May 5, 2026Midwives are the heroes of millions of stories.
International Day of the Midwife is celebrated annually on 5 May. Established in 1992 by the International Confederation of Midwives, the day celebrates and raises awareness about the midwifery profession. To mark the occasion, we’re sharing the reflections of Jamie Jordan, Registered Midwife at Kilmore District Hospital.
Q: What does International Day of the Midwife mean to you?
A: International Midwives Day is a time to come together and celebrate a workforce that promotes the empowerment of women, and provides care and support to families and babies.
Q: Why did you want to become a midwife?
A: The day I had my first baby — a young, vulnerable mum, feeling lost in a whole new world — was the day I felt the need to study my way through to midwifery, so I could support, guide and care for women and mothers, especially those feeling as lost and vulnerable as I once was.
Q: Tell us about your journey to become a midwife.
A: Many years of study while raising a young family. There were lots of tears and sleepless nights, but it was absolutely worth it.
Q: What inspires you?
A: The beautiful families welcoming new life into the world, and the incredible friendships I’ve formed with my colleagues along the way.
Q: Tell us about a particular patient or care interaction that has really stayed with you.
A: Delivering the baby of a beautiful young mum who I used to care for when she was a baby herself. She is a long-term family friend, and I felt so grateful to be part of her journey.
Q: Do you have a message for your midwifery colleagues?
A: You are the reason I show up some days. Our team is amazing. You are all amazing, strong, beautiful women who strive for the best outcomes. Our dedication to our women and families is amazing. Happy International Midwives Day.
At Northern Health, these moments are not just commemorations, but a reflection of the extraordinary care our nurses and midwives deliver every day across our organisation, shaping patient experiences and strengthening outcomes for our community.
In recognition of this impact, BankVic is offering a $5,000 Nursing Scholarship, providing an opportunity for one of our nurses or midwives to further their education and/or attend conferences or training programs in their chosen area. To enter, please submit in 250 words or less: What does being an ‘empowered nurse or midwife’ mean to you, and how will you apply this to improve patient outcomes and strengthen healthcare in your community?
Applications close at 5 pm on Friday, 15 May 2026. A committee comprising Northern Health Executives and BankVic representatives will review submissions, with the successful applicant to be announced on Friday, 29 May 2026. Applications are to be submitted in writing to Elizabeth.Moon@nh.org.au
