are vital in helping to drive the shift towards prevention within healthcare. By offering advice and support on issues such as nutrition, mental health, and birth preparation, midwives play a key role in ensuring that families are equipped to make healthy choices before, during, and after pregnancy. Their focus on prevention not only helps to improve outcomes for mothers and babies but also contributes to the long-term health of families and communities.

A commitment to compassionate care

Midwifery is about more than just delivering babies. It’s about providing compassionate, person-centred care that acknowledges the individual needs of each family. Midwives take the time to listen, to support, and to guide women and families through what can often be an emotional and challenging time.

The care you provide goes beyond the clinical aspects of midwifery. It’s about building trust and fostering strong relationships with families, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way. Whether it’s offering reassurance during labour or helping new parents navigate the challenges of newborn care, midwives are there with kindness, compassion, and empathy.

Midwives also provide invaluable emotional support to new mothers, particularly in the postnatal period. The transition to motherhood can be a difficult and emotional time, and having a midwife who listens, understands, and provides guidance can make all the difference in a new mother’s wellbeing.

Celebrating midwives across the South West

So today, as we celebrate International Day of the Midwife, let us take the time to acknowledge you—the incredible midwives across the South West of England. You are the heart of maternity care, and your dedication, skill, and compassion make a profound difference to the lives of families in our communities.

Your contribution is not only valued but essential. Whether you’re on the front line, leading services, or supporting the next generation of midwives, the work you do is deeply appreciated.

Let’s also take this opportunity to reflect on how midwifery is shaping the future of healthcare. As we work towards achieving the goals outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan, midwives will continue to play an essential role in delivering better, more sustainable care for communities across the South West. Your expertise, dedication and leadership will be central to shaping the future of health and care, ensuring that we continue to provide the best possible support for women, babies, and families for generations to come.

Thank you

To all our midwives across the South West of England: thank you. Thank you for your exceptional care, your unwavering commitment, and the positive impact you make on our communities every single day.

Today, and every day, we celebrate you. Let’s continue to work together, celebrate each other’s successes, and inspire each other to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for the future of maternity care.

Join the celebrations and thank nurses for their unwavering commitment to patient care and the difference they make to people’s lives every day – #IND2025.

Happy International Day of the Midwife!

Sally Brittain, Chief Midwife NHS England South West